University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh conducted a study for TransiT, a national UK research hub using digital twins to identify the fastest, lowest-cost pathways to transportation decarbonization in the UK.

The work highlights major challenges to the operation of driverless vehicles and digital twins – digital replicas of objects, processes or systems in the physical world that are increasingly being used to improve the efficiency and sustainability of transportation through functions including predictive maintenance and route optimization.

The fifth-generation wireless technology 5G offers faster speeds and greater data capacity, enabling applications like intelligent transport systems, where vehicles communicate with each other and infrastructure to enhance transport safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Dr Mohammad Al-Quraan, a research associate in autonomous systems and connectivity at the University of Glasgow, explained, “Driverless vehicles and digital twins both rely on ultra-reliable, uninterrupted communication systems that can transmit data at high speed and in real time – like ‘5G and beyond’ technologies.

“These are needed to ensure that driverless vehicles are continuously connected to the operations centers controlling them, and that digital twins can exchange decisions instantly – or in near to real time – with their physical counterparts in the real world.

“But our research shows that even next-generation communication technologies like 5G are vulnerable to blockages from obstacles like vehicles and pedestrians – which highlights the need for new innovations in this area.”

To understand how traffic affects 5G performance, the team built a detailed simulation of a 160m stretch of urban road representing a typical two-lane dual carriageway.

This included driverless connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), which use sensors including cameras and radar to monitor their surroundings and send a continuous flow of high-resolution data to their control centers, using high-speed two-directional communication links.

The researchers also modeled conventional cars, vans, trucks and buses traveling at realistic speeds of 10mph to 70mph. They then evaluated 5G signal performance under three scenarios: varying levels of traffic congestion (low, medium, high), and changes in both the number and height of roadside units along the road.

The results show that heavier traffic leads to more frequent blockages and weaker signals. Under high congestion, the main 5G link dropped in signal strength by about 20% compared to light traffic. The researchers say this could cause delays in sending sensor data or even force vehicles to fall back to slower 4G networks.

The team also found that raising the height of roadside 5G units can reduce blockages. At around 1m, all blockages disappeared in their tests. But placing antennas too high can weaken the signal due to distance, so planners must balance height with performance.

In very busy traffic, extra units sometimes increase the chance of both main and backup links being blocked at the same time. This suggests that simply installing more 5G equipment is not enough; smarter planning and coordination are needed.

Dr Al-Quraan said, “These 5G signals are very sensitive and even a car passing in front of them can cause a huge loss. Our research highlights the need for resilient communication systems that can predict and avoid blockages like these, so autonomous vehicles and digital twins have the connectivity they need to operate in our future decarbonized transport networks.”

The researchers suggested that using artificial intelligence could help predict signal disruptions, enabling 5G and future networks to maintain seamless, uninterrupted communication.

Related news, Agricultural vehicle OEM Kuhn implements real-time cloud monitoring in testing

As machine learning technology advances, autonomy is increasingly a data and modeling race. Progress no longer hinges on closed-course testing or simulated environments alone – it depends on learning from rare, messy, real-world scenarios that only appear at scale. These edge cases are difficult and expensive to capture, and they remain a major bottleneck to deploying safe, reliable autonomy, at scale, in a reliable and sustainable way.

Every hour, millions of real Uber trips take place across cities, suburbs, airports, restaurants and complex environments. These trips provide the operational coverage and real-world context needed to capture the high-quality, long-tail autonomous vehicle data that autonomy has been missing.

AV Labs aims to bring together experts across data, machine learning, computer vision, systems and infrastructure to turn real-world operations into high-quality data that helps autonomous systems learn faster and perform better.

The team is set to support Uber’s AV partners and accelerate progress across the ecosystem by building the core capabilities that power autonomy learning, from data mining and simulation to validation and system-level improvements across perception, prediction and planning. Together they’ll harness Uber’s scale and real-world data to accelerate the future of transportation.

Related news, Emerson expands NI PXI platform with lower-cost, high-performance test hardware

The partners began Punggol’s first autonomous vehicle (AV) tests in mid-October 2025. With the latest approval, WeRide and Grab will expand their AV testing program and aim to increase the number of shuttle test runs in Punggol by up to fourfold by the end of the year. Throughout the AV testing and initial phase of public rides, safety operators will be on board the AVs at all times, providing real-time supervision.

