A lens antenna made with special glass, developed by Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. has been used in a self-driving bus convoy experiment conducted in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. In this experiment, the lens antenna played a pivotal role in improving stable information transmission between buses in convoy, successfully addressing the challenges associated with
conventional antennas used in standard mobile communication. This technology enables high-speed and high-capacity information communication through millimeter-wave
communication. Self-driving bus convoys, offering increased transportation capacity without the need for additional drivers, are being considered as a way to create region-specific transportation infrastructure and next-generation mobility services. The demonstration experiment aimed to achieve convoying and self-driving of multiple buses through information communication between the leading bus and its followers. The use of lens antennas made with special glass has resolved issues such as communication interruptions during turns in self-driving bus convoying, offering more stable information transmission compared to conventional antennas. Furthermore, it has improved throughput 1 and reduced latency compared to traditional antennas. The lens antenna utilized in this experiment was designed using materials developed by NEG specifically for this demonstration. These lens antennas are adaptable to various conditions and functions, promising versatile applications in various aspects of daily life.