One of the biggest problems during major disasters such as earthquakes, floods and fire is the collapse of communication systems. Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye on February 6, 2023 clearly revealed the dimensions of this problem. The GSM network became completely unqualified before the buildings were destroyed, and millions of people could not reach their loved ones. When the infrastructure is completely disabled in such disasters, information sharing is also interrupted.
Developed to present an alternative to this situation “Humanity RELAY” The system can be sent to a message without a GSM network. Ömer Komili, the name behind the system, shared important information about technology in the publication where Fatih Altaylı was a guest on the Teke Tek channel on Youtube. Komili planned to use this technology for vehicle tracking in the automotive sector. However, the lack of communication he personally witnessed in Malatya gave rise to the idea of adapting this technology to disasters. According to Komili, this system, which works without being dependent on the existing GSM infrastructure, can meet the basic communication needs in moments of crisis.
The system that works without the need for GSM infrastructure during disaster moments is tried in Istanbul
The system is basically Lora is based on technology. This wireless communication protocol, developed in France in 2014, can transmit data to a long distance with low energy. Lora, which is suitable for transferring short -band -width short messages, can offer 1.5 to 5 kilometers of range especially for the city. In open areas, this distance increases even more. This feature ensures the establishment of a very favorable communication network in post -disaster conditions.
Users are connected to the system through a previously installed special application to mobile phones. The application works without the need for the Internet and makes it possible to select and send predefined messages. Messages such as “I am fine”, “I am wounded” or “I need medication” are directly transmitted to the central unit through this system. Messages are transferred to the system through Lora-Bluetooth converting devices.
These devices are offered in two ways as switch -sized portable units or home -type modem -like fixed units. Users in the Bluetooth range can send messages through these converters. The messages sent are transmitted to each other through the carrier boxes in the “mesh” structure and reach the disaster coordination centers. Teams in the center, incoming messages simultaneously can see with the location information.
The first test in Istanbul was performed with an antenna placed on the roof of IMM’s building in Bakırköy. This antenna was able to communicate with a factory in Zeytinburnu, 4.3 kilometers away. It is stated that approximately 1,000 relay boxes are needed to spread the project to wider areas. The budget required for such a scope is around 8 million dollars. For more priority regions, 1-2 million dollars can be enough.
Humanity Relay The system offers functions that can be used not only at the moment of disaster but also. Messages showing whether open markets, health centers or pharmacies are accessible can be published. Likewise, it is possible to monitor the location of construction machinery and rescue tools as a central. This contributes to the provision of coordination more effectively.
Again, this system can be integrated into small devices, drones, wearable accessories or children carried on children. Thus, it can also be used in cases of disappearance or kidnapping. Thanks to the collection of Bluetooth IDs, it is also possible to determine who is in the environment. It is also suitable for industrial applications in construction, safety and health sectors.
The system is not connected to any operator or infrastructure provider because it works on Lora frequency bands that do not require a license. Thanks to this feature, it does not require both low cost and monthly use. It is stated that the electromagnetic radiation it emitted is also very low. This provides an additional advantage for home type uses.
Humanity RelayThe contribution of engineers in Türkiye in the development of the development of the development was very decisive. R & D activities were carried out in Istanbul and software infrastructure was created with domestic resources. The fact that the system has been involved in a scientific study published by IEEE reveals the uniqueness of this technology on a global scale. This pilot application, which was initiated in Istanbul, is planned to be spread in other cities.