Qualcomm Technologies is moving to target the transport safety market with communications technology linking vehicles and road infrastructure. Qualcomm said on Oct. 19 it is taking part in the "2026 Gangneung ITS World Congress" at Gangneung Olympic Park and will showcase V2X-based transport safety technologies and solutions, referring to vehicle-to-everything communications.

The ITS World Congress is the world’s largest event where government, industry and academia officials and technology experts gather to discuss intelligent transport system policies, technologies and services. This year’s theme is "One World Beyond Mobility." The agenda includes vehicle connectivity, autonomous driving, smart infrastructure, traffic management, mobility services, AI and data-based systems, and policies and standards.

Qualcomm will run seven demos during the event. Exhibits include expanded V2X, advanced driver assistance systems, or ADAS-based V2X, smart infrastructure and global V2X. Partner products incorporating Qualcomm solutions and products will also be shown. In each demo, the company said it will present use cases in which V2X complements vehicle sensors and connects vehicles, road infrastructure and road users in real time to improve safety and efficiency.

V2X is a technology that enables vehicles, road infrastructure, motorcycles and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians to communicate directly in real time. Cameras and radar can struggle to identify danger when visibility is blocked, but V2X allows vehicles and their surroundings to exchange information even in non-line-of-sight conditions. That is why it can warn in advance of hazards in blind spots and outside sensor detection range. V2X has moved beyond proof-of-concept, and real-world deployments are increasing in many parts of the world. Several countries have built road infrastructure applying V2X, and vehicles equipped with V2X functions have been released and are being used on actual roads.

Kim Sang-pyo (김상표), president of Qualcomm Korea, will deliver a keynote speech titled "Accelerating Transportation Safety." Kim said, "Based on experience leading mobile connectivity innovation for more than 40 years, Qualcomm has led the development of the global ecosystem with various partners from standardisation of V2X technology to commercialisation and real-road deployment." He added, "In Korea as well, we are supporting the building of safer and more intelligent transport systems based on interoperability verification that reflects real road environments," and, "We will continue to enhance road safety and expand new possibilities for future mobility through forward-looking connectivity solutions."