In October, the City of Stockholm tested a drone-in-a-box system on the roof of Farsta swimming hall as part of the EU-funded CITYAM project.
The aim was to understand what is required to operate such a system safely in a dense urban setting, from regulations and permits to coordination on the ground. The test marks a shift from technical demonstration to operational learning, showing how large cities can integrate drone technology into existing infrastructure and operations.
The drone-in-a-box system, supplied by Nokia, enables a drone to take off and land automatically from a fixed station that also stores and charges the aircraft. A remote pilot and visual observers were part of the crew on site to ensure regulatory compliance and safety. In time, the goal is to manage these flights remotely, which could make operations more scalable and cost-effective.
The Stockholm test took place in an active neighbourhood, surrounded by people and traffic. Safety procedures were reviewed and communication with the local community was established ahead of the event. It is hoped that, over time, such systems could support city operations ranging from infrastructure inspections to environmental monitoring and emergency response.
The results of the test are now being analysed to support Stockholm’s continued work on drone integration. This includes refining procedures and safety routines, and clarifying how different departments and partners can collaborate around new technologies. Results will be shared openly to help other cities and organisations build on what has been learned.
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