Bengaluru: Nokia Corp.’s India unit announced a slew of new 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) technology services that it plans to deploy in the country, mostly targeted at governments that can use the solutions to create smart cities and improve public safety.

The Finnish company showcased more than 60 different use-cases of these technologies at its annual Innovation Day in Bengaluru, including those that are already live and ready for use as well as ones that aren't live yet.

Nokia’s research and development office in Bengaluru, which has around 5,000 employees, creates solutions for both its Indian and international markets. Its new IoT range, though, will focus more on Indian clients, especially governments.

“5G and IoT are going to be the future trends that we see in the marketplace. While from an India standpoint it’s still an early stage for 5G to happen, IoT is taking a bit of a step forward in terms of adoption here," Randeep Raina, chief technology officer for Nokia India said in an interview on Wednesday.

“There are certain initiatives led by the government right now in the form of digital India and smart city programs. IoT could be one of the enablers to make cities a bit safer and smarter. It’s with that intent that we’d put a theme out here on this innovation day," he said.

The three main solutions, or use-cases, showcased by the company on Wednesday were video analytics of real-time city surveillance, a public safety service that can be deployed at railroad crossings and a smart parking service.

Based on real-time city surveillance via cameras deployed at various public locations Nokia’s IoT solution will be able to provide clients – mostly governments and policing authorities – with data analysis. The analysis includes everything from identifying anomalies, such as incorrect pedestrian crossings, to tracking traffic patterns.

Its public safety solution uses sensors, beacons and cameras and is aimed at keeping pedestrians from straying across the path of oncoming trains at railroad crossings. This service will both warn people crossing railroads on foot of an oncoming train as well as alert the authorities and issue notice of a fine in case people cross even after receiving a warning. The warning messages will appear on any device using any service provider and are not app-based, i.e. the user will not need to install an app to see the messages.

Nokia’s smart parking solution will target organized parking lots that can use it to fully automate the process - from identifying a car on entry and guiding the driver to free parking spots through an app, to recording the number of hours a car is parked at the lot and bill payment online via the app.

Roughly two months ago, auto components supplier Bosch Ltd also launched solutions targeted at creating smart cities, including a smart parking service that will help commuters find space in crowded areas. The German company has other similar solutions that are, again, aimed at assisting traffic policing and citizen safety and security systems.

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.

Share Via