Innovative Drone Communication Systems: The AERIAL Project
The AERIAL project, a joint effort by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and NYU Tandon, is changing how drones communicate to improve city safety and emergency operations.
This project focuses on crafting a mmWave wireless system for quick data sharing, crucial for aiding paramedics, firefighters, and police during urgent situations.
Boosting Emergency Efforts with Better Communication
One standout achievement is the UAS-based mmWave channel measurement system. This technology helps researchers understand communication channels better, which is essential for building wireless networks.
Professor Sundeep Rangan from NYU Tandon mentions the technical hurdles in drone communication, like signal issues and system size.
Improved drone communication means emergency teams can get vital information faster. Vasilii Semkin from VTT gives an 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.”
Solving Urban Problems with Real-Time Data
Drones might also help responders by showing aerial views of fires or disasters, giving useful info quickly.
They can also check streets for accidents and send help if needed. Professor Marco Mezzavilla says this project supports creating smart cities with advanced wireless systems.
VTT focused on drone hardware, while NYU Tandon worked on software, simulations, and model creation using real data.
Shaping Smart City Futures
The project’s work lays the foundation for future communication standards and commercial uses. It’s all about making drones more independent and effective in busy cities.
“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.
Despite wrapping up in December, more work is needed to refine models before they hit the market. Semkin notes that global rules are key before these advances can spread widely.
Worldwide Collaboration for Progress
Funded by both the Academy of Finland and the U.S. National Science Foundation, the AERIAL project adds to the global knowledge pool. Its open approach invites further innovation.
For more insights, visit VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland or NYU Tandon School of Engineering.
Sometimes, people wonder what else drones could do in the future.
