Tag Archives: 5G

Our Autonomous Future Starts Now

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The autonomous future imagined by The Jetsons, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and even Back to the Future Part II may not yet be a reality, but a perfect storm of technological innovation is moving us closer. Drones, autonomous robots, and self-driving cars all rely on a complex web of technology to perform as programmed. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G availability are enabling autonomous devices to be more, well...autonomous.

Device autonomy is a spectrum. Basic autonomy could look like the end result of setting a flight path for a drone and then initiating an unmanned flight. More complex autonomy could resemble giving a drone parameters such as, "here's the data we want to capture" and the device then designing the tactics, flight path, and timing needed to meet that goal. The wide rollout of 5G provides infrastructure that can handle the high data volumes and speed required by autonomous devices and missions, while AI advances are allowing machines to engage in more advanced and proactive decision-making.

While the reality of autonomy will look different than what Hollywood visionaries depicted, its impact will be just as exciting as any blockbuster. Autonomous systems will be a critical part of realizing a number of key government goals. Continue reading →

5G at 5

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In 2020, we saw the beginning of broadly available 5G connectivity. Over the next two years, 5G networks reached the mass market, with national coverage by major carriers and expansion to rural areas from the initial implementation in urban centers. With five years of 5G under our belts, we wanted to take a look at how it has impacted government operations.

Disaster Response

Reliable data connectivity, faster speeds, and lower latency--all critical in disaster response--are hallmarks of 5G. More and more, responders are using drones and AI-enabled technologies to do situational assessments before, during, and after disasters. These technologies need the connectivity and speed of 5G to provide the expected value, and carriers have carved out parts of their networks to provide first responders access to it.

In response to recent California wildfires, the Los Angeles Fire Department used 5G hotspots and routers to power their communications. Similarly, after Hurricane Helene led to widespread flooding across Asheville, North Carolina, the town's police department used 5G hotspots to connect their heavy-lift and search-and-rescue drones in providing recon and assessments. Continue reading →

Virtual Reality Making a Real Impact Across Government

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Training has been an early application of virtual reality (VR) in government. In fact, in a recent survey, 50% of public safety professionals report using virtual reality as a training mode in their organizations. Today, the use of the technology is extending far beyond training and into operations. VR is increasing in use across the federal government as a new way to conduct medical treatment and even warfighting. Continue reading →

Next Generation Connectivity Catching Up to This Generation’s Needs

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Pandemic-necessitated remote work and increased reliance on online apps and sites for routine everyday tasks like shopping and transportation showed us that Internet connection is a critical utility. It also proved that getting connected is not enough -- the speed and quality of that connection have a huge impact on how we carry out day-to-day activities. In a timely coincidence, this reliance on connectivity comes at a time when networks are improving their service to supply that exact speed and reliability.

Introducing a Whole New Level of Speed: 5G

5G promises to be faster with less latency when connecting to the network. The speeds afforded by 5G mean that visions for smart, connected cities can be logistically achieved as 5G networks will be better able to handle more users, lots of sensors, and heavy traffic. The Department of Veterans Affairs is already tapping into 5G to allow doctors to use augmented reality to look at and manipulate large imaging files, like MRIs or CT scans.

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The Growing Impact of IoT

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The use of Internet of Things (IoT) to manage infrastructure and services is not a new concept, but response to the new normal of pandemic life, natural disasters, and the implementation of 5G networks all could accelerate the implementation of IoT solutions.

Remote Management

Stay-at-home orders, social distancing measures, and backlogged inspection schedules all combine to make a great case for implementing sensors and other IoT devices as part of infrastructure management. With technology providing data on the status of equipment, facilities, and general infrastructure like roads and bridges, the need to deploy inspectors to the field can be minimized. In the short term, this reduces potential points of exposure for inspectors and field staff. Longer term, it adds a new "colleague" to field management teams. IoT can handle routine, low risk monitoring, freeing up humans to focus on more complex or higher priority tasks and activities.

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