Nokia and Flying Lion: Taking DIB for DFR and Enterprise to The Next Level
August 27, 2024 | Dawn Zoldi
Nokia, a leading global telecommunications company, has become a world-class B2B technology provider. Drone networks that harness 4G and 5G connectivity for autonomous drones are the core of its new strategy. Flying Lion provides award-winning drone training programs for first responders and on-demand drone services for emergency response and rapid aerial assessments. Now, the two have combined forces.
In this interview, Thomas Eder, Nokia’s Head of Embedded Wireless Solutions with a rich history in communication and radio technology, and Barry Brennan, a 10-year industry veteran who founded Flying Lion, discuss how their companies have forged a strategic alliance to accelerate the growth of turnkey drone-in-a-box (DIB) solutions for drone-as-first-responder (DFR) and enterprise applications in North America…to take DIB to the next level.
Dawn Zoldi: Nokia is renowned for its communications technology. What motivated the company to venture into drones?
Thomas Eder: It started as a corporate social responsibility initiative in 2016. We realized that combining our expertise in cellular connectivity with drone technology could make a significant impact. We aim to leverage our extensive network infrastructure to support new use cases, such as drones for public safety and industrial inspections.
Dawn Zoldi: Barry, Flying Lion has been a pioneer in building and staffing DFR programs. How does this new partnership with Nokia enhance your services?
Barry Brennan: Our goal has always been to enable public safety agencies to use drones effectively and safely. With Nokia’s DIB solution, we can automate many tasks and move towards more autonomous operations.
Dawn Zoldi: Tell us about the Nokia Drone Networks.
Thomas Eder: It’s a turnkey DIB system designed for BVLOS operations, that relies solely on 4G or 5G connectivity. The hardware, including the drone, parachute, and docking station, is manufactured in Finland. The system is built to support continuous and automated drone operations as part of an organization’s or community’s infrastructure, much like cell towers or electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Dawn Zoldi: Can you explain the significance of 4G and 5G for drone operations?
Thomas Eder: 4G and 5G technologies enable real-time communications and data transfer with ultra-low latency, which is crucial for the seamless connectivity needed between autonomous drones and ground control stations, for safe and efficient beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. This connectivity also supports high-definition video streaming and data transmission to provide operators with real-time situational awareness and actionable insights.
Dawn Zoldi: Besides 4G/5G connectivity, what are some of the other features of the drone?
Thomas Eder: The drone is a hexacopter equipped with a parachute for safety. It comes equipped with a dual gimbal HD and thermal camera with 30 times optical zoom. It can also be customized with different payloads, such as a slider scanning sensor, a spotlight, or a loudspeaker, depending on mission requirements. We designed the drone to be suitable for a wide range of conditions including water, dust and weather. Depending on the payload, it can fly between 35 and 55 minutes. We also equip our systems with redundancy features, such as dual modem connectivity, to ensure continuous operation even if one connection fails.
Dawn Zoldi: How does the docking station support the drone’s operations?
Thomas Eder: The docking station is a critical component of our solution. It offers precision landing, fast charging and an integrated heating and cooling system to maintain optimal operating temperatures for the drone. The docking station also handles remote maintenance so the drone maintains constant readiness for deployment. This allows for round-the-clock operations for continuous coverage and rapid response capabilities.
Dawn Zoldi: How does Nokia plan to integrate its drone networks into existing infrastructure?
Thomas Eder: Our goal is to make our drone systems an integral part of existing IT environments. This includes integrating with existing secure VPN services, implementing robust encryption protocols to protect data transmission, conducting regular security audits, adhering to the same IT security standards as other industrial or public safety systems. We aim to provide a seamless and secure solution that fits into an organization’s or community’s broader ecosystem.
Dawn Zoldi: Barry, how does Nokia’s technology fit into Flying Lion’s operations and training programs?
Barry Brennan: Nokia’s DIB solution seamlessly integrates with our operations. It allows us to automate many tasks that previously required manual intervention, such as battery swapping and connectivity maintenance. This automation frees up our personnel to focus on more critical tasks, such as regulatory compliance and airspace management. In terms of training, we are developing programs to help public safety agencies understand and utilize this technology effectively. Our goal is to make the adoption process as smooth as possible by providing support and expertise every step of the way.
Dawn Zoldi: How does Nokia’s technology change the game for public safety agencies?
