Cohda announces advanced V2X connectivity solution

CEO Paul Gray displays the MK6 OBU (left) and RSU. (Photo: Cohda Wireless)

Cohda Wireless has developed an advanced and versatile V2X connectivity solution to help pave the way for the introduction of connected vehicles on smart roads and highways across the globe.

The MK6 RSU (roadside unit) and OBU (onboard unit) offer a comprehensive connectivity capability as standard features, including DSRC, C-V2X, LTE/5G and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth.

The Australian-headquartered company believes the MK6 will expedite the rollout of cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) around the world. Cohda’s V2X stack and applications are widely deployed in the industry, and the MK6 is the company’s most capable, versatile and powerful platform to date.

The dual concurrent technology capability of the MK6 gives users the reliability, flexibility and interoperability needed to embark on deployments with confidence, no matter where they are in the world, said Paul Gray, Cohda Wireless chief executive officer.

“More and more cities across the world are actively embarking on initiatives to introduce connected vehicles on their roads and we developed the MK6 with the intent that it would become the undisputed connectivity solution of choice,” Gray explained.“City transport authorities want to invest confidently in future-proof products, and when they equip their traffic lights and other roadside infrastructure with the MK6 Road-Side Unit, they are deploying a road-ready solution that can reduce congestion and road accidents.”

The MK6 also offers improved security and processing power for unique and complex applications, Gray said.

In developing the sixth-generation MK6, Cohda applied its experience and involvement in some of the world’s most prolific trials and deployments, including the 3,000-vehicle New York Connected Vehicle Project as well as Australia’s largest connected vehicle pilot, the Ipswich Connected Vehicle Project.

Cohda’s technology has featured in two production vehicle platforms, most recently in 2019 when Volkswagen equipped its Golf 8 production model with Cohda’s V2X. Volkswagen is the second manufacturer to incorporate Cohda’s V2X technology in a production vehicle in readiness for an impending connected road transport system.

“We are approaching a tipping point and we expect the MK6 to be a catalyst for increased momentum,” explained Gray.

“The MK6 is the all-rounder solution that makes it easy for the entire industry, especially cities and transport authorities, to participate in the evolution of the world’s transport systems,” Gray added.

The MK6 features the RoadLink SAF5400 and SXF1800 chipsets from NXP Semiconductors, as well as the Qualcomm Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF Platform. It will be available in December.