This research focuses on developing a proof of concept for testing V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication algorithms using a mixed-reality environment. V2X technology is critical for the future of transportation, especially for enhancing safety, reducing emissions, and improving traffic efficiency through cooperative, connected, and automated mobility (CCAM). Testing these communication-based systems in real-world scenarios is complex and expensive because it requires numerous vehicles and infrastructure. To address this, the research introduces a cost-effective mixed-reality solution that combines real vehicular communication hardware with simulated traffic environments.

The main innovation in this study is the use of a mesoscopic communication simulation, which aggregates communication data from numerous virtual vehicles into a single node. This method allows the simulation to run in real-time, providing scalability while maintaining realistic communication patterns. By integrating the simulation with real vehicles through a Road-Side Unit (RSU), the system mimics the communication load of an entire traffic environment, allowing testing with fewer physical resources.

The research demonstrates how this method can be used to simulate complex traffic scenarios and vehicle communication in a realistic, scalable, and cost-effective way. The key conclusion is that this approach significantly reduces the need for expensive large-scale physical testing, while still providing reliable data on how V2X algorithms perform under real-world conditions. This work lays the foundation for further testing of V2X technologies, potentially accelerating their deployment in real-world transportation systems.