Sony AV tested with 5G

Sony’s conceptual autonomous vehicle (AV) the New Concept Cart SC-1, which uses 5G for remotely controlled functions, will be tested in a joint trial with Japan’s leading mobile operator NTT Docomo in Guam.

The test will verify data transmission and operational performance required to remotely control the cart from a long distance.

This will be the firms’ second joint trial of 5G technologies, following one in Japan in 2017 to test the real-time transmission of high-definition video via a 5G system to a 4K digital-signage system fitted to the outside of the cart.

The New Concept Cart SC-1 is a highly conceptual vehicle that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technologies developed by Sony.

Image sensors that exceed human vision are mounted on the vehicle’s front, rear and both sides to provide the remote driver with high-quality video of the surrounding area, and also to on-board passengers to show them entertaining augmented-realty scenes of the surrounding area.

The 4K digital-signage system can be used for displaying advertisements and other content in high-quality resolution to passersby.

The New Concept Cart SC-1 is reported to carry three passengers, have a 19km/h top speed and will be used at commercial facilities and airports.

Sony and Docomo will collaborate further to expand the application of 5G technologies.