ARTES benefits series – Hybrid Connex, Digital Ambulance of the Future • Nov 2025
The European Space Agency’s
Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) programme helps turn
innovative concepts into commercial reality. Under ARTES Space for 5G/6G, Hybrid
Connex is delivering the UK’s first prototype “digital ambulance”, a connected
emergency vehicle designed to transform pre-hospital care and relieve pressure
on health services.
The project integrates 4G, 5G,
and satellite communications into a single resilient network, enabling
paramedics to share real-time data, images, and video with hospital specialists
while en route. This improved connectivity reduces inefficient use of assets,
speeds up clinical decision-making, and enhances patient outcomes. In the UK,
where ambulance handover delays and communication gaps can have
life-threatening consequences, Hybrid Connex offers a practical and scalable
solution.
ESA’s role has been crucial,
providing €5.7 million in funding and access to its 5G/6G Hub to support
testing and demonstrations. ESA’s technical input helped optimise the
integration of satellite and terrestrial networks, while the project’s
consortium brought together NHS Arden & GEM, Livewire Digital, Satellite
Applications Catapult, and Vodafone. This collaborative approach ensured that
the solution met both the technical demands of continuous connectivity and the
operational needs of front-line medical teams.
The results already point to
significant impact:
·
Pilot study with East of England Ambulance
Service NHS Trust
·
Cellular connection achieved in 88% of cases
where no stable connection was previously possible
·
Demonstrated reduction in communication delays
between ambulance teams and hospitals
·
Improved asset use and patient care through
faster, more informed clinical decisions
By combining advanced
telecommunications with practical medical requirements, Hybrid Connex positions
the UK as a leader in applying space-enabled connectivity to healthcare. As the
project team notes, “This demonstrates how the ARTES 5G/6G Strategic Programme
supports very innovative technology solutions while having a significant
societal impact.”
With proven operational benefits
and a scalable design, Hybrid Connex is set to drive a new generation of
connected emergency services not just in the UK, but in health systems
worldwide.
Explore the full portfolio of ARTES case studies to see how ESA is enabling innovation, competitiveness, and socio-economic benefits across Europe’s space sector.
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