NEWS
Volvo and Ericsson achieve first cross-border 5G network vehicular handover of the circumstances when high-quality maps are appreciated most .
The Ericsson / Volvo trial also utilised 5G connectivity to ensure that maps were constantly updated with the latest real-time information to aid future autonomous driving operations and an understanding of the environment beyond the range of the vehicle and its sensors .
Ericsson and Volvo Cars have carried out the first successful test handover of connected cars between two national mobile 5G networks .
The test , at the AstaZero test track in Sweden , is part of the EU-funded 5GCroCo project – a major initiative that is preparing for large-scale connected car trials along a 5G corridor between Metz in France , Merzig in Germany and Luxembourg .
The AstaZero track tests proved that seamless service continuity on 5G networks can be guaranteed across borders – good news as cross-border handovers are essential to enabling continuous driving experiences between national networks when connected and autonomous vehicles cross from one country to another .
Crossing borders by car is often part of a longer journey – and long journeys are one
Mikael Prytz , Research Director , Ericsson Area Networks , said : “ Sharing an updated map with other cars is a latency-sensitive task and requires high network performance within and across multiple networks .
“ During the test at the AstaZero track , we could tackle this challenge with promising results . We are excited to continue our co-operation with Volvo Cars to expand the network mobility of autonomous and connected cars .”
LKQ Europe invests in an Innovation and Service Centre in Poland
LKQ Europe is opening a new Innovation and Service Centre in
Katowice in mid-2021 . The new centre in Poland will act as a catalyst for the company ’ s innovation and digitalisation strategy .
This centre will enable LKQ Europe to offer innovative digital products and solutions to its customers while strengthening cost competitiveness and process efficiencies .
A LKQ digital team in Poland will soon start creating an innovative digital hub to develop European-wide solutions for a state-of-the-art customer experience . LKQ ’ s team members throughout Europe will drive forward the company ’ s digital agenda and enable digitalisation and innovation .
From this year on , digital , IT and administrative operations will also be carried out by LKQ experts in Katowice . In the medium term , the site will have approximately 200 – 250 employees . The recruitment process started in April 2021 .
“ The establishment of the Innovation and Service Centre in Katowice will boost LKQ Europe ’ s innovation and digitalisation strategy . The city of Katowice offers an outstanding infrastructure and international talent .
“ I am delighted that LKQ will be part of Katowice ’ s success story . We are seeking the most qualified people and offer them an international working atmosphere and a unique business experience to support our customers across Europe , today and in the future ,” said Arnd Franz , CEO of LKQ Europe .
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