University of Surrey Unveils Its 6G Innovation Centre and Vision For Mobiles

Published on: 12 Nov, 2020
Updated on: 14 Nov, 2020

The University of Surrey has today (November 12) announced the launch of its Sixth Generation Innovation Centre (6GIC). The new centre will be a leading global research hub focused on advanced telecommunications engineering that combines the physical and virtual worlds, enabling teleportation.

The university has been working with its industry members to forge a distinctive path to the next generation of mobile technology, one supporting transformative services that address grand societal challenges such as climate change, pandemic control and sustainable economic growth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb38jozeDOs

Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli FREng, director of the 6GIC, said: “Our industry members tell us the traditional approach of ever-higher data rates in ever-higher spectrum band is running out of road as a mobile service.

“An entirely new approach is needed that mobilises exciting new services addressing the great global challenges. We are setting out this new vision in a 6G white paper being published today.”

The white paper reveals the two research themes the 6GIC will pursue:

Ambient information. A fusion of the physical and virtual worlds, powered by the integration of high-resolution sensing, geolocation and wireless technologies to enable a new level of digital services that link human senses with ambient and remote data; and

Ubiquitous coverage. Making the digital divide a thing of the past by significantly improving coverage indoors, and using intelligent surfaces and researching satellite technology that makes exciting 6G services available everywhere.

The 6GIC will continue to deliver significant research and development advances to make sure 5G reaches its full potential, alongside beginning exploration of 6G.

Max Lu, vice-chancellor of the University of Surrey.

Professor Max Lu, university president and vice-chancellor, said: “Since its inception in 2013, the 5G Innovation Centre has epitomised the university’s ethos to collaborate with industry on societal and industry challenges, to enable innovations that change lives.

“Today, we affirm our mission on this journey to the digital future with ‘6GIC’, our vision and research strategy for the next 10 years.

“Now is the time for the university, industry and the UK to begin the journey together towards 6G in collaboration with our international partners.”