Last week, I came across a LinkedIn post by Manoj Chowdary Lingam that initially appeared simple and straightforward. However, as I took more time to reflect on it, I realized the profound implications of what the near future could look like when we find ourselves sitting in a self-driving car. This concept had never crossed my mind until then, and it sparked a series of fascinating thoughts. Upon revisiting the original article, I noticed that Manoj brought a wealth of industry experience to the topic. Given his expertise, I decided to invite him for an interview to gain deeper insights into this rapidly approaching future. Let’s dive into the conversation.
Me:
Hello Manoj! I must say that your article on LinkedIn sparked a deep interest in me. Initially, it seemed straightforward, but as I reflected on it, I began to realize the profound implications of a future where cars drive themselves. I decided to reach out to you for further insights, given your impressive background. Before we dive into that, could you please introduce yourself to our audience?
Manoj:
Hello! It’s a pleasure to speak with you. I’m currently working as a Senior Engineer at Intel, where I focus on cutting-edge wireless technologies, including 5G and LTE. In my previous roles, I’ve worked extensively on CPU performance and benchmarking. I also founded a company several years ago that targeted the education sector during the early days of smartphones. I’ve always had a passion for technology and innovation, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on the future of autonomous vehicles with you.
Me:
It’s great to hear your background! Your experience certainly provides a unique perspective on where the industry is headed, especially with regard to self-driving vehicles. Could you elaborate on your thoughts regarding this rapidly evolving field?
Manoj:
Certainly! In my current role, I work closely with customers, ranging from top smartphone OEMs to automotive manufacturers. I collaborate with them to design solutions that cater to both current and future needs. Given that I’m based in the Bay Area, I have the opportunity to observe many companies testing self-driving cars on the streets here. I can usually identify which tech company a car belongs to based on its appearance. My work on 5G has provided me with a broader understanding of the technological requirements necessary for the future of autonomous vehicles, especially as we move towards a smarter, connected transportation ecosystem.
Me:
You mentioned 5G as a critical component for self-driving vehicles. Could you elaborate on why you believe 5G is essential for the large-scale deployment of autonomous cars?
Manoj:
The adoption of next-generation wireless technology like 5G is crucial for the widespread realization of autonomous vehicles. While self-driving cars can be tested with existing technologies, the scale at which they will eventually operate demands ultra-reliable, high-speed, and low-latency connectivity. Autonomous cars will need to communicate not only with other vehicles but also with infrastructure, such as traffic lights and road sensors. In addition, as these cars transport passengers, they will need to handle high-bandwidth applications like media consumption, virtual meetings, and even immersive AR/VR experiences. All of this will require the capabilities that 5G can provide, particularly in terms of low latency and high throughput.
Me:
That makes a lot of sense. In your original article, you briefly touched on how the nature of activities inside self-driving cars could change. Could you expand on that and describe how people might utilize their time in autonomous vehicles?
Manoj:
Of course. Initially, when autonomous vehicles are first introduced, people will likely be skeptical but also fascinated. However, as they become more ubiquitous and society adapts to this new reality, passengers will find themselves with significantly more free time. This opens up a world of possibilities: passengers will be able to consume high-quality media, such as movies, TV shows, and music, while on the move. Work-related tasks will also be possible, such as attending virtual meetings or collaborating on projects. With the advancement of AR and VR technologies, we could also see immersive experiences in vehicles. All of this will require continuous, high-speed connectivity with ultra-low latency, something that 5G and beyond technologies are well-equipped to support.
Me:
That’s fascinating! It seems like we’re on the verge of a significant shift in how we interact with technology while in transit. What role do you think tech companies will play in the development of autonomous vehicles and their associated in-car experiences?
Manoj:
It’s clear that nearly all major tech companies are vying for a stake in the automotive sector, either by developing their own vehicles or by creating specialized in-car experiences. This is critical for their long-term viability, as vehicles will increasingly become platforms for service and content consumption. The automotive sector represents a massive growth opportunity, and tech companies recognize the importance of shaping how passengers interact with their vehicles.
Me:
Do you think it’s more advantageous for tech companies to build their own cars, or should they collaborate with established automakers to enhance the in-car experience?
Manoj:
I strongly believe that the latter approach—focusing on building scalable and compelling in-car experiences through partnerships with established automotive manufacturers—is the more viable path. The automotive industry has very thin profit margins, and it’s incredibly challenging for new entrants to compete. Tech companies are better positioned to leverage their expertise in software, connectivity, and user experience, while automakers have the expertise in vehicle manufacturing and safety. Think of it this way: today’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are already laying the groundwork for future in-car infotainment systems, and this trend will likely continue, evolving into even more sophisticated and integrated experiences.
Me:
That’s a great point. Finally, could you explain the role of 5G in the next generation of autonomous vehicles, particularly in terms of communication and data exchange?
Manoj:
Certainly. One of the primary requirements for autonomous vehicles is large data throughput to support the needs of both the vehicle and its passengers. However, beyond the need for high bandwidth, low latency is just as critical. Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on real-time communication with other vehicles, traffic signals, road infrastructure, and even pedestrians. These vehicles are equipped with a multitude of sensors, and the need for near-instantaneous data exchange is paramount. 5G technology, with its low-latency capabilities, will enable this kind of communication to happen seamlessly. As these vehicles become more widespread, 5G or even beyond 5G technologies will be essential to ensuring that the systems can communicate efficiently, enhancing both safety and overall performance.
Me:
Thank you for your time and for sharing these invaluable insights, Manoj! It’s been a pleasure hearing your perspective on the future of autonomous vehicles and the role that 5G will play in this exciting evolution. We look forward to seeing more of your contributions to this space.