Next-Generation Tech for First Responders

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

First Responders often lack sufficient means of communications in an emergency, due to the lack of cellular coverage etc., a situation that makes it difficult to get vital information on real-time, make decisions and immediately perform their missions. The LTE cellular network developed by Motorola Solutions offers a solution: a mobile network for immediate deployment designed for critical missions.

According to the company’s announcement, the LTE is a fourth-generation closed communication network which enables complete coverage in remote places and in the absence of cellular coverage: natural disasters and fires, terrorist attacks and other situations where cellular networks collapse; remote places such as forests and deserts, etc. The communication network enables conversations, communication with the push of a button (PTT), real-time video streaming and many other applications based on wideband.

The company which specialized in smart communication solutions and advanced technologies for public security agencies has recently widened the scope of its development of analytics and artificial intelligence technologies in Israel. Among its developments in the security field:

• Alexa for the security forces – a digital assistant which uses artificial intelligence, natural language processing engine and IIoT controls. The device enables operable voice commands and the supply of vital information for security forces and critical infrastructure teams, e.g. the remote operation of a police patrol vehicle – sirene turn on, gates opening and closing, traffic lights operation, etc.
• Fire brigade command and control system based on Microsoft’s HoloLens headset and wideband communications (LTE) for the security forces. The systems supply the firefighting commanders real-time imaging of the fire area and critical information from the scene, e.g. the oxygen status and other biometric parameters of the firefighters, as well as intuitive communications with the forces.
• A system combining a smart body camera with artificial intelligence and natural language processing engine enabling detection and identification commands.
• Automatic event calendar for command and control centers, a development enabling the documentation of police and security officers conversations over the communication system and their automatic conversion into text conversations (as in Whatsapp). The technology supplies better event management during an emergency when many events occur simultaneously.

The technologies have been developed in Israel, and in many cases basing on the experience and lessons learned from the response to terrorist attacks, accidents and natural disasters.