Researchers from Finland and the USA have developed a way for drones to measure radio signals in the air that could enable high data rate communication between drones and ground robots for use in urban safety and emergency response missions
The three-year Aerial research project has developed the first elements of a millimetre-wave (mmWave) wireless communication system that could be use by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and ground units, such as cars or robots. The project involved the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering
Aerial researchers have developed and tested the UAS-based mmWave channel measurement system and relevant channel models to help understand how radio signals propagate in the air and around buildings. The research is the first step towards designing a wireless communications system between drones and ground response vehicles or robots.
“Communication with drones involves several technical challenges, such as signal propagation and system compactness issues,” said Professor Sundeep Rangan, from the NYU Tandon School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, who is also the associate director of NYU WIRELESS research center.
“By studying how radio signals behave in urban environments, we can improve the communication between drones and other emergency vehicles. For 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,” said Vasilii Semkin, Senior Scientist at VTT.
Drones and robotic technology could significantly improve emergency response systems in other ways too, according to the researchers. Drones can provide a quick aerial view of a fire or natural disaster site, helping firefighters and first responders make faster, more informed decisions.
“Drones could also monitor the situation on the streets, detect accidents and dispatch help if assistance is required. This project paves the way for 3D wireless systems and the development of smart cities,” says Professor Marco Mezzavilla from NYU Tandon.
VTT researchers designed and developed the hardware integrated into the drone. NYU Tandon focused on developing the software for the UAS-based measurement system, simulation and creating accurate channel models by analysing empirical data.
Global standards and commercial applications
The scenarios mentioned above are made possible by custom software and a channel measurement system designed by the project team. Once the communication between UAS and ground vehicles is established, artificial intelligence can significantly enhance urban safety monitoring by making drones more autonomous and efficient in complex environments.
“Our achievement is especially significant given the size, weight, and power limitations of flying vehicles. We have developed a 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,” Semkin says.
The Aerial project ends next month and the researchers believe more simulation work and further development are required before the results can be widely implemented in commercial applications.
“Our research has established the foundation for future innovations, but we still need to collect more data and fine tune the models before the system can be commercially deployed. Global standards and regulations are required before widespread adoption becomes possible,” Semkin said.
