Expanded Private 5G Network at Port of Virginia for Autonomous Trucks
Expanded Private 5G Network at Port of Virginia for Autonomous Trucks
November 16, 2023
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The Port of Virginia is working towards implementing autonomous trucks on its premises by early next year. The port expects to have these self-driving vehicles operational on a private 5G network. The port has partnered with Verizon Business to establish its private 5G network, operating in high-band millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum. This will enable an autonomous trucking program, while also creating a strong footing for future smart port technology.
The incorporation of autonomous vehicles into the trucking industry has gained momentum due to driver shortages and rapid technological advancements. Private 5G networks provide the necessary infrastructure for real-time command and control decisions, ensuring the safe integration of unmanned trucks with manned vehicles in the same proximity.
The primary focus of this project at this moment is to demonstrate the safety and viability of autonomous trucking technology. “Eventually this will evolve to small, controlled groups of trucks moving in convoys from the ports to local warehouses,” said Rich Ceci, Senior Vice President of Technology and Projects at Virginia International Terminals (VIT).
There are plans in the future to potentially replace all Wi-Fi networks with the comprehensive capabilities of 5G if this initial phase of the project is a success. However, all focus and time is being placed on the trucking deployment program as it gets set to launch in early 2024.
Ericsson Director of Ports, Transportation, and Logistics Adam Schipper said, “Innovation is a skill, not a gift. And seeing the team at Port of Virginia put that skill into action as they execute their vision makes it easy to understand why they are once again leading the way as America’s most modern gateway.”