ZDNet is reporting that Samsung Heavy Industries and SK Telecom “have developed a 5G-based autonomous navigation platform that will allow ships to move to set destinations on their own.”
The first trial involved a 3.3 meter long ship outfitted with a Samsung lidar sensor connected to SK Telecom’s 5G network. A destination was set 250 kilometers away.
“The ship safely sailed to the destination and avoided obstacles, SK Telecom said. They were also able to control and monitor the ship from the centre through using the telco’s 5G network.”
According to ZDNet’s report, this is just the beginning for the two companies. They plan on developing 5G smart yards that can be used to help pilot ships close to shore, reducing the risk of human error. They also plan on expanding the technology to be able to remotely monitor and operate heavy equipment. The two companies are also working on augmented reality (AR) equipment that will provide a way of monitoring the inside of shipping containers.
Samsung and SK Telecom are providing yet another example of the possibilities 5G are opening across a range of industries.