Halo Launches 5G-Powered Remote Car Service in Las Vegas

The Dawn of 5G-Powered Driverless Car Services

For several years, the potential of 5G technology to enable driverless cars through remote operation has been largely theoretical. However, this is poised to change with a new collaboration.

Halo, a Las Vegas-based startup, and T-Mobile are joining forces to introduce a driverless electric car service in Las Vegas, scheduled to launch later this year.

How the Service Will Function

Initially, the service will utilize a fleet of five vehicles. Users will connect with Halo’s vehicles through a dedicated mobile application.

Upon request, a remote operator will guide a vehicle to the user’s location. Once delivered, the user assumes control of the vehicle for the duration of their journey.

Following trip completion, the remote operator will regain control and transport the vehicle to the next awaiting customer.

A Different Approach to Autonomy

Halo’s strategy diverges from companies like Waymo and Cruise, which are focused on developing complete self-driving systems aiming for full human removal.

Instead, Halo vehicles will incorporate nine cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors as a safety net – notably excluding lidar.

Connectivity will be established with remote operators via T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity midband 5G network.

Network Flexibility and Long-Term Goals

According to Halo CEO Anand Nandakumar, the service is designed to operate on both extended range low-band 5G and LTE networks when necessary.

Halo’s vehicles will feature an algorithm that continuously learns from human driving input, creating a feedback loop intended to achieve Level 3 autonomous capabilities over time.

Level 3 autonomy, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, allows for driver disengagement under specific, limited conditions.

Addressing Challenges and Building Trust

“Achieving full autonomy presents significant technical and societal challenges that will require years to resolve,” Nandakumar stated.

“Halo is designed to overcome these hurdles by incrementally building automation, starting with a solution that fosters consumer confidence from the outset.”

The vehicles will also be equipped with an advanced safe stop mechanism, designed to immediately halt the car upon detection of a potential safety risk.

Collaboration and Investment

Halo’s participation in the 5G Open Innovation Lab, co-founded by T-Mobile, has provided access to the telecom’s engineering expertise and mid-spectrum network.

Nandakumar refrained from confirming whether T-Mobile has made a financial investment in the company.

This partnership represents a significant step towards realizing the practical applications of 5G technology in the realm of autonomous transportation.