SKT and Korea Railroad Research Institute Successfully Test 5G-Based Train Autonomous Driving Communication

SKT employees are conducting low-latency communication tests by applying 5G edge cloud and 5G quality optimization technology to the '5G relay communication device.' Photo by SKT

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] SK Telecom announced on the 24th that it has successfully conducted a low-latency communication test by applying 5G edge cloud and 5G quality optimization technology to the ‘5G Onboard Communication Device,’ a core technology for autonomous train operation developed by the Korea Railroad Research Institute.

The ‘5G Onboard Communication Device’ is a technology that enables trains to secure safe driving distances autonomously by transmitting and receiving operational information between trains in real time, requiring stable low-latency communication.

The Korea Railroad Research Institute developed the ‘5G Onboard Communication Device’ for the use of low-latency communication in railroads, and implemented the low-latency communication function between trains using this device on SKT’s ‘5G Edge Cloud,’ which is located at the shortest path where 5G and cloud meet to minimize network delay.

SKT and the Korea Railroad Research Institute conducted tests on low-latency data transmission and reception between trains necessary for autonomous train operation by simulating autonomous driving communication situations on the comprehensive railroad test track of the Korea Railroad Research Institute located in Osong, Chungbuk. Through the test, they confirmed about a 20% reduction in delay compared to general cloud when applying ‘SKT 5G Edge Cloud.’

Additionally, to meet the end-to-end service delay requirements necessary for autonomous driving, delay quality optimization technology was further applied to the 5G base station near Osong Station, reducing delay time by about 50% compared to before. This means that the delay time target, which was difficult to achieve with general cloud, was satisfied 99.9%, making the realization of autonomous driving possible.

Through joint tests between SKT and the Korea Railroad Research Institute, it was confirmed that applying SKT’s ‘5G Edge Cloud’ and 5G quality optimization technology in service areas requiring ultra-low latency performance, such as autonomous driving, provides differentiated performance compared to general cloud environments.

Kim Myung-guk, head of SKT’s cloud business, said, “It is significant that we have demonstrated that ultra-low latency services requiring reliability, such as autonomous driving, are possible through our edge cloud and 5G optimization,” adding, “We will continue to cooperate with various domestic and international partners to provide essential communication and edge cloud for the introduction of autonomous driving technologies in trains, vehicles, ships, robots, and more.”

Han Seok-yoon, president of the Korea Railroad Research Institute, stated, “Train control technology centered on advanced railroad countries is moving toward an autonomous train operation system that directly exchanges necessary information between trains through wireless communication networks,” and added, “We will make the autonomous train operation system, which increases transport capacity and shortens operation intervals, a future premium K-rail technology.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.