Optus, Ericsson, Qualcomm and Speedshield Partner to Drive Industrial Safety

Optus is working with key stakeholders aiming to mitigate pedestrian collisions in industrial settings using artificially intelligent cameras, revolutionising safety protocols.

In a major technological advancement for workplace safety, Optus has collaborated with Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Speedshield Technologies to integrate 5G RedCap (also known as NR-Light or 5G-Light) technology with AI-powered camera systems.

The deployment of Ericsson’s 5G RedCap software solution is crucial as it allows applications like the AiVA (Artificial Intelligence Vision Assist) Pedestrian Detection System, developed by Speedshield Technologies to leverage the full benefits of 5G connectivity.

This includes enhanced network capabilities such as private network support, network slicing, and improved battery life, essential for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

The AiVA Pedestrian Detection System uses advanced machine vision and AI capabilities to detect pedestrians in real-time, enabling the driver and machine to slow down or halt machinery before an accident occurs.

This proactive approach is particularly vital for our enterprise customers in environments like factories and warehouses, where collision risks are high.

The technology was recently demonstrated at Speedshield Technologies’ Melbourne office, using the commercial Optus 5G network. By integrating 5G RedCap-capable Snapdragon® X35 Modem-RF System, AiVA benefits from superior connectivity, low latency, and improved battery performance. This provides robust and reliable performance.

Kent Wu, Optus Vice President Access Network Strategy, Planning and Quality, said: “Every employer wants to reduce workplace injuries down to zero and the latest 5G technology plays an important part in reaching that goal. Optus has completed a demonstration using 5G RedCap and AI with our technology partners to slow down and even bring machinery to a stop when it senses a potential collision with a worker. We think this is an important step forward in workplace safety which clearly demonstrates the benefits of 5G and hope that in the future it can be applied by employers around the country to reduce injuries.”

Daniel Ode, Head of Global Customer Unit Singtel at Ericsson, said, “Our strategic partnership with Optus on RedCap marks a key step in their 5G Advanced journey, unlocking new features for 5G monetization and real-world applications like workplace safety. RedCap's capabilities are a part of 5G’s evolution (5G Advanced), offering seamless connectivity and interaction for devices like wearables, sensors, and cameras. This technology enhances energy-efficient operations, enabling cost-effectiveness and expanding the 5G ecosystem to include low-power, low-cost devices.”

Brendan Dow, CEO of Speedshield Technologies, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration allows unparalleled efficiency and safety enhancements in industrial settings. He said, “Our AiVA Pedestrian Detection System utilises AI edge processing for real-time analytics, significantly improving workplace safety."

Gautam Sheoran, Vice President & General Manager, Wireless Broadband & Communication, Qualcomm Technologies, said, "Integrating 5G RedCap technology with AI-powered systems like the AiVA Pedestrian Detection System marks a significant leap forward in industrial safety. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Snapdragon X35 Modem-RF System, this system leverages superior connectivity, low latency, and enhanced battery performance. This collaboration underscores our commitment to driving innovation and improving safety protocols in high-risk environments such as factories and warehouses."