Telecom network and software major Nokia will support a testing facility for using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones for traffic management in Europe.
The facility, at Twente Airport, near Enschede in the Netherlands, will enable Nokia to develop and trial its UAV Traffic Management (UTM) system for using drones in proximity of urban areas, people, manned aircraft, other drones and other objects.
Nokia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Municipality of Enschede, the Province of Overijssel, Unmanned Systems Center B.V. and Area Development Twente. As per the MoU, Nokia will design and deliver the infrastructure to test and develop the Nokia UTM system at Twente Airport through real-life simulations and commercial demonstrations.
The Nokia UTM solution will provide the flight automation, no-fly zone control and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) capability that will be vital for the safe operation of UAVs in densely populated cities and rural areas.
The Nokia UTM platform can be adapted to the individual regulatory requirements of different countries, potentially providing the basis for global standardization of such systems.
During an opening day event of Space 53, the test area at Twente Airport, visitors will be able to see a wide range of demonstrations of UAV uses in agriculture, search and rescue, public safety and airport anti-bird protection.
“UAVs are becoming commonplace tools in many industries, enhancing safety, security, inspection, maintenance and many other activities. This requires more than just a smart drone, but a system of intelligent traffic control that is thoroughly tested and developed,” said Thorsten Robrecht, head of Advanced Mobile Networks Solutions at Nokia.
Meanwhile, Chinese Shenzhen International Airport has employed robots to patrol one of its terminals, making it the first public place in the country to be so guarded. The Anbot robots are oval-shaped and resemble the Star Wars ‘R2D2’ robot or the Daleks from Doctor Who, EFE news reported.
The bot’s face has a digital display and a high-definition camera to take pictures of travellers at one of the country’s busiest airports for analysis.
The role of these devices, for now, is similar to that of a security camera, but with greater mobility as they can move at speeds of up to 18 kph. They are also equipped with a defence mechanism: an extendable arm that produces an electrical current.
AnBot was developed by a university in the central city of Changsha and may be used to patrol schools and banks. The robots can also look for explosives, weapons and drugs and are priced at $15,000.
