Ensuring health and mobility in Durbuy thanks to 5G

Coordination and data analysis

As the project initiator, AWLabs has acted as coordinator, for example by arranging regular meetings with all consortium members. Furthermore, the startup has used CFD (computational fluid dynamics) technology to position the sensors optimally using a LiDAR scanner.

Once these measuring devices were installed, AWLabs started collecting and analyzing the data based on an internally developed predictive model. It then generated a report for the Mayor of Durbuy on improving his city’s well-being and development. A user-friendly dashboard makes it easy for users to view the information.

Public and private 5G networks

As well as providing the public 5G network, Proximus NXT validated the sensor installation locations with the city of Durbuy and other partners. It also used the A6K ecosystem to co-create, collaborate, and test the solution on a private 5G network.

“The same solution can be used to measure indoor pollution, as demonstrated by the experiment conducted on A6K’s private 5G network,” confirms Frédéric Renette, 5G Business Development Lead at Proximus NXT.

Developing the measuring devices

Technology development experts Multitel designed the 5G modem that sends data over the network, and integrated it into the sensors developed by CeRD-ECAM. Developing these noise and air pollution measuring devices proved to be a real technological challenge.

“Integrating a 5G modem into a perfectly sealed box that operates within relatively wide temperature ranges was no easy task,” acknowledges Stéphane Deketelaere, Head of Signal & Embedded Systems Department at Multitel.

“In any project involving data collection, leveraging that data is essential. For everyone to benefit from the data, they must be able to use and understand it,” emphasizes Frédéric.

On the dashboard created by AWLabs, users can view pollution levels on an interactive 3D map. By clicking on any data collection point, they can access a visual with colored gauges linked in particular to the Belgian air quality index (BelAQI), a histogram, graphs, and an insert showing the recommendations of the AWLabs experts.

To allow accurate maps to be presented, in particular so as to analyze the impact of a road at a specific location, the impact of gusts of wind, or the presence of factories, a large amount of data passes through the network.

“Our scientific approach requires real-time data processing to draw attention to pollution spikes and determine their causes. The 5G network’s bandwidth, stability, and reliability are essential,” explains Michaël Balbaert, CEO of AWLabs.

The 5G network’s reliability and stability

“Because noise is highly changeable, it generates a large amount of data. 5G’s low latency, controlled transfer times, and very high data speeds are particularly suited to transporting sound data in real time,” adds Stéphane.

“The 5G network is a new mobile technology for data transmission,” confirms Frédéric. “In addition to its reliability and stability, it offers increasingly wide coverage. By the end of 2024, it covered nearly 70% of the Belgian population.”

Durbuy: a smart city

Faced with parking, traffic, and noise pollution problems, Philippe Bontemps, Mayor of Durbuy, welcomes the experiment in which his city is participating. “We’ve definitely observed pollution peaks on the graphs during busy periods,” the Mayor explains. “Drivers sometimes have to circle the old city several times before finding a parking space. These pollution peaks can affect the health of local residents.”

According to Michaël, the local authorities are the main beneficiaries of this PoC: “They can see the concentrations of pollutants due to airflow in particular locations and then make informed decisions. Furthermore, the increased coverage offers a level of precision that exists nowhere else in Wallonia at the moment. With five sensors, Durbuy is the smart city with the densest coverage.”

What does the future hold?

The consortium members intend to expand the PoC by going further in terms of industrialization and sizing, and by targeting larger-scale use. “Intelligent pollutant management can have an impact on public health,” emphasizes Michaël. “By following the recommendations, a municipality can expect to reduce the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases associated with air pollution. Cutting down on noise pollution can also improve the well-being of citizens and visitors.”

The Mayor plans to continue the experiment beyond the GROOVE project’s test phase: “I’m interested in air pollution, but noise pollution is equally important. Quantifying noise pollution provides an additional reason for keeping the sensors in the city and possibly re-assessing their locations.”