Xiamen to test 5G smart driving system

A 5G intelligent driving system is expected to begin commercial trials in Xiamen's Bus Rapid Transit system, the first one of its kind in China. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

A 5G intelligent driving system soon to undergo commercial trials as part of Xiamen's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is the first one of its kind in China, according to the city's transportation bureau and DT mobile.

DT, a leading Chinese 5G technology company, will help Xiamen implement a 5G tech upgrade to its BRT buses in Jimei district by the end of this month. Smart and smart-assisted driving of BRT buses will likely eventuate sometime in 2018.

More than 50 such buses will be involved, a 5G intelligent network application system connecting them along the route.

Xiamen's unique BRT bus lane boasts exclusive right of way and offers a highly appropriate traffic system on which to run trials, said Shi Qiang, deputy director of Xiamen Transportation Bureau.

When the project comes to fruition, it will help to prevent bus collisions while consuming less energy and providing more accurate driving responses.

Smart-assisted driving systems can take control of the vehicle if its driver is unresponsive or incapacitated, offering passengers increased safety.

Based on successful trials in Jimei, the technology will be applied to the entire BRT fleet in Xiamen. Various other buses, taxis and private cars will also enjoy the upgrade, adding more vehicles to Xiamen's new 5G intelligent driving network.

Compared with its predecessor 4G, 5G offers more reliable service and faster transfer speeds, helping it form the technological basis for smart driving systems.