6G and localisation
In the FNS partner interviews, we feature a partner every week. Our partners give insight into developments and innovations within their organisation and their role at 6G Future Network Services.
The emergence of 6G, the next generation of wireless technology, offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and connectivity. One of the organisations playing a crucial role in the development of 6G technology is Holst Centre, in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). In a recent interview, Guido Dolmans, scientific director at Holst Centre and part-time professor at TU/e, gave insight into his involvement in FNS and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
IMEC, Holst Centre and the 6G revolution
Holst Centre, a partnership between IMEC and TNO, has long been active in the development of wireless technologies. Guido Dolmans, who has been with IMEC for 17 years, explains that their focus is mainly on developing technologies outside traditional cellular networks, such as 5G and 6G. "We develop wireless technologies for consumer applications, such as Bluetooth and Ultra Wideband (UWB)," Guido said. "These technologies are used, for example, in smart car keys and for tracking lost objects."
Localisation determination
One of the core areas on which the Holst Centre focuses is localisation. This involves technologies that can track objects and people with high precision, both indoors and outdoors. Guido explains that localisation plays a crucial role in various applications, from consumer electronics to industrial automation. "Our expertise in Ultra Wideband (UWB) and other wireless technologies enables us to develop highly accurate localisation systems," says Guido. With the rise of 6G, Holst Centre sees new opportunities. "For us, 5G and 6G are complementary technologies that we can integrate into our existing applications," says Guido. "The ability to combine data streams, such as distance or location measurements with Bluetooth, can significantly improve the reliability and accuracy of these technologies. We also see opportunities to test algorithms that can make localisation even more accurate using 6G," he adds.
Three work packages
An important aspect of FNS is the collaboration between different partners. Guido explains that Holst Centre actively participates in three work packages within the program. Two of these packages focus on radio frequency (RF) communication and localisation, with Holst Centre taking on both hardware and software development. "We are participating in both work packages with the aim of further refining and demonstrating the algorithms we have developed within the hardware package," says Guido. He stresses that this collaboration is essential to accelerate innovation within 6G and explore new possibilities. Besides Holst Centre and TU/e, other prominent institutions such as TU Delft and the University of Twente are also involved in these work packages. The third work package focuses on optical localisation systems, a new area for Holst Centre where they see opportunities to expand their expertise.
European projects
Holst Centre is active not only within the FNS program, but also in many other European projects. Guido mentions two key projects: SuperIOT and DistriMuse. The SuperIOT project focuses on the development of sustainable internet-of-things systems, replacing electronic systems with high environmental impact with printed and flexible systems. In contrast, the DistriMuse project focuses on localisation through Ultra Wideband technology in the automotive and robotics sectors. These projects illustrate Holst Centre's broad commitment to developing innovative and sustainable technologies. "We aim to valorise our research experiences with the industry and ecosystem around wireless technologies," Guido said.
Translating research to industry
While Holst Centre's involvement in 6G is promising, Guido acknowledges that there are also challenges. One of the biggest challenges is translating research into industrial applications. "The ecosystem of cellular networks is quite closed, with only a few major players dominating the infrastructure," Guido explains. This makes it difficult for smaller parties to gain access and integrate their innovations into the wider market. Nevertheless, Guido also sees opportunities: "FNS gives us the opportunity to explore new domains, such as satellite connectivity, and to expand our knowledge in this area." Moreover, he stresses that despite the challenges, Holst Centre has a strong base in developing wireless technologies for the consumer market, which enables them to innovate and make valuable contributions to the 6G ecosystem.
Future
Although there are challenges, especially in entering the closed ecosystem of cellular networks, FNS offers unique opportunities for growth and development. "Our years of experience and proven success in previous projects give us a solid foundation to stay ahead within the 6G domain as well. This long-term commitment to innovation enables Holst Centre not only to respond to current technological trends, but also to actively shape the future of wireless communications," Guido concludes.
More information: IMEC |Holst Centre