Samsung tests deployment of drones for inspection of 4G and 5G masts

Samsung is working on deploying drones to inspect masts for 4G and 5G networks. Using artificial intelligence, Samsung analyzes images from the drones to check the configuration of the antennas.

Samsung describes a demonstration in which the entire procedure for inspecting the mast with a drone, from takeoff to receiving the measurement results, took 15 minutes. If a technician has to do the inspection manually and climb the mast, the procedure takes hours. In addition to saving time, Samsung mentions the safety of employees as an advantage of measuring with drones.

In the method, an employee takes pictures of the antenna configuration on the 4G or 5G mast with a drone. These images are forwarded to servers that use artificial intelligence to determine whether the position of the antennas is optimal for the network connection. Obtaining the result took less than a minute, according to Samsung, and the pilot of the drone can immediately receive it on his smartphone to see if maintenance is required.

Samsung is working on giving employees the ability to remotely adjust the position of the antennas via a smartphone or PC, so that they don’t have to climb. Later this year, Samsung wants to use the method in practice and offer it worldwide.