Milton Keynes Council is preparing to run a series of trials on the use of 5G in mobility services.
It has secured £4.1 million of funding from various sources, including £2.3 million from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, for its MK5G Create programme to be run from Stadium MK through February and March.
The trials will include the use of driverless shuttles and road vehicles for moving people and goods across the stadium site, autonomous surveillance vehicles and drones for enhancing security, and testing out robots and drones for goods delivery and hospitality use.
Partners include BT, Appyway Parking, RDM, Imperium Drive, Metaswitch, MK Dons, Neutral Wireless, City Fibre, Smart City and the Connected Places and Satellite Applications Catapults.
Council Leader Pete Marland said: “This is another important step in Milton Keynes’ journey as a modern, sustainable and forward looking city for the future.
“Smart city projects like ours can do a lot to inspire and empower other major venues around the world to create better, greener experiences for visitors and staff, and boost their efficiency. Yet again Milton Keynes will be leading the way.”
Exciting future
Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Milton Keynes Council and MK Dons to demonstrate the exciting future ahead for Britain's biggest stadium venues.
“Our 5G Create funding will test potential uses for 5G drones, driverless vehicles and robots to boost efficiency and create better experiences for visitors and I look forward to sharing the valuable insights gained from this trial with venues across the country.”
Logo by Nicosariego, CCBY-SA 4.0
Image of Stadium MK by Steve Daniels, CC SA 2.0
