Belgian telecom operator Citymesh has adopted Nokia’s Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) to provide Belgium with an emergency 5G automated drone grid. Nokia is supplying Citymesh with 70 DiaB drones, enough to blanket the whole country.

The DiaB drones are equipped with high definition and AI-enhanced thermal imaging and can capture real-time aerial footage – such as smoke plumes, fire parameters, and number and location of people. They are remotely operated from five centralised operations centres, and data they collect is transferred to the control centres before emergency teams have had time to leave. These aerial images help emergency planners identify a plan of action to lives and limit damage to affected assets and natural resources.

Branded SENSE by Citymesh, the 70 drones are being deployed to 35 emergency zones across the country. They will gather information in the critical 15-minute period immediately following a call, ensuring that first responder teams are equipped with full information and can respond effectively to each different situation they meet.

Belgium’s emergency services can receive more than two million calls a year, and typically police and fire brigades are dispatched with incomplete data that can stymie the efficiency of their response. With Nokia Drone Networks, pilots will be able to operate 24/7 and dispatch drones from docking stations strategically located across the country.

Hans Similon, General Manager, Citymesh Safety Drone, 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.”

Thomas Eder, Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions, Nokia, said: “We are proud to be selected by Citymesh as the turnkey 5G Drone-in-a-Box platform provider for SENSE. Our 5G-connected drone platform is a logical extension of our leadership in building nationwide wireless networks. Nokia Drone Networks is a game-changer for operational efficiency of first responders and data security. Enabled by Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), it ensures that collected data is stored locally and stays under the full control of authorities.”

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

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

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