Strengthening the safety and staff safety, but improving the efficiency and sustainability of companies.
All those who work in the infrastructure sector know the risks: technicians climb pylons, are exposed to the risks of high voltage, or enter areas with restricted and difficult access. Security is constantly an absolute priority. This is precisely where artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play. Network operators and network equipment suppliers such as Nokia are looking for solutions based on AI to improve the safety and efficiency of professionals in dangerous environments.
This question was also one of the themes of the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona: what role can AI play in accident prevention and the improvement of safety standards in the infrastructure sector? The answer is found in two central approaches: avoidance and risk reduction.
Avoid accidents before they occur
The best site inspection remains the one that was not necessary in the first place. Digital simulations make it possible to virtually inspect the sites before any intervention of technical staff on site. This technology is based on high -resolution 3D models. These AI assisted simulations support detailed site analyzes. Capturing high -resolution images, drones replace the dangerous climbing operations. Automated and remote tests prevent technicians from having to go there unnecessarily. Not only do these methods strengthen security, but they also reduce costs and emissions.
Minimize risks when on -site visits are inevitable
Certain on -site visits remain essential, however, and can benefit from the advantages of AI. For example, an AI -based tool can detect dangers in real time thanks to a camera to immediately warn technicians. Incorporating automatic learning, this technology automatically identifies obstacles, damaged structures or defective wiring. IA analyzes check if the personal protective equipment is properly worn before the start of operations. The integration of these safety checks into existing workflows guarantee that all requirements are met before each risk operation.
AI -based solutions generate measurable progress:
- Site visits are reduced by two thirds thanks to digital simulations.
- Early detection of material breakdowns reaches 90 % accuracy thanks to predictive analysis, which ensures the prospective assessment of situations.
- Energy consumption lowered 10 % thanks to network solutions optimized by AI.
- CO₂ emissions are reduced by the simple elimination of unnecessary travel.
But the advantages are not limited to security requirements only. Precise analyzes of AI assisted defects detect the breakdowns up to two weeks in advance with a high degree of precision. It is now possible to carry out early maintenance work, avoid costly breakdowns and provide infrastructure operators greater operational reliability.
Data protection and responsibility
But the use of AI poses new challenges. Data protection and transparency are essential to generate confidence in these technologies. Image data is directly analyzed on site in the device without transmitting them to external servers, as does the danger detection objective. This approach is essential to ensure compliance with data protection directives, as defined by the GDPR. Consequently, sensitive location data is not exposed to risks of loss of control during communications.
In addition, companies should increasingly focus on the application of responsible AI principles: AI systems must be traceable, fair and safe. Consequently and among other requirements, algorithms must be constantly revised and optimized in order to avoid drifts or incorrect assessments. The use of AI must not only strengthen efficiency, but also ethics and responsibility.
AI, key to a better protected future
Network and infrastructure operators are now faced with significant changes. AI does not only strengthen the safety of operations and staff, but it also contributes to improving the efficiency and sustainability of companies. Progress in predictive analysis, autonomous security management and digital simulation are opening up new prospects for expanding infrastructure. An obvious vision is essential: all those who leave to work in the morning must go home safely at the end of the day. Artificial intelligence now plays a decisive role in professional life.
