It’s hoped new technology could help mountain rescue teams locate stranded hill walkers faster.
Abertay University in Dundee has teamed up with English based developers JET Connectivity to create a 5G-powered drone.
Developers have shown off the technology to Scottish Mountain Rescue, who say it would allow more of its volunteers to view drone footage live, even if they’re not in the area.
“It gives us the potential of letting our team back at base or in a control vehicle, know what’s going on the hill, without us having to record it onto the controller and go back down the hill,” said Alistair MacIntyre, from the charity’s Search and Rescue Aerial Association.
“It gives them a live image of what’s going on, there and then.
“This technology gives us another tool to add to our toolbox to allow us to do our job to an even higher standard.”
The developers who specialise in offshore 5G communications say the technology would allow people to remotely view the drone footage, no matter how far away they are.
“We’ve developed everything from scratch, all the equipment has been built so it’s pop up, quick to connect,” said Izzy Taylor from JET Connectivity.
“Instead of your standard 5G mobile networks, where you have to plug them into the mains and put up huge masts, ours is just turn up with our own power and off it goes.
“That’s the completely new thing about ours, it all works over radio so you don’t need cables or separate power.”
The project has been funded through the Tay Cities Deal.
“Our involvement is to provide 5G advice and also to look at the cyber security of the network,” said Laith Al-Jobouri, a senior lecturer in emerging technologies.
“It’s important to have a look at the cyber security of a new technology to ensure our information is safe.”
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