Crossing borders, combining projects – AI4Citizens × 5G4LIVES in Riga
From September 24 to 26, an international forum was held in Riga, where representatives of national and local governments, researchers, and technology experts from across Europe discussed the use of artificial intelligence, 5G, and drones to improve public safety and urban management.
During the forum, experts discussed issues such as how technology can help create a safer and more inclusive society, and how artificial intelligence and 5G networks can become the foundation for public safety and citizen well-being. Experts also shared their experiences on the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the introduction of technology.
The forum gathered participants from the international projects 5G4LIVES and AI4CITIZENS. These hands-on projects confirm that Riga is no longer just a testing ground for technology, but is becoming a place where innovations are also tested in real-life conditions and provide direct practical benefits to society. The focuses is on how to move from the complex, back-end preparation into practical deployment and impact of 5G enabled services. Moreover, we were pleased to welcome to Riga Pedro Obando, the Project Officer at HaDEA, joining the project partners to catch up on our progress and share recent EU perspectives on 5G community best practices. Our time together ties with the fellow AI4Citizens project, exploring the uptake, opportunities and challenges of adopting AI in the public sector services.
During the forum, on September 25, a drone demonstration took place on Ķīšezers Beach to show the first hands-on results of 5G4LIVES project and how 5G networks, drones, and artificial intelligence can ensure faster response times in emergency situations and help save lives. Equipped with 4K cameras, thermal sensors, and 5G connectivity, drones allow for much faster response times in emergency situations than ever before.
Andrejs Aronovs, Deputy Chief of the Riga Municipal Police, explains the benefits of using new technologies in police work: “Our work often involves responding to unpredictable situations. The 5G4LIVES project allows us to see how new technologies—drones, artificial intelligence, and 5G networks—can become a real help in everyday operations, making assistance more accurate, faster, and safer.”
The aim of the 5G4LIVES project is to save lives and protect the environment by combining drones, artificial intelligence, and the latest data transmission solutions. In Riga, the focus is on rescue operations near bodies of water, while in the partner city of Turin, the focus is on landslide and fire prevention in mountainous areas. The AI4CITIZENS project, on the other hand, addresses how artificial intelligence can become a reliable partner in local government work and helps municipalities develop regulations that ensure the responsible implementation of AI.