Telecoms and tech companies partner to develop smart mobility system for Hong Kong

A new consortium has been formed in Hong Kong to build a smart mobility system using cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technologies.

The multi-year project includes the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI), telecoms operator HKT, ICT solutions provider Huawei, and Qualcomm Technologies, a subsidiary of mobile technology specialist Qualcomm Inc.

Announcing their collaboration last week, the partners explained: “A C-V2X powered smart mobility system not only allows vehicles to connect to the cloud, but also enables vehicles to communicate with one another as well as with pedestrians, and to synchronise with infrastructure. With C-V2X, ‘co-operative awareness’ between vehicles, pedestrians and the road environment makes it possible to realise mobility safety as well as autonomous driving. Furthermore, it can also support law enforcers, traffic and urban management institutions, and transportation companies to plan and monitor the safety and efficiency of traffic movements.”

The Smart Mobility Consortium plans to use C-V2X to introduce a series of intelligent transport services in Hong Kong including a warning mechanism for collision and control, assistance for cruise control and parking, and alert systems for speed and lane violations. The technology will also help drivers and traffic administrators to identify potential loopholes and risks, for example in traffic queues and at road intersections or pedestrian crossings.

Alex Arena, group managing director of HKT, commented: “Smart Mobility is the key to transform urban transport in a Smart City. With the application of Cellular-V2X technology, assisted driving alerts vehicles and pedestrians in advance about emergency traffic conditions, which will make the roads safer and Hong Kong a better living city. And with the emerging 5G technology, autonomous driving will revolutionise the experience of transport in Hong Kong.”

To ensure the success of the project, the partners will work with the Government, automobile industry and other relevant industry stakeholders.

Once the smart mobility system has been rolled out, it is expected to lead to further opportunities for related sectors such as shipment, ride sharing, home delivery, insurance, infotainment and mobile healthcare.

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