Ai.R, which is operated by Grab in partnership with WeRide, is a public autonomous ride service. The Ai.R fleet comprises 11 AVs – 10 GXRs (five passenger seats) and one Robobus (eight passenger seats). The AV test runs are critical to preparations for the launch of Ai.R, which will serve two dedicated shuttle service routes in Punggol, establishing the district as Singapore’s first residential neighborhood with an autonomous shuttle service. Ai.R is expected to take its first batch of public passengers by early 2026 and will connect residents to key amenities like Punggol Coast MRT station, Punggol Coast Mall bus interchange, malls and clinics.

Real-world testing to ensure reliability

During the AV test runs, the AVs gather and analyze real-world data to localize their AI driving models. This includes details on road infrastructure, traffic flows and the nuanced behaviors of local road users and pedestrians. The AVs are also trained to handle a variety of weather conditions – such as sudden rain and intense sun glare – to ensure reliable operations.

The AVs continually calibrate their driving performance by rehearsing operating routes to refine precision maneuvers, such as accurate turn timing, smooth acceleration and braking, and maintaining safe distances from obstacles. They also train to handle complex urban scenarios like tight turns on narrow residential roads and parking lots, while preserving appropriate safety clearance from walls, pedestrians and other vehicles. Adjustments are further made to execute seamless pickups and drop-offs, ensuring gradual slowdowns and precise stops at designated points for effortless boarding and alighting.

Equipped with a sensor suite consisting of lidars and cameras, the GXRs and Robobus have 360° vision, can see up to 200m in every direction and detect objects in the rain.

To support the rollout of the Ai.R service, GrabAcademy (Grab’s in-house training institution) and WeRide are training an initial cohort of more than 10 experienced Grab driver-partners for safety operator roles. Following theory lessons and closed-circuit practical training, the first Ai.R safety operator trainees have progressed to on-the-road training.

Azman Bin Rahmad, an Ai.R Safety Operator trainee, said, “I’m excited to be among the first to train as an AV safety operator. I’ve seen firsthand how these vehicles operate and how our feedback directly enhances their performance. I look forward to learning more about this advanced technology, and working with it to support Singapore’s transport needs.”

In related news, Ansible Motion and IAAPS partner on complete vehicle-in-the-loop test environment

Research into 6G, such as TC-DFT-s-OFDM, is central to the development of future vehicle-to-everything (V2x) communication, which is a cornerstone of next-generation ADAS and autonomous mobility. TC-DFT-s-OFDM (Trellis Coded Discrete Fourier Transform spread Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is being proposed to 3GPP as a potential candidate technology for 6G standardization. MediaTek’s research shows that TC-DFT-s-OFDM delivers superior maximum coupling loss (MCL) performance across various modulation orders, including advanced configurations like 16QAM.

Key benefits of this 6G waveform proposed by MediaTek include enhanced cell coverage through reduced power back-off requirements and improved power efficiency through optimized power amplifier operation techniques such as average power tracking (APT). TC-DFT-s-OFDM enables up to 4dB higher transmission power compared to traditional modulation schemes, while maintaining lower interference levels, implying an up to 50% gain in coverage area.

“MediaTek’s selection of our CMP180 for their 6G waveform verification work demonstrates the instrument’s capability to support cutting-edge research and development,” said Fernando Schmitt, product manager, Rohde & Schwarz. “As the industry advances toward 6G, we’re committed to providing test solutions that enable our customers to push the boundaries of wireless technology.”

In related news, Applied Intuition completes ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity certification

With a plug-and-play design, the cube:tap interface connects directly to the Vector tools CANoe.Car2x or CANalyzer.Car2x, and can be used in both laboratory environments and real-world vehicle setups. Its flexibly configurable communication parameters cover European, US and Chinese standards, enabling global applicability.

An integrated GNSS receiver provides precise time and position data, which also serves to synchronize distributed measurement recordings – a key requirement for reliable post-analysis. The device can simulate multiple virtual ITS (intelligent transport systems) stations, enabling the replication of complex test scenarios and validation of ECUs in cooperative transportation systems.

When used with CANoe or CANalyzer, the cube:tap interface provides a solution for analyzing and testing LTE-V2X applications. It can operate alongside the VN4610 interface for DSRC-based applications, offering an end-to-end V2X test toolchain and a future-proof extension to modern development environments.

In related news, Free access to Laba7 Shock Dyno Software announced

The Future of Automotive Testing Conference

This day of high-level content will explore various topics and provide an engaging opportunity to learn from and connect with industry peers. Situated among the exhibits, it will have a relaxing atmosphere, and visitors will be able to dip in and out at their leisure. A highlight will be ATTI’s on-stage interview with Jon Quigley, who worked for Volvo for many years and now runs his own company, Value Transformation. With his broad experience and portfolio of contacts, he’s a very good person to know. He loves sharing his thoughts, too, hence his new gig as ATTI’s regular columnist.

