In the dynamic world of high-risk network deployments, ensuring the health and safety of workers is our top priority. Teams operating in hazardous environments—whether working at heights or handling live electrical systems—face significant challenges daily. At Nokia, safety is at the core of everything we do, and we see AI as a transformative force for how we mitigate risks and protect workers.

Since 2020, we have been leveraging AI in our services in a variety of ways, with one of the most impactful applications being health and safety. AI-powered digital twins have reduced on-site visits by two-thirds, minimizing risk exposure while improving accuracy. Predictive HW analytics can detect faults up to two weeks in advance with 90% accuracy, enabling remote site resets to prevent unnecessary trips, reducing operational risks and downtime. AI-driven efficiencies have also cut 4G network energy consumption by 10%, supporting sustainability. Through advanced technology, strict safety measures and a commitment to zero incidents, our goal is clear: to guarantee everyone returns home safely.

Our two-pronged approach to safety

Risk Avoidance

Our target is to eliminate unnecessary site visits by using digital tools like site twins, remote call testing and drones for inspections and measurements. These technologies ensure safer, more efficient deployments while reducing environmental impact.

Risk Mitigation

When site visits are unavoidable, we mitigate risks with AI-enhanced measures. Tools like the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Lens and Hazard Detection Lens are integral to our strategy, ensuring workers are properly equipped and hazards are identified.

How AI-based solutions create safer work environments

AI-based safety solutions help Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and enterprises reduce risks, enhance productivity, reduce costs and build customer trust. By tackling hazards such as working at heights and electrical risks, these solutions contribute to safer, more efficient work environments.

Key solutions in our portfolio enable businesses to:

• Eliminate site visits by using Digital Site Twins: Virtual walkthroughs eliminate the need for unnecessary site visits, saving time and reducing risks.

• Cut emissions and enhance efficiency by using Remote Call Testing: This replaces manual drive testing with virtual alternatives, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

• Reduce physical exposure by using Drone-Based Site Capture: Drones collect high-quality site data remotely, eliminating climbing risks and unnecessary travel.

These tools not only improve operational efficiency but also align with Nokia’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments by contributing to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions.

AI-driven Personal Protective Equipment and Hazard Detection Lens

Nokia’s advanced AI tools ensure safety compliance and hazard detection through solutions like:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

AI-powered Health & Safety PPE pre-checks ensure the safety of work on customer sites. These pre-checks ensure compliance with Nokia’s rigorous Health and Safety standards, requirements and Life-Saving Rules. By utilizing AI and machine learning, live video feeds from personnel on site are automatically analyzed to verify that they are wearing the correct PPE. Work is only allowed to commence once it is confirmed that personnel on site have the proper equipment and the necessary license to work. This process has been a daily practice for years, with up to 9 million AI/ML-powered safety checks conducted thus far. Visit us at MWC for a live demonstration!

Hazard Detection Lens

Integrated into our Nokia Delivery Platform, the AI-powered Hazard Detection Lens leverages on-device machine learning to identify site hazards through real-time camera video streams. This innovative solution doesn’t require internet connectivity, preserving data privacy while ensuring seamless hazard detection as part of the field workflow. By embedding this tool into daily operations, Nokia ensures maximum benefit for workers and customers alike.

Responsible AI and ESG leadership

At Nokia, we prioritize the responsible use of AI, ensuring our technologies are transparent, ethical and aligned with our ESG goals. Our AI-driven solutions, such as PPE and Hazard Detection Lenses, are designed with a privacy-first approach, avoiding the transfer of site images or videos to external servers. This not only addresses data privacy concerns but also aligns with regulatory standards like GDPR.

Sustainability is at the core of our operations. For example, avoiding unnecessary site visits through digital twins and drone-based captures reduces emissions, supporting our broader commitment to environmental stewardship.

Building trust and a safer future

Our commitment to health and safety goes beyond compliance - for me, this is a top priority. Fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and trust ensures that everyone can work with confidence and return home safely. By leveraging AI and digital solutions, we not only address immediate risks but also pave the way for a safer, smarter future.

Through our advanced safety tools, responsible AI usage and ESG-driven initiatives, we remain dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of every worker, partner and customer. We are continuously exploring new ways to eliminate and mitigate risks, leveraging AI-driven innovations to create safer working environments.

Want to learn more? Meet us at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to discover how we’re using AI to transform health and safety in network deployments and experience a demo of our PPE solution. You can also explore our Health and Safety solution brief and Hazard Detection Lens brochure for further details!