Bandung, Indonesia – February 22nd, 2024 – The xG Research Center of Use Cases and Applications (“xG Research Center”) today announced a groundbreaking initiative focused on the development of a 5G-connected self-driving car prototype. This cutting-edge research, led by researchers Syaghina Maitsa Gunawan, Dr. Ir. Ian Josef Matheus Edward, M.T., and Dr. Ing. Eueung Mulyana, S.T., M.T., aims to leverage the power of 5G networks to advance autonomous vehicle technology in Indonesia.

Self-Driving Cars: A Revolution in Transportation

Self-driving cars are rapidly emerging as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize transportation systems worldwide. By automating driving tasks, these vehicles promise to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance transportation efficiency. The xG Research Center’s initiative positions Indonesia at the forefront of this technological revolution.

5G-Connected Self-Driving Car Prototype: A Glimpse into the Future

The researchers have designed and implemented a self-driving car prototype powered by the Jetson Nano platform and enhanced by the capabilities of 5G networks. This prototype utilizes a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with the ResNet18 architecture, trained on a comprehensive dataset of track images to enable autonomous navigation.

Equipped with the JetRacer AI Kit and an IMX219 camera module, the prototype can process visual data in real-time and navigate diverse track configurations. Simulation tests have demonstrated the system’s impressive track-following capabilities, showcasing its potential for real-world applications.

The ResNet18 model achieved remarkable accuracy in predicting steering angles, further highlighting the potential of deep learning algorithms to enhance the reliability and robustness of self-driving car systems.

5G: Enabling Advanced Autonomous Driving Capabilities

5G connectivity plays a crucial role in enabling advanced features for self-driving cars, such as:

• Real-time Data Exchange: 5G’s high bandwidth and low latency enable seamless communication between the vehicle and its surroundings, including other vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud-based services. This facilitates real-time data exchange for enhanced situational awareness, traffic optimization, and safety features.
• Enhanced Perception and Navigation: 5G connectivity allows for the integration of real-time data from various sources, including sensors, cameras, and cloud-based mapping services, to improve the vehicle’s perception and navigation capabilities.
• Remote Monitoring and Control: 5G enables remote monitoring and control of self-driving cars, allowing for human intervention in critical situations or for fleet management purposes.

About the xG Research Center

The xG Research Center is a leading research facility dedicated to exploring the vast potential of current and future mobile network technologies. Established through a dynamic partnership between the School of Engineering and Informatics at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and PT Huawei Tech Investment, the Center focuses on developing innovative use cases and applications for 5G and beyond (xG), fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive the advancement of mobile technology and its positive impact on society.