Samsung subsidiary HARMAN has launched an intelligent software agent that anticipates and mitigates vehicle connectivity discrepancies on the road. The TBOT is designed to optimise automotive high-speed connectivity with low latency, especially when used alongside 5G-enabled technologies and full 5G and 5G-ready Telecommunications Control Units (TCU).

TBOT resides in the TCU, roadside nodes, on the Edge, and in the cloud. Its actions are aimed at changing parameters, adapting behaviours and features of the device, and initiating communication within the ecosystem.

TBOT can predict and optimise available connectivity options to match the bandwidth and latency demands of live streaming, gaming and other performance-demanding applications. This allows for an uninterrupted connectivity experience for drivers and riders, as well as saving money and energy.

The technology is designed to increase cost-savings. Able to anticipate the connectivity status miles in advance, TBOT can prepare for future more costly connectivity zones by increasing its download in free or low-price connectivity areas, driving down the cost of data consumption.

It can also lower energy consumption, boosting vehicle parameters such as battery life by optimising performance, shutting off transmission and reception during periods of no connectivity, thereby decreasing energy usage—and boosting battery life—in both electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional combustion engine vehicles, and reducing range anxiety in EVs.

HARMAN’s TBOT is one of a number of enhancements enabled by 5G connectivity, which will increase in-vehicle communications speed and lower latency across the spectrum. HARMAN’s 5G-enabled telematics suite includes its 5G-ready TCU, which provides scalable mobile network connectivity for connected cars using either the current 4G network infrastructure or the faster 5G network of tomorrow.

“A foundational element of all modern cars on the road today is, of course, connectivity,” said Vishnu Sundaram, Senior Vice President, HARMAN Telematics. “By introducing TBOT into vehicles, we are able to anticipate poor or congested connectivity, thereby mitigating any streaming or latency issues before the driver or passenger even observes a problem. Music streaming can go uninterrupted, navigation functions can continue, and conference calls can be held, even in areas of poor network service.”