For the trial, a drone equipped with a camera was used to capture highly precise images of a potato field. These images were then processed via a 5G mobile connection and sent to an agricultural machine that precisely applies the appropriate protection to the potato sprouts in real time. The project, called Field Labs 5G, significantly improves the processing time, reducing it from 48 hours to just 2.
“Agriculture is expected to be one of the most important fields for 5G application. Thanks to these ultra-fast mobile connections, precision agriculture is becoming more accessible to companies in the sector, allowing them to respond immediately to developments in the field. This will not only save farmers money on crop protection, which also benefits the environment, but will also increase the profitability of their fields, as they will be able to monitor their crops more directly and in real time,” says Tom Poelhekken, Chief Technology Officer at KPN, the leading operator in the Netherlands.
In addition to faster speeds, 5G offers greater flexibility, shorter reaction times, and higher reliability. In Drenthe, the trial used the new technologies for an agricultural process involving the monitoring of deciduous crops growing among potato plants. The drone scanned the field with a multispectral camera. Thanks to 5G mobile connectivity, Big Data files can be immediately sent to and processed on a card for the agricultural machine, which can then work much more thoroughly and precisely in the fields. This process requires significant bandwidth, and current 4G networks are insufficient.
“We are delighted to have been selected to support KPN in one of its 5G Field Labs to explore the value of applications for these ultra-fast connections. The successful outcome demonstrates the great power of innovation that can be generated through close collaboration between our teams, and we look forward to more collaborations in the future,” says Patric Bin, CEO of ZTE Netherlands.
KPN continues working to unlock the value of 5G technology alongside its customers and suppliers. The trial conducted in Drenthe is part of four different Field Labs for 5G applications in areas such as agriculture, urban areas, port zones, and the automotive sector. In these labs, KPN is investigating, together with customers and its technology partners, how 5G can optimize business processes and enhance the consumer experience.
