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Scania will test Ericsson's new 5G technology components, as part of a collaboration between the two companies to explore the use of 5G networks in vehicle communications.

This technology will be part of trials of autonomous driving and connected vehicles.

Scania's research and development facility has been installed with three mobile base stations where the test network will be constantly updated with new technology.

The low-latency in 5G connections will enable vehicles to transfer information on braking or directions to each other, as speed and dependability factors are essential.

Earlier, WLAN technology was used, but with the 5G technology, there is a guaranteed level of latency and bandwidth.

5G technology is expected to play a crucial role in tests of Scania's autonomous vehicle system.

"5G technology is expected to play a crucial role in tests of Scania's autonomous vehicle system."

In future, the trials will not be restricted to the Södertälje testing facility. As part of this collaboration, Scania will have access to the 5G connection at Ericsson's head office.

Scania project manager for city automation Anders Ställberg said: "The new test network with its 5G components allows for a high-quality mobile network service, with low-latency and high bandwidth, where a lot of complex data can be transferred very quickly and very reliably providing us with a 'priority communications lane' when it comes to projects such as autonomous driving and platooning."

Ericsson Research 5G national research programme director Torbjörn Lundahl said: "We hope to gain valuable insights and innovations that will pave the way for further digitalisation, using 5G as an enabler.

"The trials with Scania will help us to understand the requirements to ensure they are met by the 5G standard and products, and deepens our experience with the transportation sector which is a focus industry for Ericsson."

Image: Diagram of 5G connections at work. Photo: Courtesy of Scania.