Arnold NextG Blogspot: Infrastructure, Connectivity & Teleoperation – The invisible backbone of autonomous systems

In recent publications, international expert committees such as ASAM emphasize that the "intelligence" of automated systems is increasingly shifting from the vehicle to a distributed overall system consisting of infrastructure and backend components (ASAM Automated Driving Infrastructure Report, 2024). For OEMs and system integrators, this means that autonomy is a question of system architecture – not just a vehicle function.

Infrastructure as an operational prerequisite

Autonomous vehicles continuously access external data sources. These include high-resolution HD maps with centimeter-accurate route data, up-to-date construction site information, and dynamic traffic signage. This is supplemented by V2X communication, which allows vehicles to receive real-time data from traffic lights, intersections, and other road users.

GNSS correction services significantly increase positional accuracy, while local edge computing nodes preprocess safety-related data, thereby reducing latency. Especially in urban environments or industrial areas, this distributed computing architecture is crucial for stable decision-making processes.

The "Handbook on Autonomous Driving – Public Transport" published by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport emphasizes that infrastructure integration is a basic prerequisite for the regular operation of autonomous systems (BMDV, 2024).

For OEMs, this means that vehicle platforms must be designed to be infrastructure-compatible from the outset. NX NextMotion from Arnold NextG is therefore not only designed as a drive-by-wire system, but also as an integrable motion layer within networked architectures – with defined interfaces for V2X, remote systems, and edge connectivity.

5G, C-V2X, and deterministic latency

Autonomous systems place the highest demands on communication networks. Safety-related data must not be delayed or transmitted without priority. Technologies such as 5G and C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything) address precisely these requirements.

Technical reports from 3GPP and the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) show that 5G latencies in the single-digit millisecond range and network slicing functionalities enable prioritized data streams (3GPP / 5GAA Technical Reports, 2023–2024). This is crucial for autonomous systems if remote assistance or cooperative maneuvers are to be performed safely.

For motion execution, this means that control commands must be implemented deterministically even in the event of external interference. NX NextMotion is therefore prepared for latency-critical communication paths and enables the secure transfer of externally generated driving commands – secured by redundant control paths and fail-operational architecture.

Teleoperation as an operational safety layer

Even in highly automated systems, there are borderline situations: unclear construction site management, manual traffic control, or unmodeled special cases. This is where teleoperation comes into play—not as a substitute for autonomy, but as an additional safety layer. Remote monitoring enables the monitoring of vehicle conditions in control centers. Remote assistance allows interventions at the decision logic level, while remote driving allows complete remote control in exceptional cases.

For teleoperation to be regulatory and technically viable, steering, brakes, and drive must be fully electronic and redundant. NX NextMotion was developed precisely for these scenarios: The platform allows safe remote control of all movement functions while remaining fail-operational – even in the event of partial failures of individual system paths.

Teleoperation is being implemented as part of the operational safety concept, particularly in autonomous freight yards, military logistics convoys, and inner-city shuttle systems.

Industry-specific infrastructure models

Infrastructure is not a universal construct. Different industries require different architectures. In public transport, the focus is on digital stops, remote assistance centers, and clearly defined operating zones. Port facilities operate with closed systems, precise localization, and central control rooms. In mining, private LTE or 5G networks and GNSS-independent navigation solutions dominate. Defense applications require encrypted communication paths, isolated security domains, and real-time override capability.

For OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, this means that motion systems must be flexible enough to integrate into these different infrastructures. Arnold NextG addresses these requirements by designing NX NextMotion as a modular motion platform with open interfaces – suitable for use in civil, industrial, and safety-critical environments.

Infrastructure as a business model

As autonomous systems become more mature, new operating models are emerging. "Autonomy-as-a-Service" approaches bundle vehicles, infrastructure, control centers, connectivity, and maintenance into an integrated overall offering. Industry analyses, such as those by Bitkom (2024), show that these platform models are particularly attractive for cities, logistics operators, and industrial fleets, as they lower investment barriers and enable scaling.

In such scenarios, drive-by-wire is no longer considered a single component, but rather an integral part of an overall ecosystem. NX NextMotion functions here as a motion-oriented execution layer within a networked operating model – compatible with remote systems, OTA update structures, and security-oriented backend integration.

Conclusion: No autonomy without infrastructure

Autonomous vehicles are only as powerful as the ecosystem in which they operate. Connectivity, edge computing power, map services, and teleoperation architectures form the invisible backbone of modern autonomy strategies. For OEMs and Tier 1 decision-makers, this means that scalable autonomy is not achieved through sensors or AI alone, but through the systemic integration of infrastructure, communication, and certified motion execution.

Arnold NextG positions NX NextMotion precisely at this interface – as a fail-operational motion platform within networked, regulatory-compliant autonomy systems.

We control what moves!

more information: www.arnoldnextg.de/blog