TPG Telecom and UTS Collaborate on Testing 5G Signals for Flood Sensors

In a partnership between TPG Telecom and the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), radio signal propagation on TPG’s 5G network will be leveraged to collect data about floods along Sydney rivers. This trial aims to explore how 5G technology can be utilized for flood monitoring and early warning systems, potentially enhancing disaster preparedness and response efforts.

The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), and the telecommunications company TPG Telecom have established the 5G Network Sensing Lab to develop this technology. The lab is currently conducting tests along the Parramatta River and Georges River to evaluate its effectiveness in flood monitoring. Last week, the lab showcased a demonstration of the technology, highlighting its potential for enhancing flood detection and response capabilities.

The prototype utilizes the propagation of 5G signals to collect various weather-related data such as rainfall, water levels, and river flows. This information is integrated with the NSW Spatial Digital Twin and analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. The result is a “4D visualization” that depicts how rainfall and potential flooding could impact communities and essential infrastructure. This innovative approach provides a comprehensive understanding of weather patterns and their potential consequences, enabling more effective planning and response strategies for flood events.

By leveraging existing 5G infrastructure, this sensing technique reduces the reliance on deploying traditional sensors for flood prediction. Instead of solely depending on standalone sensors, the 5G network’s capabilities are harnessed to gather essential data for flood forecasting and monitoring. This approach offers a more cost-effective and scalable solution for assessing flood risks and enhancing early warning systems, ultimately improving resilience to extreme weather events.⬤

The technology is designed to complement meteorological tools by providing real-time input into the process of simulating how floods and rainfall may evolve over time. By integrating data collected through 5G signal propagation with meteorological models, forecasters gain a more comprehensive understanding of evolving weather patterns and their potential impact on flooding. This real-time input enhances the accuracy and timeliness of flood predictions, enabling more effective emergency response and mitigation efforts.

The flood models generated through this technology can serve as the basis for public warning systems operated by organizations like the NSW SES. Giovanni Chiarelli, TPG’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to supporting initiatives that have a positive impact on people’s lives. This partnership with UTS in pioneering 5G network sensing technology underscores TPG’s ongoing efforts to leverage technology for the benefit of communities and society at large.

Research leader and UTS Distinguished Professor Jay Guo highlighted the vast potential of network sensing technology beyond its application in rainfall monitoring and flood protection. He emphasized the versatility of this technology and its capacity to address a wide range of challenges and opportunities across various domains.

TPG Telecom and UTS envision further development and commercialization of the network sensing technology to harness its capabilities in various domains. These include traffic management, smart transport for object and intruder detection, collision avoidance systems, search and rescue operations, as well as health and sports monitoring. By leveraging the potential of this technology, the partnership aims to bring innovative solutions to market that address pressing challenges and enhance safety, efficiency, and quality of life across different sectors.

The Flood and Storm Intelligence Sensing project is receiving funding from the NSW government’s Smart Places Acceleration Program, which has allocated $45 million to support innovative initiatives. This funding underscores the government’s commitment to driving forward projects that leverage technology to enhance resilience and responsiveness to natural disasters like floods and storms. By investing in cutting-edge solutions like the network sensing technology developed in collaboration with TPG Telecom and UTS, the government aims to improve its ability to monitor and manage flood events, ultimately enhancing public safety and community resilience.