With the signing of a memorandum of understanding, legendary automaker Audi has entered into a partnership with Bavarian city Ingolstadt and telecom company Deutsche Telekom to develop a digital transport infrastructure that will, over the long term, “offer people greater road safety, better traffic flows and real-time digital services,” explains Audi’s press release.
The goal? Using 5G technology to making urban mobility safer, more digital and more sustainable.
Initial steps have already been taken by Ingolstadt, with city council approving an application to set up a 5G model region back in July. In addition to Audi, other industrial companies will have access to this infrastructure.
Safe, #digital and #connected #mobility: #Audi partnered up with @deutschetelekom and the city of @Ingolstadt_IN for a #5G #technology partnership. Find out what possibilities the new 5G cellular standard opens up: https://t.co/CCKr1u4ZjU pic.twitter.com/bTMFji9asn
— Audi (@AudiOfficial) October 2, 2019
With 5G as the imminent standard for cellular networks, higher bandwidths and real-time network responses are on the (very close) horizon.
Possible urban applications for this essential-for-IoT 5G technology include:
- Connected traffic signals that exchange anonymized movement data with cars and other road users, resulting in quicker reaction time by drivers or cars of unforeseen movements.
- The integration of the mobile 5G devices of pedestrians and cyclists into real-time communication between infrastructure and cars, meaning a more comprehensive connection between all road users,
- Reducing the time spent searching for parking, a major cause of urban traffic volume. Real-time information on free parking spaces will be communicated to drivers, navigating them directly to open spaces.
Ingolstadt’s mayor, Dr. Christian Lösel sees the forthcoming 5G network a good opportunity for citizens.
“If new technologies promise an advantage, we should also use them for the benefit of people,” he says. “We see cooperation on the ‘Ingolstadt Test Field’ as a contribution towards securing qualified jobs in our city and as a demonstration of our efforts as a location for digital mobility.”
For Peter Steiner, Managing Director of Audi Electronics Venture GmbH, the partnership represents a future of consistent connectivity: “That’s our goal along the way to the mobility of tomorrow,” he said.
“On the basis of 5G technology, Audi as an automobile manufacturer can contribute towards improving mobility in cities. Together, we are developing integrated solutions for the city of the future.”
“We are bringing 5G not only to the people of Germany, but also to the country’s industry,” explained Martin Knauer, Telekom’s Head of Cellular Sales for Business Customers, alluding to 5G’s potential.
“In the future, innovation and 5G will be inseparable.”
