The Carewings 5G project, coordinated by LUT University (Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology), is bringing a 5G network and drones to Pyhtää Airport in Kymenlaakso. With €1.8 million in funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program, a private 5G network, connected sensors, and security cameras and radars will be built at Pyhtää Airport (Helsinki East Aerodrome).
The total budget for the project is approximately €2.4 million. During the project, a customized solution based on 5G technology will be created, enabling process automation and the use of electronic drone-based services. The result will be an easily scalable operating model that can be replicated at regional airports in Finland and elsewhere in Europe.
“The project is, in its own way, a statement on the current debate on securing airport operations, as it provides a model for keeping airports open in the future of electronic aviation,” says Terhi Lindholm, Mayor of Pyhtää, who also serves as convener of the Finnish Airport Network.
Rescue drones are coming to Pyhtää
The Carewings5G project is also testing the use of drones for rescue purposes in three different situations: rapid situation analysis of traffic accidents, searching for and finding missing persons, and regular delivery of blood samples. In the first scenario, a regional situation picture is formed and the need for treatment of the injured is assessed by the emergency center. In the second test situation, drones and camera technology are also used for initial health checks. Thirdly, the delivery of regular blood sugar samples from diabetic patients' homes to the welfare area laboratory is being tested.
Drones require cooperation between public and private networks, as their flight operations are covered by the state-owned Suomen Erillisverkot Oy and the private 5G network being built at Pyhtää Airport.
Electric transport and digitalization at the core of LUT's expertise
Electric transport, digitalization, automation, and data management have long been the focus of research at LUT University. LUT is currently involved in several domestic and EU Horizon Europe projects related to electric transport, charging infrastructure, and energy system integration for the electrification of heavy transport.
"Airports, drones, and private 5G networks, along with their use cases, i.e., applications, are an interesting addition to the field of smart energy systems research," says Antti Pinomaa, a research professor at LUT.
In addition to the municipality of Pyhtää and LUT University, the Carewings 5G consortium includes a number of companies operating in Finland, including private 5G networks and data analytics companies. These include Poutanet Oy, Cumucore Oy, Redstone Aero Oy (Pyhtää Airport), Aufwin Oy, Anarky Labs Oy, HealthFOX Oy, Vaiscom Oy, and partners Viima Aerospace Technologies Oy and Varjo Technologies Oy.
Further information:
Mika Törmänen, Vaiscom, +358 45 1457010
Terhi Lindholm, Mayor of Pyhtää, +358 40 6708222
Antti Pinomaa, Researcher and Lecturer, LUT University, +358 40 8337291
Esa Korjula, CEO, Redstone Aero Oy. +358 400 414115
Photo: Redstone Aero Oy
