5G-ROUTES was launched to address a key challenge in Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM): the need for reliable, uninterrupted, seamless cross-border communication to support advanced CAM services across transportation modes. As connected vehicles, autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure become increasingly data-driven, ensuring service continuity across EU borders is vital for safe and efficient operations. A key issue is the lack of validated, interoperable 5G infrastructure than can operate across multi-domain and multi-operator environments. Differing regulations, technical standards, and service providers, make cross-border CAM deployment complex. Prior efforts based on 4G or 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) networks have not met the ultra-reliable, low-latency, high-throughput requirements of next-generation mobility.
This challenge has substantial societal relevance. Transport accounts nearly 25% of EU's greenhouse gas emissions, while inefficient infrastructure add both environmental and economic costs. Robust 5G-enabled CAM systems can improve road safety, traffic flow, sustainability, and passenger convenience. Seamless cross-border mobility also aligns closely with the EU’s Digital Single Market and Green Deal ambitions.
Overall Objectives:
The core aim of 5G-ROUTES was to validate the latest 5G features and 3GPP specifications through advanced field trials of innovative CAM use cases in real-world, cross-border context. Trials took place across the ‘Via Baltica-North’ corridor (Latvia, Estonia, and Finland), to accelerate deployment of end-to-end interoperable CAM ecosystems across EU’s digitised trnasport routes.
To achieve this, the project focused on:
1. Development of Innovative CAM use cases
Design and implement advanced, commercially viable use cases in automotive and maritime domains, including cooperative driving, infotainment, logistics, and maritime operations.
2. Requirements Analysis and Trial Preparation
Define technical, business, regulatory, and security needs to support cross-border CAM trials.
3. Advancement of Enabling Technologies
Enhance key 5G technologies—network slicing, edge computing, AI-based service continuity, and high-precision positioning—integrated into multi-domain systems.
4. Infrastructure Setup and Integration
Deploy terrestrial and maritime 5G setups, integrate enabling technologies, and prepare lab environments for rigorous testing.
5. Field Trial Validation
Conduct large-scale trials to validate 5G performance against targeted KPIs and standards, proving commercial viability.
6. Business Model and Innovation Management
Develop sustainable business models and exploitation strategies, ensuring commercial readiness and IP protection.
7. Contribution to Standardisation
Identify gaps and contribute to 5G standardisation through collaboration with key SDOs (e.g. 3GPP, ETSI, ITU).
8. Scale-Up and Impact Dissemination
Disseminate results, engage industry stakeholders, and provide policy recommendations to support long-term deployment and scaling across Europe.
