For decades, disaster rescue operations have relied on low-bandwidth mobile technology to communicate in emergency situations. With fast response times imperative to any search and rescue mission, advanced drone technology solutions can improve the successful outcomes of any operation.
At the UAE Drones for Good (D4G) Award event last month, Nokia showcased the potential for network-connected drones to effectively and efficiently search for the trapped and injured in a disaster zone. The innovative “Nokia Saves Lives” initiative makes use of Nokia’s Ultra Compact Network (UCN) to instantly create a high-speed LTE network connecting UAVs with camera abilities with a control centre.
In any disaster area, network connectivity – a critical component of any cohesive rescue operation – is often lost. The Ultra Compact Network is a lightweight, portable, standalone LTE network which re-establishes connectivity to a wide range of essential rescue mission devices and applications, including drones equipped with video/camera capability.
Using this technology, any disaster area can be appointed with a Nokia Saving Lives control centre which utilises Nokia Video Analytics. This provides valuable insights so that rescue crews may quickly take action for a safe and successful search and rescue operation.
By flying in formation and with network connectivity established, a drone convoy is able to transmit video, georeference and other sensory data through the UCN to teams allowing real-time decision making.
A practical demonstration of the application of drone connectivity in emergency response operations was also carried out in Espoo, Finland last year.
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