T-Mobile, Applied Information, and Temple Inc. are deploying a 5G-connected vehicle technology that enables traffic signals to communicate with road vehicles via a mobile app.
The system will be launched in Peachtree Corners, one of the first smart city environments in the US.
Select traffic signals in the city will use T-Mobile’s 5G network to warn users of red light running and provide alerts to prepare drivers for green lights. Drivers can download the TravelSafely app to receive these messages from the city’s smart infrastructure.
Brian Johnson, city manager of Peachtree Corners, said:As another strong reflection of Peachtree Corners' leadership as an innovative smart city in the United States, we're excited to offer smart connected infrastructure relevant to our citizens, city employees and visitors by enabling any vehicle to receive communications from 5G-connected traffic signals. Cellular vehicle-to-everything 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 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.
This technology enables two-way communication between the traffic signal and devices such as smartphones, tablets and vehicles equipped with on-board-units. The TravelSafely smartphone app provides audible warnings in English, Spanish, Korean, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, French or German, depending on the users’ phone settings.
The project is part of the partnership between the Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners and the Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory, which aims to accelerate the deployment of connected vehicle safety applications and infrastructure technologies.
Dave Bezzant, Vice President, T-Mobile for government, said:The future of 5G technology is being realised with each innovation, in large part due to strong partnerships such as ours with Peachtree Corners at the Curiosity Lab. This step forward in safety technology is an integral moment in our pursuit of more connected and more autonomous vehicles. With our unmatched 5G coverage, and the exciting work at Curiosity Lab, we look forward to a future of smarter vehicles and, importantly, safer roads.
Furthermore, four autonomous Beep shuttles will use this technology to improve their safety. The shuttles will also collect real-world data to help roadway operators and technology developers better understand how the 5G network can deliver safety messages to drivers and equipped vehicles.
