Nokia deploys AI to address vehicle-based noise pollution in Genk, Belgium

Nokia has deployed its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Scene Analytics technology for a proof of concept in the Belgian city of Genk to quantify the level of noise pollution along one of the city’s high streets.

Authorities in the city want to address the health and safety concerns of residents and visitors enduring excessive noise from modified exhaust systems on cars, motorbikes and other vehicles travelling on the Stalenstraat. Nokia is working with technology partners to integrate a proof of concept solution that leverages data from microphones and installed cameras, used as IoT sensors along the road.

If an approaching vehicle exceeds the pre-determined threshold, the street deployed microphones and cameras begin recording. Nokia Scene Analytics adds intelligence to the event data transmitted from the sensors using a decibel-powered algorithm for audio analysis and automated number plate recognition (ANPR). This information is sent to authorities who receive quantified observations and orientations in order to make informed decisions on ‘if' and 'how’ they will address the issue.

Mayor of Genk, Wim Dries, said: “The city of Genk embraces technology that improves the lives of its residents and visitors. The data collected by Nokia’s AI-powered platform will automatically analyze patterns of noise and traffic allowing us to understand with quantifiable results the concerns of residents and visitors. This will help us put plans in place to address the issues of loud vehicles in the city and make it a safer and more peaceful place for everyone within the city limits.”

Suparno Banerjee, Nokia Vice President of Government and Cities, said: The Nokia Scene Analytics platform is paving the way in sustainable, cross-domain sensor data analytics. By integrating it alongside third-party solutions and additional IoT sensors, it offers smart cities and connected industries an open, flexible and scalable solution which they can use to address a variety of challenges.”

Nokia has deployed mission-critical networks to over 1,500 enterprise customers in the transport, energy, large enterprise, manufacturing, webscale and public sector segments around the globe. Leading enterprises across industries are leveraging decades of Nokia experience in building some of the biggest and most advanced IP, optical, and wireless networks on the planet.