Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication and Its Manufacturing Implications
Automobiles are becoming smarter thanks to advancing technologies and manufacturing practices. Nowadays, vehicles can communicate with each other, people and networks to increase safety due to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). What if cars on the road could communicate with everything? This technology is in the works through vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Here’s a guide on V2X, its benefits and what it means for auto manufacturing.
The Role of V2X Communication
Automotive communication systems date back nearly half a century as manufacturers started designing systems to let vehicles communicate with each other in the 1970s — a concept known as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V). V2V is still evolving, with Volvo and FedEx experimenting with automated platooning in Europe and pairing groups of trucks to follow each other on the highway.
Other types of vehicular communication include:
- Vehicle to Device (V2D)
- Vehicle to Network (V2N)
- Vehicle to Grid (V2G)
V2N will be critical as researchers continue improving 5G. With this system, cars will send information across networks through LTE and 5G. Experts say about 90% of American mobile connections by 2030 will be through 5G.
V2X in Auto Manufacturing
V2X is a critical technology because it combines all types of vehicular communication into one system. With this advanced mechanism, cars will be more intelligent than ever and could establish themselves as better drivers than humans. Auto manufacturers are trying to accomplish this feat with self-driving vehicles, but the industry hasn’t reached fully autonomous operations yet.
Improving V2X is essential in the race for self-driving vehicles, as this technology lets cars see and understand the world around them. An autonomous car or truck must be able to react quickly to traffic jams, emergency vehicles passing, animals crossing the road and other sudden events. Vehicles could work together and make the streets safer, thus creating a safer environment for autonomous machines.
V2X Applications
V2X offers opportunities to integrate all these technologies into one machine. This vehicular communication system exists in limited numbers currently but could soon make its way into more automobiles.
More recently, Toyota successfully tested its V2X technology in collaboration with Orange. The automaker equipped a vehicle with V2X capabilities and credited 5G and edge computing for its test track accomplishments. V2X technology warned drivers of emergency vehicles, helped them avoid collisions and accurately positioned the car.
What Are the Manufacturing Implications of V2X Communication?
V2X presents an incredible opportunity in the automotive industry to make cars smarter. What does this technology mean for manufacturing? Here are four implications to see as this concept evolves into the mainstream.
Advancing Technologies
Incorporating V2X in all auto manufacturing would make car assembly more advanced due to the AI and ML necessary for building. While some vehicles are simplistic with minimal technology features, these machines require onboard units and other devices to meet V2X’s needs. This change will require employees to understand the technology and how to include it inside the vehicles.
Standardization Needs
Automakers use vehicular communication technology like V2V, but these concepts only work with machines from the same manufacturer. For V2X’s success, auto manufacturers must standardize this technology so cars can connect seamlessly despite the logo on the front. Collaboration must also include semi-chip manufacturers, software developers and other professionals involved in advanced automotive technology.
Cybersecurity Risks
Integrating technology comes with cybersecurity risks, so automakers must ensure their V2X technology has robust security features to protect drivers. Otherwise, operators risk crashes, theft and other unwanted outcomes. One way to safeguard V2X-integrated vehicles is implementing security requirements with third parties to minimize the risk of data breaches.
Supply Chain Visibility
V2X technology can help auto manufacturers with their supply chain visibility — a critical component considering the modern economic climate. With advanced communication devices, automakers can help fleet owners with logistics management and increase transparency with suppliers. For instance, V2X’s enhanced route optimization can reduce lead time for parts, making manufacturing more efficient.
What Advantages Does V2X Communication Bring?
V2X communication is beneficial because it lets the auto industry take another step toward autonomous vehicles. What other advantages does this sector reap? Here are a few positive takeaways from V2X technology.
Driver Safety
With V2X communication, car operators can feel safer on the road. Vehicles communicate with each other to know when hazards lie ahead on the road or changing weather conditions. This benefit is even more pronounced with long-haul trucks, considering their role on America’s highways.
V2X technology in semi-trucks would let logistics professionals use autonomous trucks and reduce accidents and losses. Experts say driverless trucks perform up to 30% better than those with operators, so V2X would go a long way in promoting safety.
Environmental Benefits
Advancing vehicular communication technology also benefits the environment by cutting emissions. The transportation sector is responsible for 29% of all emissions, so reducing this output is essential. V2X can help the environment by mitigating traffic congestion, thus reducing idle time and wasted fuel in cars.
Smart City Integration
Rising urban populations mean cities will need to manage their energy grids better. V2X technology lets vehicles communicate charging needs and reduce strain on the grid. For instance, EVs could select optimal charging times — such as off-peak hours — to help the city’s energy grid and optimize efficiency.
Using V2X Communication for an Autonomous Future
Research on autonomous vehicles has surged as automakers race to be the first to debut fully self-driving cars. Reaching this level of driverless operations requires V2X devices that combine the best aspects of vehicular communication technology. These advanced mechanisms have implications for manufacturers and benefits for drivers, so the future has a lot of potential for this corner of the automotive industry.
This article is written by Jack Shaw. Jack is a seasoned automotive industry writer with over six years of experience. As the senior writer for Modded, he combines his passion for vehicles, manufacturing and technology with his expertise to deliver engaging content that resonates with enthusiasts worldwide.
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