Sony and NTT DOCOMO Remotely Control Driverless Sony’s Sociable Cart- SC-1 Over 2,500km—Via 5G Network in Japan

Sony and NTT DOCOMO, jointly announced today that they succeed in remotely controlling Sony’s Sociable Cart (SC-1) entertainment vehicle carrying passengers in Guam from a base in Tokyo, over 2,500km away, via a 5G network. Video of the vehicle’s perimeter was captured with Sony image sensors and sent in real time to a Sony office in Tokyo where the vehicle was driven remotely while the operator watched a monitor, taking advantage of 5G’s low latency, large capacity and extra-high-speed connectivity. The test used a 5G network provided by DOCOMO PACIFIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of DOCOMO.

The SC-1’s image sensors, which exceed human vision, are mounted on the vehicle’s front, rear and sides, enabling high-resolution video of the vehicle’s entire perimeter to be viewed by the remote operator and also passengers watching an on-board monitor. The use of these ultra-high-sensitivity sensors together with high-resolution monitors allows the operator to view surroundings clearly, including at night even without using headlights.

Sony delivers kando (emotion) and reliability by applying its “3R” (reality, real-time and remote) technologies for enhanced mobility experiences in diverse fields, including the SC-1.  DOCOMO will use knowhow obtained through this trial to enhance customer experiences in entertainment fields, including overseas travel, and to address pressing needs such as workstyle reform.