5G Drones Tested to Support Emergency Response in Germany

Vodafone, Frequentis, DLR, and Rostock Fire Brigade Collaborate on ADELE Project

*images copyright DLR

Emergency responders in Germany are testing 5G-enabled drones designed to deliver live aerial footage to control centers before crews arrive at an incident. The project, called ADELE, is led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) with partners Vodafone, Frequentis, and the Rostock Fire Brigade.

Faster Decisions When Seconds Count

In emergencies such as forest fires or remote accidents, first responders often lack critical information in the early minutes. The ADELE project aims to reduce this gap. Using Vodafone’s 5G network, drones transmit real-time images to control centers and approaching emergency vehicles.

“When people’s lives are at stake, every second counts. We now provide emergency services with a digital tool that allows them to act faster and safer in emergency situations. Because drones share live images from the operation site even before rescue workers arrive there. This enables crews to help people in need much faster,” explains Michael Reinartz, Director Innovation at Vodafone Germany.

How the System Works

Frequentis integrated its LifeX and ASGARD control center systems with automated drone dispatch. When an emergency call triggers a drone launch, the aircraft flies beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and streams video directly over the 5G network.

“We bring video and sensor data immediately to our LifeX or ASGARD control centre and to the approaching emergency responders. This ensures that everyone involved in the operation has the same, consistent information about the scene immediately, and at all times, regardless of location. This shared situational awareness accelerates decision-making and ensures a faster, appropriate, and effective response to the situation,” says Günter Graf, Vice President New Business Development at Frequentis.

The system reduces average response times from more than nine minutes to about two minutes. This time gain, according to project leaders, can save lives.

Compliance and Safety

The DLR designed the rescue drone with high-resolution camera sensors and optimized flight paths. “Our rescue drone combines high-resolution camera sensors with an optimised and low-risk flight trajectory based on current movement data. We ensure compliance with all legal regulations and full GDPR compliance to guarantee both security and data protection,” says Andreas Volkert, DLR project lead.

To address strict BVLOS regulations, Vodafone developed the “DroNet Hub.” The platform provides ground and traffic data to authorities, helping them approve safe flight routes more efficiently.

From Pilot to Daily Use

“With ADELE, we bring more speed and clarity to the daily operations of police, fire departments, and other emergency services. Live images provide emergency responders with valuable information that not only gives a better overview but also saves valuable time. This allows for faster and more accurate decisions and an even faster response,” says Chris von Wrycz Rekowski, Senator for Finance, Digitalisation, and Order of the Hanseatic and university city of Rostock.

The partners have begun first operations, with the long-term goal of integrating automated drone deployment into daily practice for emergency services across Germany.

Read more:

• 5G Technology Paves the Way for Drone Integration into Danish Airspace
• Consortium Explores 5G-Enabled Drone Deliveries in Remote Areas of the UK
• Frequentis Unveils Advanced CBRN Detection System for European Defence