McLaren Adds Formula-1 5G Tech to Connected Vehicle Applications

McLaren Applied has designed a smaller, lighter version of its 5G intelligent edge antenna, originally designed for use in Formula 1 cars.

The new design, Halo 300, combines the F1 Fleet Connect software with new edge antenna hardware, featuring built-in dual modems, integrated eSIMs and edge computing capabilities.

According to McLaren, the new, small-scale design will allow the connectivity solution to be deployed across vehicle types and applications, from mass transit and mining to vehicle diagnostics and fleet optimization.

“From offering invaluable insight into energy efficiency, scheduling and maintenance for operators, to improving passenger experience through the provision of seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, [Halo 300’s] current benefits are clear,” said Mark Halliday, McLaren head of product and programs. “As we move forward into a new era of autonomy, connected vehicles and AI, an intelligent real-time and reliable data connection will enable transformative advances in the use of vehicles of all kinds, and McLaren Applied’s Halo 300 is the first step on that journey.”

The Fleet Connect technology has already seen successful deployment across high-speed rail networks in the U.K., enabling high-speed passenger Wi-Fi connections. The technology works by splitting data across networks in real time, reassembling it in the cloud to enable consistent connection that avoids the problem of blind spots.

As well as providing passengers with consistent Wi-Fi connection, the system also enables vehicles within the network to transmit real-time data streams to operators, allowing them to monitor vehicle status and environment.