Spirent Communications, a provider of test, assurance and analytics solutions for devices and networks, has announced an expansion of its work with the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the University of Warwick via the Midlands Future Mobility (MFM) initiative in the United Kingdom. MFM reportedly will work with Spirent to deploy 5G digital twin technology within a 3xD drive-in simulator operated by WMG, the University’s automotive and manufacturing research group. It will represent the first emulated 5G standalone core network dedicated to researching next-gen mobile use cases, including connected automated mobility, in almost unlimited testing scenarios.
“A full understanding of future 5G-enabled industries and how to operationalize them for business and consumer usage is now possible in a safe, controlled environment, thanks to Spirent,” said Dr. Matthew Higgins, Associate Professor, WMG. “We’ll be able to test with near-limitless potential. For instance, determining how an intelligent vehicle, drone or manufacturing robot would perform on a 5G network that millions of people are using at the same time – a near impossibility on the live 5G networks today that cannot offer an accurate picture of traffic to be expected at saturation years from now.”
MFM will be both a digital and real-world ecosystem serving as a springboard for scalable, future mobility technologies and services. It will facilitate access to diverse, public physical test environments with smart monitoring, the latest wireless connectivity and a complete support network. The 5G standalone core network and MFM’s broader 5G program will help industry sectors, including automotive, manufacturing and telecommunications, jumpstart testing applications and processes in both digital and real-world scenarios. Digital twin technology will enable full control and customization to more effectively facilitate engagement and scope future user requirements on real roads.
“5G is rolling out across major cities globally and nearly every industry wants to fast-track the ability to harness these new networks to push the edge of innovation,” said Stephen Douglas, Head of 5G Strategy, Spirent. “Understanding fully how 5G networks can be optimized in support of new use cases through cost-effective testing and emulation is being made possible by Midlands Future Mobility. We’re privileged to be working with MFM on this important initiative that will keep the UK at the forefront of cutting-edge research for connected and automated Mobility.”
Ken Briodagh is a storyteller, writer and editor with about two decades of experience under his belt. He is in love with technology and if he had his druthers would beta test everything from shoe phones to flying cars.Edited by
Ken Briodagh
