• Utilizing Eye-Net Mobile Cellular V2X capabilities to integrate their collision prediction algorithm and distributed processing technology into the realm of next-generation urban traffic.
• Formal testing will begging starting in September 2023 for a distributed system designed to efficiently harness real-time and securely generated event data from collision prediction using Vantiq’s event-driven application platform

Japan, Sep. 19 2023 – SoftBank Corporation (“SoftBank“) aims to create a society where everyone, including pedestrians, can move safely in the increasingly complex urban environment, considering the various modes of transportation available. To achieve this goal, SoftBank, in collaboration with Eye-Net Mobile Ltd. (Headquarters: Israel), will begin full-scale verification of the  “Next-Generation Urban Traffic Decentralized System”  utilizing  Eye-Net Mobile Cellular  V2X*(1),  their  collision prediction  solution,  “Eye-Net,”*(2) starting September 2023.

To understand the next-generation urban traffic system, it is essential to monitor the movement without relying on geographical space or specific devices, such as in challenging road conditions. “Eye-Net” offers a solution that can predict collisions with moving vehicles and pedestrians in advance by simply integrating its Software Development Kit (SDK) into communication devices like smartphones and vehicles. It achieves this through an edge server and distributed system on the devices, enabling efficient and low-latency collision prediction. In the increasingly complex urban environments of the next generation, there will be a mix of various mobility options, including cars, personal mobility devices, drones, bicycles, and pedestrians. “Eye-Net” has implemented collision prediction algorithms tailored to these diverse mobility types, and its effectiveness has already been verified to a certain extent through SoftBank’s previous joint demonstrations, both in terms of detection accuracy and performance.

In the context of next-generation urban traffic, there is a need for a system design capable of processing and utilizing the vast amount of collision prediction information generated in real time. Instead of traditional batch processing database design, this initiative adopts an Event-Driven Architecture*(3) to achieve real-time traffic management and dynamic control. This approach enables the provision of high-speed information processing capabilities tailored to the needs of municipalities, public agencies, insurance companies, and other corporate clients.

Furthermore, to improve efficiency, collision prediction using “Eye-Net” measurement data will be conducted via Multi-Access Edge Computing (5G MEC), which supports low-latency 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System) communication. Verification of handovers will also be carried out. “Eye-Net” possesses the capability to efficiently route between mobile devices and edge servers, and this functionality will be applied to develop support for network handovers between 5G MECs. Additionally, SoftBank opened a 5G MEC facility in the Kansai region in July 2023, enhancing the potential for expanding the coverage area of this solution in a low-latency, high-quality, and secure communication environment.

SoftBank’s objective is to contribute to the realization of a society where people can travel with confidence. To achieve this, SoftBank aims to offer the “Next-Generation Urban Traffic Decentralized System” to municipalities in Japan and a wide range of corporate clients starting from the fiscal year 2024 and beyond.

SoftBank’s Executive Officer and Head of Data Infrastructure Strategy Division, Hiroshi Tanba, stated the following:

“Eye-Net Mobile’s distributed collision prediction processing technology represents a groundbreaking effort that accelerates the realization of SoftBank’s vision for the ‘Next-Generation Society Infrastructure.’ By combining distributed computing resources within the mobile network, we can expect a significant contribution towards the creation of a nationwide urban traffic infrastructure that encompasses multiple physically distant cities. Furthermore, by integrating the collision prediction data aggregated within this infrastructure with other urban traffic infrastructures and systems, we can achieve autonomous improvements in collision prediction accuracy and dynamic control of traffic infrastructure. Through this joint verification, we aim to demonstrate the new possibilities for Japan’s next-generation transportation system.”

Dror Elbaz, CEO of Eye-Net Mobile Ltd., had the following to say:

“I am honored to have been chosen for this joint verification with SoftBank, following our previous collaborative efforts. This reaffirms our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance the safety of all individuals, including drivers and pedestrians. Through this joint verification, we hope to demonstrate the potential for our collision prediction solution to protect millions of people in Japan from unexpected accidents and contribute to the realization of a safer transportation society through a novel approach to traffic safety.”

Technology:

*(1): Cellular V2X (C-V2X) refers to a communication technology that enables the exchange of information between vehicles and everything else. Vehicles communicate with various entities, including nearby vehicles, road infrastructure (such as traffic signals and road signs), pedestrians, and networks. Those using mobile networks such as LTE and 5G for communication are referred to as Cellular V2X (C-V2X). C-V2X is expected to be used in areas such as safety services aimed at reducing accidents, autonomous driving, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). Various research and development efforts are being conducted in this field.

*(2): Eye-Net Mobile’s solution is capable of operating on smartphones and utilizes mobile networks to communicate information about vehicles, pedestrians, and more. It employs artificial intelligence (AI) to predict head-on collision accidents and detect dangerous situations in advance. For more details, please refer to this link (opens in a new window).

*(3): Event-Driven Architecture refers to a system that analyzes and processes events (such as user actions or actions performed by other programs) in real-time, based on the Vantiq, Inc. Event-Driven Application Development Platform.

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All other company names and product or service names mentioned in this press release are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

Original Press Release can be found on the SoftBank website here.