How mobile edge computing (MEC) could help make the most of connected cars

Connected cars are on the move. Emarketer estimates that by 2027, there will be around 175 million U.S. drivers in connected cars.

"Connected car" and "autonomous vehicle" are often viewed as interchangeable terms, however, they are somewhat different. Connected cars can communicate with the internet, road infrastructure or even other cars through a wireless network, powering advanced features such as assisted cruise control and braking. However, unlike autonomous or self-driving vehicles, connected cars require driver intervention. By using the developing cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communications system in cars, automobile makers can help enhance road safety by allowing drivers to receive alerts about hazardous or changing road conditions.

However, connected car technology requires reliable, low-latency connectivity to deliver near real-time data to these cars. Timely road safety alerts about hazardous conditions like a flooded road can help the driver re-route safely.

Using connected cars to help enhance safety and drive revenue

Connected car technology provides many opportunities for businesses to customize the car experience as well as enhance road safety and productivity. Here are several ways businesses can use this new technology:

On-demand features

With a connected car, automakers can send an offer to the driver via the vehicle’s infotainment system or companion apps for optional features via a one-time purchase, try-to-buy or an ongoing subscription. Automakers can also increase and customize the experience with opt-in and opt-out features in specific circumstances. Drivers may not purchase a feature on an ongoing basis, but may buy it while traveling.

Road conditions and parking

While many people rely on smartphones for navigation, connected car technology can provide other useful information. For example, digital parking infrastructure can send information to cars about what parking spots are open, with the data updating in near real-time. In addition to helping drivers find their location, state agencies can send real-time data about potential hazards. For example, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) piloted a program that alerted drivers when they were approaching a dangerous curve or a work zone.

Driver assist

Augmented reality and virtual reality (AV/VR) technology combined with artificial intelligence (AI) in a connected car can make it possible to put navigation and alerts directly on the windshield within the driver’s line of sight, so drivers don't have to look away from the road. For example, this can help drivers detect pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles and road hazards and provide visual lane-keeping assistance. According to the National Safety Council, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) could potentially prevent or mitigate up to 60% of total traffic injuries in the U.S.

Infotainment

By using data collected from the vehicle, the car experience can be tailored to different drivers' preferences, from music to temperature. For example, some cars are equipped with a navigation and infotainment system such as wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The systems can mirror the phone’s screen to make it possible for the driver to safely access phone messages, maps and music through voice control, touch screen or even steering wheel controls. Android Auto connects to apps like Spotify, Waze and Google Assistant for hands-free assistance in compatible cars. While Apple Play and Android Auto are available in select car models, some automakers have integrated additional features that can show, for example, a bird's eye view of the car on the onboard tablet.

Predictive maintenance

Connected car technology integrated with sophisticated sensors can take vehicles' service lights to the next level. With predictive maintenance information, drivers can save money by addressing issues early, potentially extend the life of their car and help prevent dangerous on-the-road breakdowns. By analyzing engine and other mechanical data continuously collected via sensors, the technology can alert drivers to potential issues before they become a problem. Further, with predictive maintenance systems, drivers now have specific information to act on, such as a potential nail in the left front tire instead of a generic low tire pressure light.

How mobile edge computing enables connected cars

These new technologies depend on high-reliability and low-latency networks. However, traditional centralized cloud computing methods may not provide sufficient connectivity and low enough latency.

Because connected cars require low latency, many automotive organizations are moving to 5G. In parallel, they are introducing Mobile edge computing (MEC) which helps enable data to be processed at the edge of the network located closest to the user and the device. By decreasing the physical distance between the processing and the device, MEC enables faster response times, which play a key role in automotive use cases.

Connected cars work best on a public MEC, which is decentralized, rather than a private MEC, which typically resides at an enterprise or business location. With public MEC, the data transfer occurs over a public network, like Verizon’s 5G network, which balances security and reliability with accessibility. Subject to nationwide deployment, Public MEC offers access regardless of the location of the user. In addition, the combination of MEC and 5G could provide organizations with the ability to scale their infrastructure as trends and new technology evolve.

Connected car technology has become the standard in a variety of new automobiles, and organizations that embrace the technology can help lead the industry. Learn how Verizon can help support connected cars through public MEC.

The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.