NorthStar collaborates with Telia and Ericsson to develop Magna’s Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Everything advancements; a dedicated 5G network testing zone is set up at Magna’s Swedish test track, providing access to 5G mmWave technology for high-speed, low-latency connections.
Magna is advancing its automated driving technology by becoming a part of the NorthStar program, a 5G innovation initiative spearheaded by Telia Sweden and Ericsson for industrial applications. In this collaboration, Telia and Ericsson have established a private 5G network at Magna’s Vårgårda, Sweden, test track. This setup is critical for testing new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technologies in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.
As a participant in NorthStar, Magna gains access to 5G millimetre wave (mmWave) technology, which is pivotal for enabling high-speed, low-latency connections essential in new ADAS trials. This technology also facilitates research in combined sensing and communication systems.
Bill Snider, President of Electronics at Magna, highlights the role of mobile network advancements in boosting the automotive sector by enhancing sensor capabilities, thereby offering more effective and competitive ADAS products. The aim is not just to meet technical demands but also to develop solutions that predict and prevent accidents, enhancing road safety.
The 5G network at Magna’s test track is a key element, offering high data speeds and ultra-low latency. It operates on the 26GHz frequency band and 400MHz bandwidth, crucial for Magna’s automation and driver support systems that depend on real-time sensor data. Fast network speeds and responsive communication are vital for providing timely alerts to drivers, preventing accidents, and reducing their impact.
NorthStar’s 5G network utilizes Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, connected to Telia’s public 5G network, offering Magna extensive high-speed connectivity. Magnus Leonhardt, Head of Innovation and Strategy at Telia Sweden, notes that Magna, as a leader in ADAS technologies, is an ideal partner for NorthStar. The program aims to leverage 5G for its ultra-fast and reliable connectivity, essential for real-time data sharing among vehicles and road users.
Magna’s ADAS technology enhances driver safety by managing steering, brakes, and acceleration, reducing or preventing serious accidents. By harmonizing the driver’s needs with the environment, Magna aims to create a superior driving experience, laying the groundwork for autonomous driving and new mobility solutions.
Nora Wahby, Head of Northern and Central Europe at Ericsson, expresses enthusiasm for Magna’s involvement in NorthStar. Ericsson’s 5G mmWave technology, known for its low latency and high speeds, is vital for developing time-sensitive safety applications, further empowering leaders in the automotive industry with 5G capabilities.
