In an impressive technological feat, Telia, the Swedish telecom giant, has demonstrated the use of drones equipped with 5G base stations to facilitate remote control of forestry machinery. This innovative approach not only showcases the potential of 5G technology but also highlights a significant advancement in the application of drones in industrial operations.

Telia’s pioneering project is a collaboration with several key partners, including Ericsson, Volvo, Mid Sweden University, Biometria, Skogforsk, and SCA. Co-funded by Vinnova, Sweden’s government R&D agency, this initiative has been underway since late 2021. The initial phase involved remotely controlling timber loaders at SCA’s timber yard near Timrå. The recent successful test in Virsbo, about 100 miles northwest of Stockholm, marks a significant milestone in the project.

Extending Connectivity to Remote Areas

In May, a drone equipped with a portable 5G base station extended coverage to a remote forest area, allowing a forwarder machine to be controlled from a distance. The drone provided connectivity within a range of 3 kilometers, while the forwarder’s operator was situated 80 kilometers away in Uppsala. This achievement proves that large vehicles can be effectively controlled via a drone acting as a mobile network base station.

Magnus Leonhardt, head of strategy and innovation at Telia Sweden’s B2B division, emphasized the broader implications of this technology. “This creates completely new and flexible opportunities to connect businesses that work in areas with insufficient network coverage,” he said. Beyond forestry and agriculture, this technology could be pivotal in disaster areas where traditional mobile coverage is compromised.

The Economic Significance of Forestry in Sweden

Sweden’s forestry industry is a major economic driver, covering approximately 75% of the country’s landmass. It ranks among the world’s top exporters of pulp, paper, and sawn timber, with exports valued at SEK 184 billion ($17.6 billion) in 2023. The sector employs around 120,000 people, underscoring the potential impact of Telia’s technological advancements on this significant market.

While Telia has not disclosed the specific frequency used in the latest test, the 2021 trials utilized mid-band 3.5-GHz spectrum known for its high throughput and low latency. The backhaul interface remains unspecified, but cellular connectivity seems the most viable option, given the latency constraints of satellite communications.

The successful deployment of a 5G-enabled drone base station is noteworthy, especially as current commercial drone use cases have largely focused on controlling drones themselves via macro networks. This innovation opens new possibilities for industries operating in remote locations, such as mining and quarrying.

Next Steps in Remote-Controlled Machinery

Telia and its partners are not stopping at timber forwarders. The next phase involves testing the remote control of a soil preparation machine, a much heavier and more challenging vehicle to operate in inaccessible terrains. According to Petrus Jönsson, researcher and deputy program manager at Skogforsk, the goal is to enhance the working environment for drivers who currently face harsh conditions.

Telia’s successful integration of 5G technology with drones to control forestry machinery remotely is a groundbreaking development. It promises to revolutionize not only the forestry industry but also other sectors requiring robust and flexible connectivity solutions in remote areas. As the project progresses, it will be exciting to see how this technology evolves and its potential impact on various industries.

This innovative use of drones and 5G base stations marks a significant step forward in leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve real-world challenges, making remote operations safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

Source: Telecoms.com

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