The GENIUS project demonstrates the potential of 5G to improve drone operations and public safety
The future of drone technology depends on their integration into shared airspace, where they can operate safely alongside manned aviation. This is the challenge addressed by the GENIUS project, a collaboration between researchers from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and industry partners such as Ericsson, TDC and HHLA Sky. The project investigates how 5G technology can help safely scale drone operations in Denmark.
5G and drone integration
The GENIUS project has shown promising results in integrating drones into airspace using 5G technology. By developing drones equipped with 5G capabilities and a comprehensive traffic management system, the project aims to address the challenges of flying drones beyond operators’ line of sight (BVLOS). The traffic management system provided by HHLA Sky enables real-time connections to drones, the creation of safe flight corridors and the ability to temporarily close airspace for emergencies.
Sebastian Törsleff of HHLA Sky highlighted the practical nature of the project, explaining: “The great thing about this project was that it was not just a theoretical exercise. We actually tested the systems, carried out flights and integrated the solutions of the different partners on both a technological and operational level.” He also stressed the value of combining expertise from industry and research, adding: “In projects like these, it is always a good idea to bring in different perspectives.”
The advantages of 5G technology
5G technology, often identified by the small icon on mobile phones, offers significant benefits for drone operations. In the GENIUS project, Ericsson developed a method for real-time monitoring of drone performance over a live TCC-NET network. This advancement is expected to make BVLOS flights more feasible and reliable.
In addition, 5G technology improves public safety by enabling accurate location tracking of drones and the creation of SIM density maps. These maps provide a dynamic, real-time overview of the number of people in a given area, which can be used for risk assessments and to guide drones away from crowded places.
Looking to the future: A new drone strategy
As the GENIUS project progresses, the focus will shift to testing these systems in real-world environments outside the drone center at HCA Airport in Odense. According to Kjeld Jensen, associate professor at SDU’s drone center, “We have taken some crucial steps in GENIUS towards integrating drones into manned aviation in lower airspace. There are still major challenges ahead that we are working on, and we are actively applying for more funding to be able to continue.”
Jensen also expressed optimism about the upcoming national drone strategy, which is expected to be published in the autumn. “We are also looking forward to the new national drone strategy, which will be published in the autumn, and which several project partners have worked on developing as part of the expert groups. Hopefully the new strategy will form the basis for future legislative work in this area,” he added.
The GENIUS project is a step towards the safe integration of drones into the shared airspace. By using 5G technology, the project demonstrates the potential of drones to operate alongside manned aviation and provides a glimpse into the future of drone operations in Denmark. As the project evolves, the upcoming national drone strategy will play a crucial role in shaping the legal framework needed to support this emerging technology.
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