C-V2X enters test operation on Virginia roadways
Audi of America, American Tower Corporation, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) claim to have reached a significant milestone in an initial deployment of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication technology. The Virginia C-V2X deployment is a result of the combined efforts of Audi of America, VDOT and Qualcomm Technologies, which was first announced earlier this year and is aimed toward improving work zone and vehicle safety for roadways, while expanding safety use cases.
The companies are developing new models of deployment with public and private sector involvement such that C-V2X technologies can be readily introduced to roadways across the globe. To reach this significant C-V2X milestone, the companies are working with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) and V2X solutions provider Commsignia on the initial deployment, using the 5.9 GHz wireless communications band that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States recently proposed to allocate for C-V2X enhanced surface transportation safety.
The C-V2X implementation in Virginia enables organizations and stakeholders to test the benefits of two specific use cases where C-V2X will play an integral role—work zones and roadside worker safety and traffic signal information. While there are many more applications that can emerge from a C-V2X deployment, these are particularly compelling to project stakeholders, and set the stage for potential broad deployment.
Work zone roadside safety messages not only offer a greater awareness for drivers, who can receive messages through low-latency direct communications, but for vulnerable roadside and maintenance personnel who can also receive messages and warnings that a vehicle is approaching using a C-V2X-enabled vest. With the Virginia deployment, the organizations will have roadside personnel utilizing vests equipped with C-V2X technology, as well as Audi Q8 test vehicles specially equipped with a Qualcomm C-V2X-based platform, to deliver warnings and alerts to drivers and personnel about each other’s presence.
Designed to improve traffic safety and efficiency, VDOT’s signal controllers are broadcasting signal status information through roadside infrastructure provided by Commsignia. The roadside infrastructure is transmitting messages using C-V2X to the Audi Q8 SUVs that supplement Audi’s available Traffic Light Information (TLI) service that provides drivers a countdown to the green light using the cellular network, additional low-latency C-V2X messages and audible alerts enhance traffic signal information to also warn of an impending red-light violation.
American Tower Corporation is providing a neutral host model to drive value to multiple public and private stakeholders, helping to deliver safety and mobility services with C-V2X. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) has been contracted to develop the software and systems necessary to support the primary use cases defined for the initial deployment, with Commsignia providing the roadside units (RSUs) and ITS stack for both the roadside and onboard units.
“The deployment of C-V2X on the Virginia Smart Road Corridor allows a new generation of vehicles capable of communicating not just through cellular towers but also directly with roadside infrastructure and vulnerable road users,” said Pom Malhotra, director, Connected Services, Audi of America. The project will allow Audi to accelerate the deployment of use cases that have the potential to increase driver confidence on the road by providing warnings—and in the future, take autonomous action—when sensing an impending collision or even a traffic rule violation.
C-V2X is designed to offer vehicles low-latency direct communications between other vehicles, roadside infrastructure and vulnerable road users without the involvement of a cellular network, or cellular network subscription, by operating in the designated 5.9 GHz spectrum. C-V2X direct communications is synergistic with cellular network communications in both the vehicle and along the roadside and has already been integrated into Qualcomm Technologies’ newest 4G and 5G automotive platforms for next generation telematics that can accelerate the technology adoption with the support of new models of roadside infrastructure deployments. This alignment of C-V2X with the established automotive design cycle and cellular ecosystem brings great promise for the future, the stakeholders believe. Additionally, the technology offers richer and differentiated experiences to support the global rollout of 5G.
More information: www.qualcomm.com
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