Bristol Harbourside has embarked on an innovative project to leverage 5G technology to enhance visitor safety. The initiative aims to prevent accidents by utilising advanced telecommunications and smart city infrastructure, marking a significant step forward in public safety measures.
The 5G Smart Tourism project, spearheaded by WECA, has successfully launched its first phase of testing. This initiative focuses on using 5G simulation and thermal cameras to monitor specific entry points along the harbour wall, aiming to promptly alert emergency services in case of incidents.
Implementing 5G Technology for Safety
The trial involves the installation of thermal cameras around the water’s edge at specified trigger points. These cameras are connected to the city council’s central operations centre. The system is designed to generate alerts when a person falls into the water, enabling quick response from emergency services.
Remarkably, within 36 hours of the trial’s commencement, the system was activated when a pedestrian fell into the harbour. Thankfully, bystanders were able to rescue the individual, illustrating the system’s potential to enhance safety without immediate intervention from emergency services.
Innovative Collaboration
The project is a collaborative effort involving Bristol is Open, Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol, and Zeetta Networks. Initiated on 31st October 2018, the trial was focused on an area known for its high visitor traffic and risk of accidents.
Julie Snell, CEO of Bristol is Open, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is a fantastic example of what a smart city can do. We’ve put Bristolians and those who visit our city at the core of what we do.”
Smart City Solutions
The use of simulated 5G technology has shown significant promise in practical applications. By utilising Bristol’s private, city-owned fibre and wireless network, the project demonstrates how smart connectivity can provide immediate, positive impacts.
The cameras installed provide accurate location and detection data for emergency services, while ensuring privacy. The technology does not include facial recognition, thus protecting individual identities.
Technological Advancements in Public Safety
Peter Anderson, head of service at Bristol City Council, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting, “Citizen and visitor safety is a priority for us. Water safety may not be uppermost in our minds as we work, visit, and enjoy Bristol, and yet we are surrounded by waterways as we walk through the city centre.”
Through this trial, Anderson emphasised how digitalisation and modern telecommunications technology can effectively improve public safety, highlighting the positive outcomes and immediate impacts on citizens’ lives.
Future Applications of 5G
West of England Mayor Tim Bowles commended the region’s role in developing and trialling innovative 5G wireless services. He pointed out that the region is at the forefront of next-generation network innovation, including the University of Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab, where the 5G testbed is hosted.
Bowles stated, “We are ambitious to help support a commercial roll-out of 5G infrastructure across our region and see 5G as having a role in helping us address mobility across the region and in helping with digital inclusion.”
The project showcases how 5G technology can transcend traditional mobile phone bandwidth uses, presenting new possibilities for community safety and connectivity.
Privacy and Efficiency
An essential aspect of this project is the balance between privacy and efficiency. The thermal cameras provide crucial data without compromising individual privacy, as they do not include facial recognition capabilities.
This approach ensures that while the system is highly efficient in detecting and alerting about incidents, it also respects the privacy rights of individuals, making it a responsible and effective solution.
Initial Success and Future Prospects
The initial success of the trial paves the way for more extensive use of 5G technology in public safety. The ability to alert emergency services in real-time and provide precise location data is invaluable.
The 5G trial in Bristol Harbourside exemplifies how modern technology can be harnessed to enhance public safety. By integrating advanced telecommunications with urban infrastructure, the project offers a glimpse into the future of smart city solutions.
As the trial progresses, it is expected to further validate the effectiveness of 5G technology in practical, life-saving applications, ensuring that cities can become safer and more interconnected environments for all.