5G Blueprint: accelerating smart mobility
Built on the pillars of 4G, 5G is the next-generation powerhouse that has been revolutionising the digital world. The 5G Blueprint project, a European research and innovation endeavour, was at the forefront of this transformation.
It developed and validated the technical architecture, business model and management model for seamless transnational teleoperated transport, all powered by 5G. This initiative has ensured the continuous availability of the 5G telecom network for the remote control of trucks and ships across borders, a significant step in international cooperation, particularly with neighbouring countries.
Advancing Smart Mobility: The role of 5G in transforming international transport
Under the guidance of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and with Rijkswaterstaat operating as an agency of the ministry, the project was pioneering in the realm of Smart Mobility – one of Rijkswaterstaat’s main priorities. The project actively gained experience and participated in developments in the field of Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM).
The advancements in 5G have unlocked new potential in transport. Remote operation of trucks, passenger cars, dump trucks and inland vessels using the 5G telecom network are now feasible, allowing these vehicles to cross national borders without any problems. This is a key outcome of the 5G Blueprint project, which has provided vital knowledge and experience to make such techniques possible.
Testing the future of transport: 5G Blueprint’s real-world applications
As part of its objectives, the project explored ways to leverage these emerging opportunities. The research nature of the project made it possible to experiment and test these technologies prior to their broader, nationwide implementation.
Major transport corridors such as the 60 km North Sea Port, stretching from Vlissingen to Terneuzen and Ghent, along with the busy ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, served as real-world testing grounds. These areas, partly administered by Rijkswaterstaat, included the fibre-optic network essential for 5G communications, and the tests that were conducted covered both road and water transport.
This hands-on approach has paved the way for a future where smart mobility solutions are the norm, thanks to the innovative capabilities of 5G technology.
Project period
2020 - 2023
European programme
Horizon 2020
Project website
Partners
Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, Inter-university Micro-Electronics Centre, Stichting Hogeschool Van Arnhem en Nijmegen, Stichting HZ University of Applied Sciences, North Sea Port Netherlands NV, Port of Antwerp, Koninklijke KPN NV, Telenet Group, Eurofiber Nederland BV, Toyota Motor Europe NV, Terberg Benschop BV, V-Tron BV, Roboauto S.R.O., More Work Less Carbon BV, Seafar, Locatienet, Sentors, Room 40, NxtPort, Be-Mobile, Sweco Nederlands BV, Swarco Nederlands BV, Kloosterboer Vlissingen BV, Verbrugge International BV, Transport Joosen NV, Martel Innovate GmbH, Economische Impuls Zeeland NV, Province of Zeeland, City of Antwerp, ALD Automotive, VeiligheidsRegio Zeeland, Matrixian, Capgemini, MSP Onions BV, Transport Logistics Nederland, Port of Rotterdam.
