AT&T, Delphi and Ford have joined to develop a new capability that will enhance vehicle-to-anything (V2X) communications.

The new platform will be designed to allow vehicles to ‘talk’ with each other and the smart cities infrastructure to help to improve safety and vehicle security, as well as reduce traffic congestion and protect the environment.

The three companies have come together to lay the foundation for the next generation of urban planning and safer driving.

"This technology has the ability to drastically reduce accidents and save lives."

AT&T Internet of Things Solutions president Chris Penrose said: "We're moving from today's connected car to a fully autonomous vehicle.

"Our work with Delphi and Ford will deliver safer, more secure, cost-effective and efficient solutions to do this."

In the future, the platform designed and developed by these companies would enable the autonomous vehicles to interact with connected traffic lights, roadside monitors, signage, and almost anything surrounding them.

Delphi Engineering vice-president Jim Zizelman said: "This technology has the ability to drastically reduce accidents and save lives.

"DSRC and LTE both have a unique role to play.

"The combination will help speed the adoption of V2X overall."

The research developed jointly by AT&T, Delphi and Ford will have an ability to monitor traffic conditions, as well as notify drivers over the AT&T LTE network to approaching vehicles and events.

As part of their collaborative effort, Delphi has developed the on-board V2X module, AT&T has developed the software for the analytics platform and will provide the wireless connectivity, and Ford developed the in-car integration.

Ford Connected Vehicle and Services executive director Don Butler said: "We believe robust, secure vehicle communications offers the potential to dramatically improve safety, reduce congestion and help protect the environment.

"Accelerating the deployment of these communications requires collaboration across industries and government agencies."

New devices deployed in the cars would be using a Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) technology that transmits data, such as location, direction, and speed to nearby vehicles.