5G & automated mobility: Help for elderly & people with disability

HMI Technologies, the Centre for Technology Infusion at La Trobe University, and the iMOVE CRC have completed the 5G aid in automated mobility for elderly and people with disability project. The work was completed in December 2022, and Its final report is available for download below.

The purpose of this research project was to explore how 5G technology could improve the performance and accessibility of connected and automated (CAV) shuttle vehicles. The project team also closely collaborated with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.

Background

A major challenge for autonomous vehicles is the ability to operate without an on-board ‘concierge’ in each vehicle, which the elderly and people with disabilities may need. Vehicles using 5G technology could solve this problem, but that technology has performance and capability challenges.

Global developments are showing how regulation can support innovation in connected transport, such as Germany’s framework enabling autonomous vehicles with remote operation under defined conditions. From 2022, Germany authorised the regular use of SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles with 5G connectivity, allowing remote oversight and control. The regulation distinguishes between remote assistance, where the system drives independently with human support available, and remote driving, where a person remotely performs real-time driving tasks.

While such frameworks show what’s possible with consistent connectivity, Australia’s network coverage is still catching up. As at November 2025, Telstra’s 5G network covers 95% of the population, but not all project test sites had reached that level during the period of the trials.

Methodology

HMI led the project, which trialled 5G and 5G-enabled use cases in a precinct with public-grade 5G coverage to boost CAV accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities.

The 5G remote control and monitoring architecture included onboard cameras, network switches, and mini PCs that linked control commands to the internet. These were connected to a remote-control unit equipped with a USB joystick for some of the trials.

The objectives were:

• Standardise 5G testing and reporting: Set up a consistent, transparent process for evaluating 5G performance in autonomous vehicle environments to build public and customer confidence
• Test and validate 5G performance: Conduct and independently assess key operational and technical trials to ensure reliable, evidence-based results, and
• Improve accessibility and user experience: Work with elderly passengers and people with disabilities to test and refine features that make automated mobility safer and more inclusive.

The project used the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard of 100 milliseconds (ms) as a target or benchmark for latency. Latency is how long data takes to travel from one point to another and back.

Sydney Olympic Park trial

The Sydney Olympic Park trial was conducted from July to September 2022 using 4G Telstra/Vodaphone internet reception. Despite the 4G reception, the latency scores met ETSI standards.

Remote monitoring and control via 5G

Although congestion at the test sites affected bandwidth, the team’s solution maintained stable performance, with latency levels nearing ETSI’s standards. So, the latency was higher than standards, but the system’s overall performance, such as remote monitoring, obstacle detection, or safety response, was still acceptable in practice.

La Trobe University Bundoora campus trial

The Melbourne trial, conducted at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus in August that year using Optus 5G, achieved a 50% reduction in latency compared to the 4G performance recorded in Sydney.

Conclusion

The project’s review of 5G performance measurement standards identified ETSI as the benchmark.

Testing in Sydney and Melbourne showed that both 4G and 5G networks met the performance standards needed for vehicle operations supported by roadside units (RSUs), especially for detecting obstacles. RSUs worked reliably at all test sites, whether using 4G or 5G.

The 5G network delivered wider coverage, faster data speeds, and lower latency, meaning data was transmitted more quickly and smoothly. This allowed vehicles to handle complex road situations with less manual intervention and enabled effective remote monitoring and control.

By using RSUs, vehicles can detect obstacles earlier, reduce sudden stops, and lower the risk of falls. This makes travel smoother, safer, and more comfortable, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities.

Zao X software offered an effective remote monitoring and control system, achieving latency levels that met the standards set by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

Feedback from people with disabilities was generally positive. The Cellular Access Control app helped reduce concerns about the absence of a driver, but satisfaction was lower among some participants due to the use of a manual rather than automated ramp during the trial. To guide future improvements, the project team developed resources outlining global accessibility and design standards.

The next five steps for the project include:

1. Integrate the Cellular Shuttle Control end-user app into the service offering
2. Redesign the shuttle and install an automated access ramp
3. Develop an RSU with a general C-ITS framework for all traffic environments
4. Set up remote monitoring, control standards and practices, and
5. Secure an airport partnership to deploy the world’s safest and most accessible automated shuttle service.

Download the final report

Download your copy of the final report, Automated Mobility for Elderly and People with Disability How 5G Can Help, by clicking the button below.