Read Quigley’s latest column on p36 of the September issue.

Also during the conference, Venkat Adusumalli, software engineering manager at Stellantis, will reveal how Stellantis is using AI to accelerate E/E system testing and validation workflows. Click here for a pre-show interview with him.

Innovation Showcase

The free-to-attend Innovation Showcase also provides an interactive platform for learning about new technologies. Speakers will welcome questions and discussion after their presentations, making it a great way to explore ideas together. Like the conference, it will take place within the main hall, so it will be very easy to listen in while wandering through the exhibits, or to come and go throughout the day.

Technology debuts

The industry is moving quickly and it can be a challenge to keep up. Every year there is an abundance of new technologies on display. Some are incremental improvements to existing products, others are entirely new. It’s always surprising how companies find ways around bottlenecks. Often, these developments emerge from ongoing conversations between supplier and customer, ultimately benefiting multiple companies.

Read ATTI‘s comprehensive expo preview in the September issue.

Face-to-face discussions  

It sounds obvious, but the most fruitful conversations are usually the ones that happen in person – it’s how journalists find the best stories. Year after year, exhibitors and visitors report having forged unexpected collaborations at the show, in the form of technology tie-ups or service partnerships.

Detroit’s revival 

A lot of money has been plowed into Detroit in recent years, as evidenced by the stunning renovation of Michigan Central Station, which is well worth a visit. Much of the investment has been in the tech sector. Eleven years ago – when the station was still derelict – ATTI took a tour of some of the labs at GM and what was then the FCA headquarters (see The right wave length, November 2014, Seasonal highlights, September 2015, and Powerbase, March 2015). The facilities were impressive then and are even more so now, thanks to several years of investment in innovation leading to Detroit’s resurgence as an automotive powerhouse.

Visit the Automotive Testing Expo North America website to secure your FREE pass, which will give you access to the expo, the Future of Automotive Testing Conference and the Innovation Showcase

NUIC, also called ‘Driver Out’ operation, will see vehicles in freight, logistics and passenger transportation applications operate with no driver on board. Instead, the vehicles will operate autonomously on agreed routes and areas, with the NUIC vehicles managed by a central Control Room where remote operators can take over manual drive of the vehicle if required. NUIC will open new employment opportunities for people, enabling commercial vehicles to be operated from office-type environments.

AutonoBus project

Fusion is advancing the AutonoBus project, which will see an Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV operating at SAE Level 4 with no user in charge during controlled track testing. The vehicle will be continuously supervised by a trained safety driver located in a remote-control room, who will be ready to assume control at any moment if required.

The AutonoBus project will see Fusion add capabilities to the vehicle that will enable passengers to see, hear and communicate with the staff in the control room. Blue light (emergency) personnel outside the bus will also be able to interact with control room staff via monitors and microphones, and the vehicle will be able to see and hear blue light vehicles and react appropriately.

Automated vehicle depot trial

The company is also involved in the Transport for London (TfL) live bus depot trial, where Fusion’s CAVstar automated drive system (ADS) will enable automated maneuvers of Alexander Dennis electric buses in complex depot environments. This project is supporting the development of NUIC technology to real-world applications.

Funded by the UK government, the CAM Pathfinder FS competition is delivered by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), supported by Zenzic and Innovate UK, and supports 14 projects, including Fusion’s, working to advance connected and autonomous mobility (CAM) technologies. Part of a £150m (US$204m) program, it aims to accelerate commercial CAM opportunities and strengthen the UK supply chain.

Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, said, “Fusion is at the forefront of making No User In Charge operations a reality. With projects such as the TfL depot trial and the AutonoBus track demonstrations, we are proving that NUIC technology can deliver meaningful safety, efficiency and operational benefits. These milestones move us closer to the day when autonomous buses can operate seamlessly and safely in real-world environments.”

In related news, Pony AI recently partnered with Mowasalat, Qatar’s largest transportation service provider, to deploy autonomous vehicles on the country’s roads

The software solution is designed to enhance receiver reliability and accuracy in autonomous and connected vehicles. By boosting line-of-sight signals and rejecting non-line-of-sight signals, S-GNSS Auto aims to help vehicles maintain accuracy in challenging environments like urban canyons and forest roads. Delivered as a simple firmware upgrade, it transforms GNSS into a more reliable, powerful component of the ADAS stack in areas where traditional solutions fall short.

The companies are due to showcase the latest test results from the collaboration, including data from various signal-challenged environments such as Tokyo, Frankfurt and the Black Forest in Germany.

