5G Connected and Automated Driving: Use Cases and Technologies in Cross-border Environments

The vision of cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM) along Europe can only be realized when harmonized solutions that support cross-border traffic exist. The possibility of providing CCAM services along different countries when vehicles traverse various national borders has a huge innovative business potential. However, the seamless provision of connectivity and the uninterrupted delivery of real-time services along borders also pose technical challenges which 5G technologies promise to solve. The situation is particularly challenging given the multi-country, multi-operator, multi-telco-vendor, multi-car-manufacturer, and cross-generation scenario of any cross-border layout. Motivated by this, the 5GCroCo project, with a total budget of 17 million Euro and partially funded by the European Commission, aims at validating 5G technologies in the Metz-Merzig-Luxembourg cross-border corridor, traversing the borders between France, Germany and Luxembourg. 5GCroCo validation will focus on three use cases: 1) tele-operated driving, 2) high definition map generation and distribution for automated vehicles, and 3) Anticipated Cooperative Collision Avoidance. The results will help reduce the uncertainties associated with eV2X communications across borders in Europe in preparation of commercial 5G deployment.