A dragon made up of 1,500 drones lit up the Marina Bay skyline for a mesmerizing nighttime show. Thousands of people gathered to watch the drone show “Legend of the Dragon Gate” to mark the start of the Year of the Dragon in February.
These drones are part of a so-called “drone light show” orchestrated by technology and creativity.
A robust communication network is essential for seamless drone choreography. Each drone communicates with a central control system and receives instructions regarding location, movement, and light color and intensity in real time. Drones typically communicate using unlicensed radio frequency (RF) communications.
Ushering in a new era in drone technology, 5G networks are up to 100 times faster than 4G. Coupled with low latency, the drone can respond to commands almost instantly. This increase in speed opens up possibilities for drone applications, making them more versatile and capable than ever before.
More than just a light show
Drone light shows continue to capture people’s imaginations, but the potential applications of drones in 5G go far beyond entertainment. Industries such as logistics, agriculture, and emergency services are already exploring the benefits of using drones with 5G connectivity. These benefits include increased efficiency, streamlined operations, reduced costs, and new revenue streams.
In Singapore, the Singapore Civil Defense Force deploys drones to deal with critical incidents such as fires. Real-time aerial video transmission of affected areas provides police officers with increased situational awareness, allowing them to make more informed decisions and allocate resources more effectively.
In the logistics industry, drones are being trialled to deliver parcels and medical supplies. This increases delivery speed and operational efficiency.
Equipped with advanced sensors, drones monitor crop health, irrigation, and pest control, enabling precision farming practices that increase yields and reduce resource usage.
5G-enabled drones can quickly transfer large files, making them especially useful for applications such as mapping and live video streaming. It also allows for real-time data collection, transmission, and analysis. Images, scans and videos are sent directly to decision makers for analysis and immediate action.
big possibility
StarHub has been actively exploring and implementing various drone applications on its 5G network. From inspecting buildings to providing real-time monitoring for security, StarHub’s efforts demonstrate the diverse and transformative capabilities of drones in 5G.
There are tremendous opportunities for drone technology in Singapore and the region. The continued evolution of drone technology and advancements in AI, IoT, and data analytics will unlock even more applications and use cases in the future.
For example, integrating drones and AI for autonomous operations could transform industries by enabling 24-hour operations without human intervention. This will be of great help to organizations facing labor shortages.
A vital role in building a smart nation
As Singapore aims to leverage technology to improve the quality of life of its citizens and become a smart nation, 5G drones can play a pivotal role.
The construction sector can use 5G-enabled drones for precise mapping, easier monitoring of project development, and increased accountability for field activities when building new towns.
In the oil and gas industry, where Singapore is one of the world’s leading oil trading and refining hubs, drones can be deployed for inspection and maintenance of infrastructure, especially in remote locations, offshore platforms, and hard-to-reach areas such as high voltage. Lines, inside oil tanks, etc. Having drones tackle such tasks reduces downtime and maintenance costs, improves the efficiency and reliability of energy services, and improves the safety of maintenance staff.
Drones can enhance security and safety by monitoring crowded areas during large events like Taylor Swift concerts or National Day parades.
Building on its experience in drone technology, Singapore can export its expertise, technology and services regionally and globally, further strengthening its position as a technology leader.
The combination of drone technology and 5G networks does more than just create a mesmerizing light show. It heralds a new era of possibilities and applications that will change the way we live, play and work in Singapore.
