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5G drones in use: rescue workers benefit from live images!
Rostock is testing 5G drones for rescue operations. Real-time images optimize response times in emergencies.
5G drones in use: rescue workers benefit from live images!
Something special is being tested in Rostock: an initiative that integrates 5G drones into the rescue service and could thus provide crucial support to the emergency services. A test run took place on September 23, 2025, which was launched by an alliance of DLR, Vodafone, Frequentis and the Hanseatic and university city of Rostock. The aim of the project called ADELE (Automated Drone Deployment from the Control Center) is to significantly improve response times in rescue operations.
In the event of an emergency, the planned drones will be automatically sent to the site and deliver high-resolution live images to the control center. This means that the emergency services are informed about the current situation before they arrive at the scene. According to Prof. Dr.-Ing. According to Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, CEO of DLR, the rescue workers have more time for crucial actions. “Saving time in critical situations can save lives,” she emphasizes.
Technology and security
To optimize drone use, the technology combines high-resolution cameras with powerful flight controls. Project manager Andreas Volkert emphasizes that the responsibility for the system architecture and control of the drones lies in good hands. Legal certainty is guaranteed by compliance with the GDPR, and strict regulatory requirements in the area of visibility must be observed. The drones fly beyond visual range - an aspect that could even be expanded in the future with constant mobile phone connections.
Vodafone's 5G technology enables the drones to communicate live with the control center. This opens up completely new possibilities in advance of rescue operations, as information is transmitted in real time. A developer at the company, Mohamed Azzahhafi, recently demonstrated how he controls a drone using gesture control via a HoloLens. This shows how modern technology and 5G can revolutionize the distance operation of drones. “With 5G, secure control from long distances is finally possible,” explains Azzahhafi.
Future outlook for drone operations
Various players in the field of drone technology see great potential in the 5G network expansion in Germany. Telekom is already using drones in the port of Hamburg, while other sectors are pushing for industrial applications. With a consistent mobile phone connection, such as that made possible by 5G, drones could in future be used not only in emergencies, but also for routine flights.
Overall, ADELE is not only an innovative project for Rostock, but also a step into the future of the rescue service. It remains to be seen how the legal framework will develop in order to exploit the full potential of this technology. But one thing is certain: the combination of drone technology and 5G could permanently change the way emergency services work.
For further information about the ADELE project and the technical background, visit the City of Rostock website and find out more about the possibilities of Heise Online.