Peachtree Corners has confirmed T-Mobile, Applied Information and Temple are introducing 5G-connected vehicle technology that enables traffic signals to communicate with any vehicle via an app.
Peachtree says this technology enables two-way communication on T-Mobile’s largest and fastest nationwide 5G network between the traffic signal and devices such as smartphones, tablets and vehicles equipped with on-board-units.
The TravelSafely smartphone app provides audible warnings about potential red light running and alerts to get ready for green.
According to Peachtree, communications from the vehicle to the traffic signal can enable normal calls for a green light or green light preemption – or even priority in special cases, such as public safety.
The app can provide the warnings and alerts in English, Spanish, Korean, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, French and German.
Brian Johnson, city manager at Peachtree Corners, says: “Cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology isn’t just a concept here, it’s a reality that all people can experience just by downloading an app on their smartphones. This is truly the city street of the future, reminding us again of how important it will be for key elements of a city to communicate with each other to elevate safety and improve the daily lives of residents.”
As part of the project, four autonomous shuttles operated by Beep integrate Applied's C-V2X technology into its fleet for safe and precise navigation, as well as real-world data collection.
Beep CEO Joe Moye says: “Completing the Vehicle to Infrastructure equation with communication between drivers, pedestrians, roadside units, traffic signals, buildings and other city-owned infrastructure is critical for both driven and driverless vehicles. Advanced C-V2X technology on our platforms elevates each vehicle’s awareness of its surroundings and is invaluable as we develop more unique technologies to further elevate safety and advance the AV industry.”
Data collected from this deployment is expected to help roadway operators and traffic technology developers better understand the performance of the 5G network to deliver safety messages to drivers and directly to equipped vehicles.
The collaboration is part of a partnership between the Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners and the Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory to accelerate the deployment of connected vehicle safety applications and transportation infrastructure technologies.
The two organisations, along with development partners such as T-Mobile, will share assets and facilities on projects involving automakers and technology innovators to develop new safety systems for mobility. The partners will also promote the region as a hub for connected vehicle work to attract future development and early deployment to the area.
