Tokyo – January 16, 2023 – NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) is conducting demonstration tests using private 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify traffic conditions and hazards, such as the approach of pedestrians and animals. These tests will be conducted from January to March 2023 in collaboration with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA. The Virginia Smart Roads are one of the only facilities in the world that can conduct these advanced tests and are housed at VTTI, providing a prime location for collaboration and testing.

The use of 5G is expanding throughout a wide range of fields, and demand for 5G networking is expected to continue growing globally. In response, NEC is conducting verification tests in order to develop best practices in effectively using 5G across various frequency bands, technical specifications and other conditions internationally.

During these tests, cameras and private 5G base stations that are installed on signal poles of VTTI’s private testing facility will transmit high-definition traffic images through private 5G, thereby enabling real time analysis of the images using AI.

These tests are being conducted under the commission of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Verification Tests of 5G and Video Analysis Applications Using Traffic Signals in the United States."

Previously, NEC participated in the Public/Private R&D Investment Strategic Expansion Program (PRISM) operated by the Cabinet Office of Japan, where it demonstrated traffic condition and incident detection using private 5G base stations and video analysis.

The private 5G in this demonstration uses the n78 frequency band used by the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) in the U.S., which differs from the n79 frequency band used by private 5G in Japan. In addition, the base stations introduced for private 5G networking align with O-RAN Alliance (*) specifications.

These tests do not use technologies for identifying or authenticating individuals.

Going forward, NEC aims to leverage these tests to develop technologies that contribute to the prevention of traffic accidents and the mitigation of traffic congestion throughout the world.

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About NEC Corporation
NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.