“As Asia’s leading advanced automotive technology show, Automotive World 2025 is the perfect place to showcase our S-GNSS Auto software and how it helps automotive manufacturers use GNSS to its full potential, especially for ADAS and V2X applications,” said Manuel Del Castillo, VP business development at FocalPoint. “Our technology, embedded in STMicroelectronics’ Teseo GNSS chips, enhances the end users’ trust in the automotive systems where STMicroelectronics is used. This can only trigger a positive impact on systems designed to improve end users’ safety and convenience.”

The solution will be on show at the Automotive World show 2025, which is taking place on September 17-19 at Makuhari Messe, Japan.

In related news, the first autonomous Holon Urban vehicle recently launched in Hamburg, setting a milestone on the road to autonomous public transportation. Read the full story here

The project, delivered with the Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) and in collaboration with Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa, will connect eight designated stops across Kanata North Technology Park, Canada’s largest tech park.

The 4.5km route has been strategically designed to link businesses, restaurants, community spaces and public transit, providing safe and accessible mobility for workers, residents and visitors.

The winter-ready, Level 4 electric and autonomous shuttle has been engineered to operate in challenging Canadian conditions, including snow, ice, rain, wind and falling leaves.

Following a period of rigorous testing at Area X.O, Canada’s all-weather R&D complex for next-gen technologies, the vehicle will begin service on public roads operating in mixed traffic at medium speeds.

David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented, “We have been working with Kanata North Business Association for over six years on how we can effectively bring autonomous vehicles to the streets of Canada. This important project accelerates this vision, and we believe we have the real-world technology in place in Auto-Shuttle that will prove driverless vehicles can operate safely and effectively in all weather conditions.”

The initiative, building on earlier low-speed autonomous pod and shuttle trials conducted in Ottawa in 2019 and 2021, is advancing to a modified commercial vehicle with increased speed, capacity and operational range.

This real-world Canadian testing environment aims to provide valuable insights into supporting the advancement of Aurrigo’s autonomous airport shuttle solutions, which must deliver reliable performance across diverse weather and operational conditions.

In addition to serving as a practical transit solution, the trial will also provide valuable insights into several areas: the performance of electric and autonomous vehicles in real-world, four-season Canadian conditions; the development of a municipal safety framework for autonomous vehicles; inclusive design features such as Deaf.AI’s ASL avatar and visual communication system for deaf and hard-of-hearing riders; and policy recommendations to help shape future AV regulations.

“Kanata North is home to Canada’s largest technology park and more than 540 companies shaping the future of mobility, connectivity and innovation,” said Kelly Daize, executive director of the Kanata North Business Association. “It is not only an historic first for Canada – it’s a powerful example of how industry, government and community can come together to test real-world solutions that improve accessibility, advance safety and create a blueprint for the future of transportation in all seasons.”

Sonya Shorey, president and CEO of Invest Ottawa, said, “Invest Ottawa is honored to collaborate on this landmark project in our world-class, dual-use innovation hub. At Area X.O, our state-of-the-art all-weather R&D complex, founders, companies, regulators and their partners can rigorously test, validate and deploy next-generation technologies in all four seasons. This accelerates safe, market-ready innovations that deliver lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for our citizens, our community and our country.”

In related news, AB Dynamics has presented ClearTrack, a fully integrated object detection system for driverless robot-controlled vehicle testing, developed with sister company ABD Solutions. Read the full story here

Beijing’s complex night-time road conditions, characterized by low lighting, environmental interference – heavy rain in the summer and snow in the winter – pose significant challenges for autonomous driving systems. These conditions increase the importance of maintaining effective sensor fusion between lidar and cameras under low-light conditions.

To address potential visibility issues at night, WeRide’s robotaxi is equipped with more than 20 sensors, including high-precision, high-dynamic cameras and high-line lidars across the vehicle. Combined with its multi-sensor fusion algorithm and high-performance computing platform, the system achieves 360° blind-spot-free coverage in a detection range of up to 200m.

Extreme weather conditions such as rain, dust and heavy snow pose challenges to autonomous driving stability as well. Alongside automotive-grade sensors and “stringent assembly processes”, WeRide uses self-developed smart sensor cleaning systems that detect dirt and moisture, triggering automatic cleaning.

In related news, SGS-TÜV Saar has awarded the world’s first certification for artificial intelligence (AI) safety process compliance under the new ISO/PAS 8800:2024 to Geely Auto, confirming that Geely’s safety process architecture meets the latest standard for AI systems in road vehicles. Read the full story here