An Australian research lab is aiming to analyze environmental data in real time. Rather than using conventional sensors, the scientists want to register changes in the environment with 5G signals.
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00:00Scientists are using this pool to simulate rising water levels, just like in a flood.
00:06Here, they don't use regular sensors.
00:09Instead, the scientists are developing a new technology called network sensing.
00:135G signals are used to detect changes in the environment.
00:17This mobile communications technology enables real-time data transfer.
00:23We communicate with the mobile networks through our mobile to a base station.
00:28The signal from the base station to the mobile and from the mobile to the base station
00:33are affected by the environmental factors.
00:37When there is rainfall or water level change, these signals will be different.
00:43By analyzing those signal changes, we can obtain the information about flooding and rainfall, etc.
00:51AI is used to analyze the data and to feed it into a digital twin.
00:56The program then visualizes when and where to expect floods.
01:01Conventional weather forecasts use satellite images and complex simulations,
01:06but they don't deliver real-time data.
01:09The traditional method gives you a long-term general forecast.
01:14So, for example, in the next day, next few days, in a big area.
01:20This is useful, but not useful enough for flash flooding forecast.
01:25Using our method, we can give the information about flooding, when it happens,
01:32and also predict when it might happen in the next half an hour, next hour, in what street, at what level.
01:39The accuracy of the information is unparalleled.
01:42It could be incredibly helpful in an emergency.
01:46In February 2022, the Australian city of Lismore experienced the heaviest flooding in its history.
01:52Around 5,000 houses were either destroyed or heavily damaged.
01:57Rescue forces in particular hope to profit from network sensing in the future.
02:04The entire plan is to actually have a well-informed community
02:09that can make accurate decisions based on their own circumstance
02:14and make their own preparations so that in the event of a flood event,
02:18emergency services really aren't all that much required.
02:22That would be the ultimate goal of all emergency services throughout the world.
02:26If we have to respond, it's too late.
02:29As network sensing uses already existing infrastructure,
02:33it's an affordable method for flood forecasting.
02:36The technology works anywhere, as long as there is 5G coverage.
02:42That is a complete game changer where you don't actually have to install physical sensors
02:50that could potentially get washed away or get damaged or need to be maintained on a regular basis.
02:57Network sensing is still being developed.
03:00It is still unclear when and how it will be used.