First NZ 5G driverless car tested

A futuristic looking autonomous vehicle (AV) with 5G connection has been successfully tested in Auckland on March 13.

The four-seater AV from Kiwi company Ohmio was showcased to media at Auckland’s waterfront Wynyard Quarter, taking people on a 745-metre ride in a controlled area.

Spark supplied its pre-commercial 5G network as part of its 5G Innovation Lab opened in November 2018 to test its capabilities.

Speeds of up to 18Gbp/s have been recorded – about 100 times faster than many New Zealand wireless device users experience, and Spark expects to have 5G ready by July 1, 2020, for use by Emirates Team New Zealand as part of its America’s Cup preparation.

The AV test run showed 5G works well with such vehicles, Ohmio research and development head Dr Mahmood Hikmet says.

He says the 5G modem used, controlled via a tablet, is heavy and contributes to the Ohmio Hop AV needing more regular charge top ups, but that the devices will improve with less impact on charge.

“The focus is on operation at the moment and functionality using 5G,” Hikmet says.

He says the battery usually last about four hours during regular operations, and that testing and development will continue.

“We believe this test with Spark is only the second of its type in the world,” Hikmet says.

“A 5G network can be up to 100 times faster than 4G, which unlocks the true potential for autonomous driving, as messages need to be transmitted and decisions made in real time.”

He says improved reaction times give cars human-like reflexes and opens multiple possibilities for connected infrastructure and a smart city ecosystem.

The AV can reach 25km/h but was limited to 7km/h for the test route which it covered in seven minutes.

Hikmet says Ohmio will continue development of its larger Lift AVs, capable of carrying about 20 people, which he expects to have ready for use at Christchurch airport later this year.

Spark network evolution lead Colin Brown says its partnership with Ohmio demonstrates the potential of 5G.

“We want to encourage businesses to begin thinking about their own ‘driverless car’ technology and how they can prepare for the future of 5G.”

The speed at which 5G is being rolled out globally was demonstrated at the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Brown says after attending.

He says 5G was a major feature at the congress and is already in a number of markets with businesses across multiple industries launching new products and services around it.

Brown says the March 13 AV test is “another step on the road to 5G” with more real-world tests planned during coming months.