Qualcomm is working with Texas-based civil engineering company Jacobs to deploy cellular vehicle-to-everything technology in the Georgia smart city of Peachtree Corners.

The joint efforts aim to deploy end-to-end smart technology in one of the USA’s first smart city environments powered by real-world connected vehicle technology and infrastructure.

As a part of the working relationship, Qualcomm serves as ecosystem enabler by providing technology, while Jacobs manages the installation commission project delivery. The programme aims to demonstrate the continued momentum of smart cities and spaces, with Peachtree Corners serving as a model for other municipalities as they look to deploy smart programmes.

Peachtree Corners is home to one of the USA’s most advanced smart city ecosystems, with smart connected technologies actively being developed and deployed in real-world conditions. Its Curiosity Lab is home to technology developers and companies enabling the future, while smart connected technology is being deployed across the community, bringing the region to the forefront in the development of the IoT.

Jacobs and Qualcomm are working together to deploy the technology, focusing initially on roadside infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, with the implementation of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X). As a part of the programme, the city will work with Commsignia to feature roadside units (RSUs) equipped with Qualcomm’s C-V2X technology. Utility vehicles will also demonstrate vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) direct communications.

The implementation of C-V2X within the smart city environment not only demonstrates the benefits of C-V2X communications in a real-world setting at scale but showcases C-V2X’s safety critical communication capabilities needed to meet the evolving needs of transportation.

“We are pleased to be working with Jacobs and Peachtree Corners to build out a progressive smart city deployment,” said Sanjeet Pandit, senior director at Qualcomm. “This implementation further exemplifies the value and leadership in the Qualcomm smart cities accelerator programme ecosystem and streamlined end-to-end deployment model capabilities. This C-V2X programme with Curiosity Lab and Jacobs highlights the ability to implement digital road infrastructure to optimise traffic and enable safer streets across global cities. This project is paving the way as an example of what communities can replicate.”

C-V2X direct communication is designed to serve as a key feature for safety and mobility applications. Additionally, C-V2X aids in enabling cleaner and sustainable mobility alternatives as the technology is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 5 and 20%, according to the 5GAA.

“In addition to procuring, installing and testing the internet of things infrastructure, we’re bringing planning expertise to help Peachtree Corners realise its smart city vision,” said Tom Meinhart, senior vice president at Jacobs. “From procurement to closeout, Jacobs and our partners work to improve safety and connectivity, while enhancing digital infrastructure and smart capabilities in the city.”

C-V2X is globally compatible with 5G networks and complements other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sensors, such as cameras, radar and lidar. The C-V2X direct communications are designed to offer vehicles low latency communications for vehicles to broadcast to other vehicles, roadside infrastructure and, in the future and with further optimisations, to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users without the involvement of a cellular network, or cellular network subscription, by operating in globally harmonised 5.9GHz ITS spectrum.

“We’re delighted to welcome Qualcomm to Peachtree Corners, reinforcing our shared leadership in bringing the smart city vision to life in the USA,” said Brandon Branham, chief technology officer of Peachtree Corners. “We’ve always stressed the importance of smart connected infrastructure to support all parts of an ecosystem, from autonomous vehicles and shuttles deployed for residents, pedestrians crossing the road, smart traffic management, public safety to other areas of everyday life. Qualcomm’s industry-leading C-V2X technologies will greatly elevate our infrastructure, making it second-to-none for both technology developers and our residents as we connect more of society and business.”

Through irs smart cities accelerator programme, Qualcomm has acted as a catalyst in enabling end-to-end smart deployments and the digital transformation of smart cities and smart connected spaces globally. Peachtree Corners intends to roll out additional smart services in the future by collaborating with Qualcomm’s smart cities ecosystem and IoT services suite verticals.

With $14bn in revenue and a workforce of approximately 55,000, Jacobs provides a full spectrum of professional services including consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery for the government and private sector.

As the heart of what is being called Silicon Orchard in the metro-Atlanta region, Peachtree Corners, is home to more than 45,000 residents and an innovation hub that houses some of the world’s most disruptive technology companies. It aims to serve as the model for how government and private industry can collaborate to create a better future for society and business. From the world’s first deployment of teleoperated e-scooters to fully autonomous shuttles being used by actual residents, and from a solar roadway to the largest electric vehicle charging hub in the region, Peachtree Corners wants to be where IoT and sustainable technologies come to life for the benefit of its people, and the world.

Curiosity Lab is a 5G-enabled autonomous vehicle and smart city living laboratory in Peachtree Corners. The centrepiece of the lab is a 2.4km test and demo track which provides a real-world environment to explore emerging technologies. Additional infrastructure includes a network operations centre, smart poles, DSRC units, dedicated fibre and a 2300 square metre tech incubator.