5GMED is at the forefront of shaping the future of mobility. The recent panel discussion on Europe and Spain’s connected mobility challenges during the Mobile World Congress 2023 highlighted the essential concepts that will shape the future of mobility and identified the key European actors contributing to it.

Lluís Sergi Sarri i Camargo, Head of Digital Connectivity at Mobile World Capital Barcelona, was in charge of the introduction keynote of the round table. He explained why one of the main challenges of our society is connected mobility and why Spain has a privileged position to lead it in the European Union:

“We have the largest number of 5G pilot projects funded by the European Commission compared to any other country from the EU. That means practical knowledge and expertise on this field, and one of the examples is the 5GMED cross-border project”.

Sarri also highlighted that Spain has the second largest road network and the first large high-speed railway network in Europe. Both of them will be covered by the 5G network three years from now. Also, he mentioned that all the efforts of connected mobility would focus on zero deaths on our roads and railways since traffic safety is a priority.

What are the concepts of the future of mobility?

Mobility is a critical 5G vertical; prioritizing security is crucial in reducing fatalities to zero. Emphasis should be on safety, efficient mobility, and creating a digital ecosystem. Network optimization and cross-border contexts must be considered to prevent data interruptions. Cities must transition towards sustainability by focusing on public transport, interoperability, inclusivity, and empowering citizens to achieve this.

For Laura Sanz, CCAM Strategy Lead at i2CAT Foundation, three key concepts will shape future mobility: safer mobility, with advanced driving assistance systems and automated and connected vehicles to improve the traffic scene; more efficient mobility, with new ways of cooperation with connected cars that will also enhance traffic dynamics; and a digital ecosystem, because data and digital tools are transforming mobility as we understand it today with smart traffic planning and other strategies.

José López Luque, 5GMED Coordinator and Innovation Project Manager at Cellnex Telecom, added the importance of having a network covering all the European territory to improve connection and reduce interruptions; meanwhile, María Paula Caycedo, Head of Innovation Hub South at EIT Urban Mobility, urban mobility should be the number one priority, and the future of mobility must be sustainable.

Who are the game changers?

To bring the forthcoming changes in the mobility sector, i2CAT Foundation performs mission-driven research in different technological areas, such as mobility technology enablers (in-vehicle technologies like sensors, radars, cameras…), testing and validation, connectivity and 5G connectivity, physical and digital infrastructures, and societal aspects and user needs. 

5GMED aims to enhance seamless connectivity and services for users and improve the cross-border experience, not just on roads, but also on railways, while EIT Urban Mobility energises the whole ecosystem to serve cities, enabling and accelerating mobility in urban environments, working with universities and research centres, and the private and the public sectors, to put what they do at the service of citizens.

What is needed to achieve the future of mobility?

Laura Sanz, José López Luque and Maria Paula Caycedo agreed on the following:

• Matured technology, further agreements on applications and requirements, standardization, user acceptance, and collaboration are essential.
• A shift in mindset is necessary, where cities drive new solutions that 5G enables, and regulations benefit society.
• Further network deployment and new business opportunities will also be crucial.

“We still need to improve technology, but deploying the already existing technology further is even more important, to support the connected mobility use cases with 5G in combination with other technologies”, enhanced López Luque. Caycedo added that “the public, the private and the academic sector must work together responding to the agenda of the cities, and to what needs to be improved in our society to achieve a sustainable way of living. Technology is the answer, but what is the question?“, she said, also explaining the importance for citizens to change their mindset and get involved with technological innovations from the very beginning.

You can rewatch it here to dive deeper into the session moderated by Marjorie Grassler, European Projects Communication Executive at Mobile World Capital Barcelona.