Ericsson and MediaTek have successfully completed a groundbreaking end-to-end (e2e) test, achieving centimeter-level outdoor positioning accuracy directly on a commercial 5G network. This significant milestone utilizes Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology compliant with 3GPP standards.
Bridging the Precision Gap
Traditional GNSS systems typically offer accuracy in the range of several meters. The new approach leverages 3GPP-based RTK technology, which employs a network of reference stations to generate auxiliary data. This data is then efficiently distributed to devices on a massive scale via cellular networks. Equipped with this auxiliary data, devices can in real-time correct for atmospheric signal delays and satellite errors, delivering the high precision required for today’s and future’s digital and spatial awareness applications.
Unlocking New Industrial and Automotive Possibilities
This achievement represents a major leap forward for industrial and autonomous driving applications, where pinpoint location data is critical for mission-critical operations. By integrating RTK correction data into the 5G infrastructure using the LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP), the solution achieves centimeter-level accuracy without relying on proprietary systems or complex external hardware.
The system is reported to provide stable accuracy below 30 centimeters in outdoor environments. This level of precision is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of autonomous vehicles, drones, and industrial robots navigating complex outdoor settings. During the tests, antennas integrated into handheld devices were used, though the report notes that centimeter-level accuracy can be achieved with geodetic-grade antennas.
The Technology Behind the Precision
The core of this advancement lies in the synergy between 5G networks and GNSS RTK. RTK is a technique used to enhance the precision of satellite-based positioning systems. It works by using a fixed base station at a known location to measure the errors in the satellite signals and then transmitting these error corrections to a mobile receiver (the device or vehicle being tracked).
In the context of this test, the 5G network acts as the communication channel for transmitting these corrections efficiently and reliably. The 3GPP standards ensure that this integration is seamless and interoperable with existing and future 5G infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate communication modules or specialized hardware, making the solution more scalable and cost-effective.
Future Implications
The implications of achieving centimeter-level positioning accuracy on a commercial 5G network are far-reaching. For autonomous driving, this means enhanced safety and reliability, enabling vehicles to navigate more precisely, especially in challenging conditions or close proximity to other objects.
In industrial settings, it can revolutionize automated processes. Imagine autonomous mobile robots in warehouses or factories operating with unprecedented accuracy, optimizing logistics and reducing errors. Drones equipped with this technology can perform high-precision aerial surveys, inspections, or deliveries with greater confidence.
This collaboration between Ericsson and MediaTek not only demonstrates the power of 5G as a platform for innovation but also highlights the potential of integrated positioning solutions to drive the next wave of digital transformation across various industries.
