From Beyond 5G to 6G

Innovation at the core
Established five years ago, Do IoT Fieldlab was born from the vision of Lenneke de Voogd and Professor Fernando Kuipers, two pioneers in wireless communication research. As Bin Hu explains, “Innovation is in our DNA. Our primary focus is on advanced wireless communication technologies, particularly research outcomes that can bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government.”

The lab operates as a hub within a dynamic triangular ecosystem. “We are positioned at the center, connecting research outcomes with businesses while engaging government stakeholders,” Hu notes. This role is particularly vital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the financial stability to take early risks in adopting emerging technologies.

Empowering SMEs through collaboration
Over the years, the lab has supported some 25 SMEs, offering them access to expertise, facilities, and realistic test environments. The collaboration spans various sectors, including agriculture, mobility, manufacturing and railway systems. For example, one project involves integrating 5G technology into greenhouses, enhancing sensor capabilities for horticulture. Another initiative focuses on ProRail's efforts to bring 5G into railway systems.

Despite the wide-ranging applications of wireless communication, the fieldlab avoids sector-specific limitations. “Wireless communication is like a screwdriver, it can be applied in many areas, from mobility to energy,” Hu explains. This adaptability underscores the lab's mission to foster innovation across a wide range of industries.

Preparing for 6G: bridging the knowledge gap
Although 6G technology is still in its conceptual stage, Do IoT Fieldlab is actively preparing businesses for its potential. As Hu describes, many companies are unaware of the differences between commercial 5G and the customized capabilities offered by private networks. To address this, the fieldlab focuses on educating companies about “Beyond 5G,” a stepping stone toward 6G that offers enhanced features tailored for specific business needs.

“Our role is to speed up innovation by bridging the knowledge gap,” Hu emphasizes. “We aim to equip businesses with the tools and understanding needed to navigate the transition to 6G.” By providing a testbed for new technologies, the fieldlab allows businesses to experiment and assess the viability of their solutions before committing to large-scale investments.

National and international collaboration
A significant part of the fieldlab's activities is related to Program Line 4 of the FNS-program. This program line focuses on developing advanced test environments and platforms for next-generation wireless networks, including the national 6G testbed. As an active partner, Do IoT Fieldlab contributes to the design and implementation of this infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the needs of both industry stakeholders and research institutions.

“The National 6G Testbed in Program Line 4 is at the heart of our mission,” says Hu. “It combines technical development with practical use cases, allowing businesses and researchers to collaborate on real-world applications.” By connecting testbeds across the Netherlands, the programme ensures seamless integration and fosters innovation on a national scale.
This national testbed connects with fieldlabs across the Netherlands, including Groningen, Delft, and other locations. This collaboration ensures that expertise is shared and solutions are developed for complex, interdisciplinary challenges.

This infrastructure enables seamless updates and collaborative testing, ensuring that innovations can scale across the country. “The national testbed is a standout achievement,” Hu says. “It not only links multiple labs but also positions the Netherlands as a leader in 6G research on the European stage.”

The road ahead
Looking forward, Do IoT Fieldlab’s priorities include strengthening its role within the FNS-program and expanding its network of collaborations. The transition from 5G to 6G is not merely about faster speeds; it involves addressing complex market- and technical challenges. "Many companies are hesitant to invest in new technologies due to uncertainty," Hu notes. While the transition to 6G may still be years away, the lab is already laying the groundwork by developing use cases that demonstrate the tangible benefits of advanced wireless communication.

“People need to see the value of these technologies,” Hu explains. “One strong use case is worth more than a thousand words.” By working with SMEs, academic researchers, and government bodies, Do IoT Fieldlab aims to ensure that the Netherlands remains at the forefront of wireless communication innovation.

Future
Located on TU Delft Campus in the heart of the Randstad, with its vibrant ecosystem of universities, startups, and corporations, Do IoT Fieldlab is well-positioned to lead the charge into the future of wireless technology. “Our location gives us unparalleled opportunities to collaborate and innovate,” Hu concludes. “Together, we are creating a secure and innovative pathway toward the digital future.”

As the lab gears up for the future, its priorities include advancing the FNS-program and exploring new use cases for Beyond 5G and 6G. Collaboration remains at the heart of its strategy, with plans to deepen partnerships both within and beyond the Netherlands.