Drones that are controlled by cellular network recognize dangers independently in real time and automatically avoid them. This is made possible by the new 5G mobile communications standard that Vodafone is currently expanding in Germany. 

In cooperation with Ericsson, the Düsseldorf-based telecommunications group is already testing how drones can use the fast network to automatically avoid potentially dangerous situations. The partners are jointly developing the first navigation system for drones. The technology should make drone air traffic safer and more efficient in the future.

“We build the navigation system for drones. Logistics transports, emergency medicine or Amazon parcels - the drone use cases we dream of today will become reality tomorrow with 5G, ”explains Daniel Leimbach, division manager for business with Vodafone at Ericsson Germany. The drones that Vodafone and Ericsson send into the air in the 5G Mobility Lab use information provided by cellular networks to calculate flight routes and adjust them in the event of short-term threats.