Challenge — In operations such as traffic accidents or fires, rescue teams often lack an aerial perspective. However, helicopter support is time-consuming and costly, most drones require active control by trained personnel and are dependent on the weather. The situation is different with Fotokite Sigma: the situational awareness system improves the overview at the scene of the incident by using images from a thermal imaging camera and a low-light RGB camera. For the video data to be streamed live on site and remotely by emergency services, high-performance connectivity is required, even in remote areas. In addition, each drone requires its own remote ID for remote identification. 

Solution — Fotokite Sigma is a GPS-independent situational awareness system that remains connected to a mobile ground station via a cable for data transmission and power supply. It can fly autonomously for long periods through inclement weather conditions and provides high-resolution video data 24/7. It can be controlled via an app and does not require trained drone pilots. This allows the rescue teams using it to concentrate on the mission at hand. Cradlepoint IBR900 ruggedized routers enable live video transmission and ensure a fast, secure and reliable data connection even in rural areas. 

Conclusion — The main advantages of this situational awareness system: additional security, greater efficiency and continuous monitoring through video streaming via a dedicated Cradlepoint router. The drone is extremely fast to deploy, easy to use and the video data can be streamed live to multiple authorized devices thanks to its strong built-in connectivity. Reliable connectivity is therefore a key factor in the use of Fotokite Sigma by mission-critical teams. In addition, Fotokite and Cradlepoint worked closely together to develop and implement a remote ID solution, which is mandatory for the remote identification of drones.

Download full whitepaper in English here

Download full whitepaper in German here