Barry Brennan: We see this as the next phase of DFR, moving towards fully automated operations. The Nokia DIB solution significantly reduces the need for on-site personnel, by allowing drones to be deployed from a central command center. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances safety by minimizing the risks associated with manual operations. This will also support more effective responses to emergencies through continuous coverage, which will ultimately save more lives. Additionally, the ability to customize payloads and integrate with existing IT infrastructures will open up new possibilities for various applications besides for public safety, such as for industrial inspections.
Dawn Zoldi: Thomas, can you share some examples of how Nokia’s drone networks are being used across different industries?
Thomas Eder: Public safety uses our systems for surveillance, search and rescue and emergency response. Industrial sectors employ them for inspections of critical infrastructure, such as power lines, pipelines, and wind turbines. The high-definition imaging and advanced sensors equipped on our drones provide detailed and accurate data which allows operators to make informed decisions quickly. Operators also use our drones for environmental monitoring, agriculture and logistics.
Barry Brennan: To add onto Thomas’ comments, we’ve also developed a concept of “community drones.” The idea is to have drones that can be used for both public safety and for other municipal tasks, such as infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring and public works projects. By leveraging the downtime between emergency calls, these drones can be utilized for various community services to maximize their utility. This approach not only enhances the capabilities of public safety agencies but also provides valuable support to other municipal departments to benefit the entire community.
Dawn Zoldi: Barry, what advice would you give to public safety agencies that are considering implementing a DFR program?
Barry Brennan: Start by understanding the specific needs and challenges of your community. It’s important to have a clear vision of how drones can enhance their emergency response efforts and improve public safety. Agencies should also invest in comprehensive training programs to ensure that their personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate drones effectively. Partnering with experienced providers like Flying Lion and leveraging advanced solutions like Nokia’s DIB system can significantly streamline the implementation process and maximize the benefits of a DFR program.
Dawn Zoldi: Barry, what are some of the challenges you face when implementing DFR programs, and how does the partnership with Nokia help address these challenges?
Barry Brennan: One of the main challenges we face is ensuring regulatory compliance and obtaining the necessary approvals for BVLOS operations. The partnership with Nokia helps address this challenge by providing a robust and reliable DIB solution that meets regulatory requirements. Additionally, the automation and connectivity features of Nokia’s system reduce the need for on-site personnel, making it easier to comply with regulations and operate safely. Another challenge is training public safety agencies to use this technology effectively. Our collaboration with Nokia allows us to develop comprehensive training programs that cover all aspects of drone operations, from technical skills to regulatory compliance.
Dawn Zoldi: How can public safety agencies get started with implementing a DFR program using your combined solution?
Barry Brennan: Reach out to us at Flying Lion. We offer a range of services, from consulting and training to equipment procurement and leasing. Our team works closely with agencies to understand their specific needs and develop a tailored solution that meets their requirements. We provide comprehensive support throughout the implementation process, so agencies have the knowledge and resources they need to operate their DFR programs efficiently and effectively.
Dawn Zoldi: How does Nokia plan to support the growth and adoption of DFR programs in the U.S. and globally?
Thomas Eder: We work closely with regulatory bodies, industry partners, and public safety agencies to develop and implement best practices for drone operations. Our goal is to create a standardized framework that ensures the safe and efficient use of drones in various applications. We also provide ongoing support and training to our customers, helping them stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in drone technology. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we aim to drive the widespread adoption of DFR programs and unlock the full potential of drone technology.
Dawn Zoldi: What are some of the future developments we can expect from Nokia?
Thomas Eder: We continuously work on enhancing our drone technology and expanding its applications. One of our key focus areas is improving the autonomy and intelligence of our drones through advanced AI and machine learning algorithms. This will enable our drones to perform more complex tasks and make real-time decisions based on the data they collect. We are also exploring new payload options and sensor technologies to expand the capabilities of our drones. Additionally, we are working on further integrating our drone networks with other IoT and smart city solutions to create a more connected and efficient ecosystem.
Dawn Zoldi: How can people learn more about Nokia Drone Networks and Flying Lion?
Thomas Eder: You can search for Nokia Drone Networks online or visit our website for more information. We’re looking forward to collaborating with more partners and expanding our reach.
Barry Brennan: You can reach us at flyinglioninc.com or email me directly at bb@flyinglioninc.com. We’re here to help with any of your drone needs.
Watch the Dawn of Autonomy podcast with Thomas Eder (Nokia) and Barry Brennan (Flying Lion) here.
