The automotive test centre HORIBA MIRA is teaming up with Vodafone to install a 5G private network at its track near Nuneaton.

The companies say the 5G mobile private network, with its ultra-fast speeds and low latency, will assist in the development of driverless vehicles at the site and could enable HORIBA MIRA’s clients to accelerate the development of autonomous driving technologies, such as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.

Vodafone says the 5G MPN at HORIBA MIRA’s testing centre builds upon and complements Vodafone UK’s work with Midlands Future Mobility to help enable the development of self-driving vehicles across the West Midlands. Vodafone UK has also been deploying 5G MPNs at other industrial sites across the country, from Centrica’s gas plant in Easington, Yorkshire, to Ford’s factory in Essex.

Anne Sheehan, Business Director, Vodafone UK, said, “Our 5G technology makes self-driving vehicles on our roads not just a possibility, but a reality. This mobile private network will play a huge role in supporting HORIBA MIRA’s cutting edge work on the development and testing of driverless technologies.”