Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband and edge compute enable smart drones to navigate weather

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon expands 5G capabilities by bringing its 5G Ultra Wideband and mobile edge computing solutions to the Caltech Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST). This partnership focuses on utilizing 5G technology, AI, and edge computing to help drones monitor and respond to changing weather conditions in real time. The facility features an innovative aerodrome that simulates various environmental scenarios. This research project is supported by Verizon’s funding and several 5G devices, aiming to enhance the development of autonomous drones and explore various industry applications of 5G.

Positive

• Collaboration with Caltech's CAST to enhance drone technology using 5G and AI.
• Deployment of 5G Ultra Wideband will support real-time weather adaptation for drones.
• Verizon providing funding and 5G devices to improve research capabilities.
• Potential for 5G technology to transform various industries through innovative applications.

Negative

• None.

What you need to know:

• Verizon brings 5G Ultra Wideband and mobile edge computing to the Caltech Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST).
  
  
• Researchers are testing how 5G, mobile edge compute and artificial intelligence can help drones detect, interpret and respond to changing weather conditions in real time.
  
  
• To recreate changing environmental conditions, the lab features a three-story-tall aerodrome with more than 2,500 tiny computer-controlled fans that allow simulation of everything from a light gust to a gale.

NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Engineers are exploring how Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, mobile edge compute and artificial intelligence (AI) can help drones detect, interpret and respond to changing weather conditions in real time. Verizon deployed its 5G Ultra Wideband network and edge compute platform at the Caltech Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST).  Researchers are currently testing how the low latency, high speeds and massive capacity of 5G and edge compute can be used to offload the heavy computing hardware that AI usually requires from a drone to the edge of the network, allowing for near real-time interpretation of weather data and near instantaneous in-flight adjustments. 

To recreate the ever-shifting environmental conditions that drones face in the real world, the lab features a three-story-tall aerodrome with more than 2,500 tiny computer-controlled fans that allow engineers to simulate everything from a light gust to a gale. It can also be tilted 90 degrees to simulate vertical take offs and landings. The custom fan wall, designed and built by Caltech graduate students, was also used as the blueprint for building the fan wall that tested the Mars Ingenuity helicopter at JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA. Verizon is providing funding for the one-year drone research project, as well as, several 5G devices and consultation on 5G technology and hardware. 

“By collaborating with CAST researchers, we hope to accelerate the innovation process and development of unmanned aerial vehicles that can autonomously navigate using 5G, edge compute and AI,” said Nicki Palmer, Chief Product Development Officer at Verizon. “This research project is just the tip of the iceberg of what we hope to see tested. The facility and areas of exploration that CAST is working on represent the types of use cases that 5G can really take to the next level.”

This engagement is part of Verizon’s broader strategy to partner with enterprises, startups, universities, national labs and government/military to explore how 5G can disrupt and transform nearly every industry. Verizon operates five 5G Labs in the U.S. and one in London that specialize in developing use cases in industries ranging from healthcare to public safety to entertainment. In addition, Verizon is collaborating with several customers to establish 5G Innovation Hubs on-premises as part of an ongoing initiative to co-innovate and create new 5G applications.

Learn more about Verizon 5G technology here. 

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/. 

Media contact: 
Chris Ashraf
christina.moon.ashraf@verizon.com
(201) 320-4259
@ChrisMoonPR

FAQ

What is Verizon's project with Caltech CAST?

Verizon is partnering with Caltech's Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies to use 5G and AI for improving drone responses to weather changes.

What technologies are being tested in the Verizon-CALTECH partnership?

The project is testing 5G Ultra Wideband, mobile edge computing, and artificial intelligence applications in drones.

When did Verizon announce its collaboration with Caltech?

The collaboration was announced on February 3, 2022.

How much funding is Verizon providing for the drone research project?

The specific amount of funding has not been disclosed in the press release.

What are the potential applications of the Verizon-CALTECH 5G research?

The research may lead to innovative applications across various industries, including autonomous navigation for drones.