KT develops C-V2X device for self-driving cars

KT engineers test a C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything) device that can be installed in self-driving cars in this photo provided by the telecommunication firm, Friday. / Courtesy of KT

By Baek Byung-yeul

KT has developed a prototype of C-V2X (cellular vehicle-to-everything) device that can be installed in self-driving cars, the telecommunication firm said Friday.

C-V2X technology lets vehicles communicate with each other, other mobile devices and the environment around them via a network. According, to KT “the environment” means other cars, traffic signals and road infrastructure.

“The C-V2X technology can recognize things that are hard to be recognized by in-vehicle sensors and cameras,” a KT spokesman said. “We expect the C-V2X technology will help improve the safety of self-driving cars.”

Kt claims this is the first time Korean firms have developed a prototype device using the technology, adding that it developed the device with local tech firm IT Telecom.

The firm said it would conduct trials at test beds in Seoul, Daegu and Pangyo in Gyeonggi Province. KT is also developing a 5G-V2X device, applying its fifth-generation (5G) network technology.

Combining its 5G network slicing technology, which enables a network operator to provide dedicate virtual networks over a common network infrastructure, and V2X technology, KT said it could enhance the service reliability of self-driving cars.

The development of the C-V2X device is in line with KT's effort to develop autonomous vehicle technology.

The firm jointly established K-City, an unpopulated city for autonomous vehicle testing based on the 5G network in Hwaseong, southwest of Seoul. The city has five major testing environments including highways, downtown roads, suburban streets, parking lots and community facilities for self-driving vehicles. At the city, KT demonstrated its self-driving remote control system as well.

KT tested its self-driving cars based on the 5G network at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. The firm also showcased autonomous driving in a convoy, with one bus following a few centimeters behind the next.

“The C-V2X device is a core technology for 5G autonomous driving. We will keep providing visions of services for future vehicles,” said KT Institute of Convergence Technology head Jeon Hong-beom.