Verizon's 5G System Tracks Drones with AI and RF Tech

Verizon Communications Inc. has partnered with Lockheed Martin and Nvidia to create a system that uses commercial off-the-shelf technologies to detect and track unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The technology, called NetSense, combines Verizon's existing 5G network spectrum with AI and RF technologies from Nvidia, Keysight Technologies Inc., ODC, and Astris AI.

NetSense was demonstrated in the Miami area in July and used Verizon's 5G infrastructure alongside an AI-enabled system to identify, track, and monitor UAS. The demonstration showed that NetSense could detect and maintain track of drones without requiring changes to existing cellular radio deployments.

The technology is designed for applications including airports, power plants, stadiums, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure, as well as government monitoring.