Researchers at the University of Texas (Austin), are joining forces with NVIDIA, Samsung, and other industry leaders to launch a new adventure into 6G- the next generation of wireless tech.
The impending arrival of 6G might be difficult to imagine since 5G is only just beginning to roll out worldwide. Austin’s researchers were also partially responsible for that innovation, contributing to various 5G research strategies.
Now, the new 6G@UT initiative aims to explore what might come next for connectivity in a world of holographic conferencing, autonomous cars, and intelligent machines. According to the Director of 6G@UT, Jeffrey Andrews, the advances in both machine learning and wireless communications in the last decade have been sensational but separated.
Coupled with new localisation and sensing abilities, UT hopes 6G will be defined by “native intelligence” which should drive new outcomes for networking.
Exploring the Future of 6G
Founding affiliates of 6G@UT, Samsung, NVIDIA, AT&, InterDigital, and Qualcomm will all be funding at least two projects for a total of 3 years with the group. Research professionals from each group will also work alongside UT students and faculty to develop more wireless-specific algorithms for machine learning, sensing technologies, and crucial networking innovations.
The next generation of wireless, according to 6G@UT, will be infused with technologies that came of age during the past decade, such as machine learning, ubiquitous sensing, and the ability to use higher frequencies at mmWave and THz bands. These technologies will form the heart of the research happening at the 6G@UT center, and they’ll play an essential role in the applications and devices running 6G, as well as managing the network.
The radiowaves central to 6G will do a lot more than just facilitate communication; they’ll also be helpful for localization and sensing, via GPS and radar technology.
The introduction of THz and enhanced sensing resolution will also allow carriers to monitor network quality more effectively in different areas, from busy downtown spaces to office towers, and rural locales. 6G networks will include audio, vision, thermal, lidar, radar, seismic, and broadband software-defined sensors running on the network.
A New Age of Sensing
According to the Associate Professor from the UT Austin Department of Engineering Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Todd Humphrey’s, 5G didn’t take sensing far enough. 6G needs to start with the idea that sensing is about anticipating conditions rather than just reacting to them. This will allow for links to automated vehicles, applications, and AV/VR headsets.
Other pillars for the new 6G research will include the need to implement new low Earth orbit satellite links, spectrum tools, and more to improve coverage throughout the world. The 6G@UT solution comes from the Wireless Networking and Communications Group research centre, known for establishing UT Austin as a leader in wireless technology research.
