Nokia’s industrial research arm will use LTE-connected drones as part of its ‘Nokia Saving Lives’ project in the Philippines.
Alongside Smart communications and the Philippines Red Cross, the collaboration will use Nokia Bell Labs and LTE-connected drones equipped with cameras and sensors that can be deployed to disaster areas along with a portable LTE-network.
According to local news outlet ABS-CBN, the Philippines was chosen because of the frequent disasters that visit the country.
The project has been set up to facilitate safer and more efficient search and rescue operations while providing backup communication in areas where networks are disabled by a disaster.
Leonardo Ebaio, manager of the PRC emergency response unit praised the drone’s capability to “zoom in on a particular area looking for possible victims,” something which he expects will help the authorities and emergency services in the future.
