PORTSAFE-B5G is a forward-looking vertical experiment led by WINGS ICT Solutions and selected in the third Open Call of IMAGINE-B5G. The project proposes a transformative solution for smart port security, integrating mainly Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for critical infrastructure surveillance, supported by the integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and CCTV cameras. The real-time video streams offloaded by these devices are orchestrated over advanced 5G infrastructure featuring Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), network slicing, and AI-based video analytics.
The experiment explores how coordinated fleets of mainly ground, and secondarily aerial and maritime unmanned systems can autonomously detect, classify, and respond to security incidents in real-time. By leveraging low-latency communications, dynamic orchestration, and edge-cloud AI processing, PORTSAFE-B5G provides a scalable and modular framework for port surveillance and incident management—setting new standards for safety in critical maritime environments.
Use-case description: As seen in Figure 1, the core use case focuses on securing access zones and critical infrastructures at the Port of Valencia. At its center, two UGVs—specifically Unitree Go2 and Robotnik Summit XL—carry out ground patrols, streaming video and LiDAR data to MEC nodes for real-time threat detection. In extended scenarios, drones (UAVs) can provide aerial oversight of inaccessible or large zones, while USVs (boats) monitor water-adjacent infrastructure such as docks or restricted anchoring areas.
Fixed CCTV cameras offer complementary wide-angle coverage. Together, these elements create a multi-layered detection and classification system. Upon identifying a potential incident (e.g., an unauthorized boat unloading goods at night), the system activates coordinated responses across UGVs, UAVs, and the analytics backend. CAPIF APIs and NaC interfaces provide the abstraction needed to control and monitor devices, trigger reactions, and adapt slice configurations in real time.
The proposed solution is poised to impact IMAGINE-B5G on multiple levels:
- Management Level: PORTSAFE-B5G implements NaC and CAPIF APIs to enable real-time orchestration of UGVs and optional UAVs/USVs, dynamically assigning edge workloads and optimizing radio/core resources via slice-aware control. The system validates automated and modular service deployment across network domains.
- Societal Level: By enhancing incident awareness and response times, the project contributes to safer port operations while reducing the burden on human patrols. The inclusion of mobile surveillance assets allows fast and targeted interventions, even in complex or high-risk environments.
- Technical Level: The project proves edge-based video processing, slice-based QoS control, and interoperability with real-time robotic agents. These features meet demanding B5G KPIs, including latency, reliability, and dynamic mission reconfiguration.
- Vertical Area(s): PORTSAFE-B5G addresses the port security and logistics vertical by combining AI, 5G, and robotics into a dual-purpose architecture—balancing surveillance under threat conditions with logistics optimization during non-critical times. The solution is easily transferable to airports, industrial parks, and border zones.
In summary, PORTSAFE-B5G showcases how Beyond-5G technologies—through the orchestration of UGVs, UAVs, USVs, and CCTVs—can revolutionize security operations in ports. Powered by the IMAGINE-B5G ecosystem and infrastructure, the project builds a strong foundation for scalable, AI-driven, and resilient cyber-physical security systems. To learn more about this project, stay tuned to our website and social media channels.
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