Bangladeshi researcher invents drone-based disaster communication system

A. F. M. Shahen Shah, a Bangladeshi researcher based in Turkey, has invented a drone-based technology that could revolutionize emergency communication during natural disasters. His innovation aims to tackle the critical issue of communication network failures following earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.

Currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Yildiz Technical University in Turkey, Shah leads a project focused on creating a robust mobile communication system. Along with his research team, he has designed a drone-based solution that ensures communication remains functional when traditional infrastructure collapses.

"Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can severely damage communication networks. However, communication is crucial for delivering swift aid," Shah explained in an interview with The Daily Star. "My system is designed to provide emergency communications that will support rescue operations and help save lives."

The system involves drones forming a network that functions like a base station. When traditional base stations fail, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) take over to ensure uninterrupted communication.

"By connecting a few drones, we create a network that allows communication to continue in disaster-stricken areas, similar to how backup generators provide electricity during power outages," Shah added.

His team is also working on enhancing the system’s performance by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to make the network fully autonomous. The project, which was published in the Drones journal in January 2023, has received funding from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) and Yildiz Technical University’s Scientific Research Projects Coordination.

"We’ve already conducted simulations and real-world tests in the lab. We‍‍`re working with six UAVs, which we designed ourselves," Shah said. "Although the project started in August 2023, it will be ready for real-world deployment by the end of this year, with a planned completion in August 2026."

This drone-based emergency communication system offers immediate humanitarian benefits, especially in regions like Bangladesh and Turkey, where frequent natural disasters disrupt infrastructure. The system could be pivotal in saving lives by improving the speed and coordination of emergency responses.