LG Electronics has showcased its Internet of Things – Non-Terrestrial Networks (IoT-NTN) technology at the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) conference in Paris, France.

The highlight of the event was a live demonstration conducted throughout Paris, featuring a vehicle equipped with next-generation IoT-NTN-based Telematics Control Units (TCUs). This demonstration marked the first instance of uninterrupted, conversation-level voice communication while seamlessly switching between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network environments.

IoT-NTN is an advanced communication network system that integrates satellite communication and high-altitude platform stations. This system ensures connectivity via satellite in areas unreachable by terrestrial networks (TN) such as 3G, 4G and 5G. It supports crucial applications like autonomous driving, vehicle tracking, remote control and emergency communication.

To further advance this capability, LG has developed a next-generation solution that incorporates AI-powered voice compression technology into its IoT-NTN system. This innovation significantly reduces the size of voice messages, overcoming the data limitations that previously confined satellite communication to short emergency text messages, and expanding its capabilities to include voice transmission. As a result, voice message transmission speeds are more than ten times faster. The technology goes beyond simple voice message exchange, enabling actual two-way conversations. In emergency situations, vehicle occupants can press a single emergency call button to send a voice-based distress signal and describe the situation without needing to type a text message or perform additional actions.

During the conference, LG set up both NTN and TN zones and conducted a live demonstration by driving a vehicle equipped with demo equipment on actual roads. Visitors experienced the system firsthand by sending voice messages from a TN area and receiving them in an NTN area, and vice versa, highlighting seamless network switching. To support this capability, LG developed a cloud-based service platform that extends vehicle satellite communication capabilities and connects them to TN, elevating the user experience enabled by IoT-NTN technology.

“Our IoT-NTN technology represents a leap forward for seamless, reliable connectivity for vehicles in the most remote or challenging environments,” said Lee Sang-yong, head of VS R&D laboratory at the LG Vehicle Solution Company. “By enabling real-time voice communication via satellite, we’re not only enhancing driver safety but also laying the groundwork for the next generation of connected mobility solutions.”

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Categories: 5G, Articles, Mobile

Tags: 5G, IOT, LG