Samsung and KOTSA to Build 5G–V2X Test Zone for Connected Cars and Autonomous Vehicles

The groundbreaking test bed, K-City, will be equipped with 4G, 5G and V2X technology to provide 5 cases of real-life conditions

Samsung Electronics today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) to collaborate on next-generation telecommunication technology which will enable autonomous driving innovation across the country. Through the partnership, both entities will build 4G LTE, 5G and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) telecommunication networks and related IT infrastructures at K-City, a test bed for autonomous driving technology in Korea.

“By building various telecommunication networks including 5G, 4G and V2X in one place, K-City will provide real-world experiences of autonomous driving for people and businesses across the industry,” said Byung Yoon Kwon, Director of KOTSA. “This open environment is expected to be served as a unique innovation lab for industry partners that will ultimately enable to accelerate the availability of autonomous driving era.”

“The prominence of autonomous vehicles and connected cars is growing rapidly in the 5G era, and Samsung’s commitment to collaborative innovation in this area is stronger than ever,” said Jaeho Jeon, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Technology Service, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “With our technical expertise in 5G technologies, we are uniquely positioned to establish the foundation of a new industrial ecosystem that will allow the autonomous driving industry to flourish.”

K-City consists of five real-life simulated cases, urban and rural areas, local communities, highways and parking lots, spread across a 360,000m² field. Using advanced vehicle communication technologies, the test bed will create an environment for autonomous vehicles and connected cars to experience real-life road conditions, crossings and tunnels. It will also enable the testing of accident risk situations that can be recreated and repeated, contributing to enhanced safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Alongside the implementation of network equipment, Samsung will begin building key IT infrastructures to guarantee minimal latency and information security at K-City. Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) near base stations is critical in supporting instant communication between fast-moving vehicles, and enables cars to react to unanticipated events.

Designed as a multi-purpose open innovation lab to serve various industries, the network solution in K-City supported by Samsung and KOTSA will be available to professionals and businesses of all sizes. The site will eventually become the center of research for autonomous driving and connected cars, which will spearhead the future growth of 5G industries.