Drones Transform Emergency Response with Advanced Communication Technology [VIDEO]

AERIAL Research Project Develops Groundbreaking UAS Communication Systems

The AERIAL research project, a collaboration between VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and New York University Tandon School of Engineering, is advancing drone technology to enhance urban safety and emergency response. This three-year project, concluding in December 2024, focuses on creating advanced communication systems for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to interact with ground units such as cars and robots.

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At the heart of the project is the development of a millimeter-wave (mmWave) wireless communication system, enabling high-speed, real-time data exchange. This innovation could revolutionize how paramedics, firefighters, and police officers respond to emergencies.

Enhancing Emergency Response Through Communication

One of the project’s major breakthroughs is a UAS-based mmWave channel measurement system. The data collected from this system allows researchers to build channel models, forming the foundation for designing wireless communication networks.

“Communication with drones involves several technical challenges, such as signal propagation and system compactness issues,” explains NYU Tandon Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Sundeep Rangan, associate director of the NYU WIRELESS research center.

The benefits of this research are profound. By improving drone communication, emergency response teams can gain critical insights faster. Vasilii Semkin, Senior Scientist at VTT, highlights one example:

“Drones could fly ahead of ambulances, analyse traffic in real-time and provide data to reroute emergency vehicles, helping them avoid congestion. In emergencies, delays of just 1–10 minutes can be critical.”

Real-Time Solutions for Complex Urban Challenges

Drones could also assist emergency responders in other ways. For instance, they could provide aerial views of fire or disaster sites, offering critical information to help first responders act swiftly.

“Drones could also monitor the situation on the streets, detect accidents and dispatch help if assistance is required. This groundbreaking project paves the way for 3D wireless systems and the development of smart cities,” notes Professor Marco Mezzavilla from NYU Tandon.

The collaboration leveraged VTT’s expertise in drone hardware and NYU Tandon’s strength in software development. VTT designed the drone hardware, while NYU Tandon focused on creating a UAS-based measurement system, conducting simulations, and developing channel models from empirical data.

Building the Future of Smart Cities

The project’s results set the technical groundwork for global communication standards and commercial applications. The innovative channel measurement system and custom software aim to improve the autonomy and efficiency of drones in complex urban settings.

“Our achievement is especially significant given the size, weight, and power limitations of flying vehicles. We have developed a unique measurement system that operates at mmWave frequencies and is integrated into UAS. The extensive data collection efforts allow us to develop communication models that could eventually become international standards,” says Semkin.

Although the project concludes in December, more data collection and model refinement are necessary before commercial deployment. As Semkin explains, “Global standards and regulations are required before widespread adoption becomes possible.”

A Collaborative Effort with Global Impact

The AERIAL project, co-funded by the Academy of Finland and the U.S. National Science Foundation, also contributes to the global knowledge database. Its open-science approach ensures the findings are accessible, encouraging further innovation and development.

To learn more about the AERIAL project, visit VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland or NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

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