Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport are conducting field trials to test high-speed wireless download of vehicle sensor information utilizing 802.11ad Wi-Fi technology in the 60 GHz band.
The goal of the trial is to increase how quickly and efficiently data can be pulled from a given vehicle, in addition to helping evaluate vehicle performance under extreme race conditions with quicker assessments and less time in the pit lane.
By using motorsports as a test, Qualcomm Technologies can also utilize the trial to assist in the future developments of technologies and applications that could be used for safer road vehicles, as well as the pursuit of the wireless garage.
“It has already been a rewarding journey to work with Qualcomm Technologies to develop technology that helps the team improve performance on track and could ultimately have a big impact on people’s lives,” Toto Wolff, executive director and head of Meredes-Benz Motorsport, said in a statement.
“Qualcomm Technologies’ leadership in vehicle connectivity is advancing wireless technology in our race garages and accelerating progress in the wider automotive industry.”
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The introduction of 802.11ad Wi-Fi technology, race engineers will be provided with more data intensive telemetry, which enable the team to make critical decisions with the aim of making informed decisions.
With changes made to tire regulations for the race season, the tires being significantly wider with different performance characteristics, the increased amount of tire data will become even more critical.
“Today’s rate of innovation in automotive is unprecedented, in both raceways and freeways, demanding increasing levels of performance in connectivity,” Derek Aberle, president of Qualcomm Incorporated, said in a statement. “Qualcomm Technologies has been leading the way in creating a robust 802.11ad ecosystem, helping industry leaders introduce the first commercial smartphones, access points, notebooks and adapters using our 802.11ad chips.
“We look forward to continuing this trial with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team as it will help us learn how we can accelerate bringing the benefits of 802.11ad to these everyday use cases, as well as evolve towards 5G connectivity.”