|
In what feels like a leap straight into the future, the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) pulled off the world’s first event demonstrating connected vehicles using nonterrestrial networks (NTNs), essentially satellite connectivity, in real traffic conditions. Combined with live trials of 5G-V2X direct and vehicle-to-network (V2N) technologies, the event showcased how seamlessly our roads could become smarter, safer, and more connected. The event brought real-world demonstrations of emergency alerts and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) data sharing to the streets, showing how close these technologies are to everyday deployment.
Highlights included the use of NTN for delivering hazard and emergency messages, showcasing how satellites can seamlessly complement terrestrial 5G and 4G coverage, especially in remote or underserved areas, potentially life-saving during emergencies. Equally groundbreaking was the live demonstration of 5G-V2X direct communication. Two equipped vehicles successfully detected a pedestrian crossing at an obstructed intersection by sharing sensor data in real time: a step forward in protecting vulnerable road users (VRUs) using 5G-based collective perception.
Other demos featured V2N technologies enabling real-time hazard alerts, emergency brake warnings, Next Gen eCall, and smart intersection coordination, all critical for safer and smarter urban mobility. Demos showed that this is not just about flashy tech; it is about building practical systems to make everyday driving safer. The demonstrated technologies align with the 5GAA Visionary 2030 Roadmap, according to which these technologies could be commercially deployed between 2026 and 2029, and anticipate growing regulatory support, such as the Euro NCAP’s upcoming 2026 safety standards.
Full Article: IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine, Volume 20, Issue 4, December 2025
|
