Nokia drone system employed for Belgian first responders

Nokia has announced a contract with Belgian telecom operator Citymesh to supply its Nokia Drone Networks platform with 70 drone-in-a-box (DiaB) units. This is enough to blanket Belgium with a 5G automated drone grid that informs and speeds resource mobilisation in emergency events.

The drones, branded SENSE by Citymesh, are deployed in 35 emergency zones across the country and will gather information during the critical 15-minute period immediately following a call, ensuring first responders are equipped to respond to each situation.

Emergency services in Belgium can receive more than two million calls a year and first responders are typically dispatched with incomplete data that can affect the efficiency of their response. The drone network will allow pilots to operate 24/7 and dispatch drones from docking stations strategically located across the country.

Equipped with high-definition and AI-enhanced thermal imaging, the drones can capture real-time aerial footage, such as smoke plumes, fire parameters and the number/location of people. This information will be transferred to call centres before emergency teams are even dispatched, making it easier to identify a plan of action that can save lives and limit damage to affected assets and natural resources.

Citymesh Safety Drone General Manager Hans Similon said, “SENSE is a great example of how technology can save lives. We’ve been impressed with Nokia as our partner for reliable wireless connectivity and an outstanding turnkey drone-in-a-box solution that we can customise to our specific needs. Together, we’re making Belgium safer and proving just how innovative we are as a nation.”

Nokia Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions Thomas Eder said the drones would be a “game changer” for the operational efficiency of first responders and data security. Nokia Drone Networks, enabled by Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), ensures that collected data is stored locally and remains under the control of authorities.

The nationwide availability of SENSE follows pilot projects in the Fluvia fire brigade in Kortrijk, Brussels Airport Company, Port of Antwerp-Bruges and in the city of Genk, with the support of the Federal Public Service Economy.

The Nokia Drone Networks solution connects to both public and private 4G and 5G networks to enhance situational awareness for first responders and other professionals. It also complies with aviation regulatory bodies such as EASA in Europe and FAA in the United States. It can be operated remotely.

The platform is equipped with a dual gimbal camera, docking station and edge data processing, supported by an open API framework that allows integration of third-party applications to expand its capabilities for a wider range of use cases.

Image credit: Nokia