ALADIN 5G
An advanced low altitude data information system for disaster relief
Creating a network
infrastructure
Setting up a mobile 5G network by using 2 „Nomadic Nodes“ with a tethering drone carrying the antennas
Connection to operating equipment
Adapting operating equipment to the 5G-technology (Tracked Vehicle and Observation Drone with 8 hours flight time)
Integration of
rescue workers
Integrating the rescue workers into the project by using special technologies like the EVO (Edge Video Orchestrator)
ALADIN
ALADIN is a publicly funded project which addresses the current deficiencies faced by blue-light services while resolving emergency situations in remote areas through enabling them with state-of-the-art communication infrastructure, in addition to digital tools and devices for use in action.
Surveillance and fire fighting in areas with unpredictable obstacles render emergency teams helpless, ALADIN aims to create a safe passage for emergency services through knowledge by determining a safe path to drive along in dangerous areas which are often impossible to navigate due to a blazing fire, unexploded bombs, or other contaminations.
Disaster relief is provided by setting up a forward-thinking telecommunication infrastructure whereby a dynamic satellite assisted 5G-campus network is created to facilitate communications in remote areas. With the telecommunications set up, further assistance is provided using surveillance drones which gather and disseminate real-time videos and images to create a live overview of the situation while unmanned fire engines ensures “safety in action”. The 5G network thus empowers the teams through creating knowledge and enabling control of unmanned vehicles.
To demonstrate a “wildfire scenario”, the 5G network will be installed at the Schönhagen airfield in Brandenburg, Germany. The flexible data transmission coupled with the deployment of observation drones and the remote-controlled fire engine will be tested there.
Observation Drone
The Autonomous Flying Testbed for Integrated Sensor Systems – New Generation (ATISS NG) will be used as an observation drone. ATISS NG aligns to the task of combating wildfire and disaster management scenarios with its long airtime of 8 hours and its rugged design which provides protection against environmental influences and obstacles. It impresses with its maximum takeoff weight of 25 kg and a payload of 10 kg.
Value added by 5G for the Implementation
In the field of “rescue systems and disaster management” very high demands are set for communication infrastructure. The control of unmanned and highly autonomous systems, as well as transmitting pictures and enabling communication in remote areas needs to be ensured. 5G performance such as bandwidth capacity, low latency, availability, and security harness the required technicalities needed in disaster relief scenarios. Two Edge Cloud based 5G Nomadic Nodes of Fraunhofer-Institute for open communication systems (FOKUS) will be used.
The drone as a 5G-base station
A drone with a tethering cable shall extend the range of the 5G network with the help of sector antennas.
Power supply and data transmission are implemented by a tethering cable which connects the drone to the ground. To be able to carry the antennas and cables an octocopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 120 kg will be used. Complete redundancy and a parachute system are also integrated into the drone. It will also be able to fly under all kind of weather conditions, day and night.
Edge Video Orchestrator (EVO)
The use of the EVO provides an almost latency free transmission of audio, video and telemetry data. This makes it the best option to send signals to remote controlled robots, fire engines and drones via 5G. A smartphone and computer application will provide the opportunity of bundling different data and will give a good overview over the situation for the operations command and control center.
Tracked Vehicle CT25
The fire engine will be based upon the CT25 tracked vehicle. The midweight, remote controlled tracked vehicle is designed for transports in difficult terrain with obstacles, small slopes and for the use in tight spaces. The high payload of 30 tons makes it possible to adapt and test fire-fighting systems. To simulate a real scenario, the vehicle will be supplied with continuous water supply and various resources like monitors, extinguishing lance, pumps, and others will be integrated.
The picture shows the tracked vehicle during the second test week in september 2022 with the fire-fighting system.
