Bengaluru, NFAPost: The future of wireless technology, Nokia has unveiled its state-of-the-art 6G research laboratory within its Global R&D centre in Bengaluru, India. This trailblazing initiative is set to redefine our interaction with both the digital and physical realms.
More than a mere research facility, Nokia’s 6G lab in Bengaluru stands as a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders. The lab’s primary mission is to expedite the development of core technologies and inventive use cases that will shape the trajectory of wireless communication. It provides a platform for diverse stakeholders to convene and evaluate pioneering solutions, gauging their potential for commercialization.
Among the most intriguing developments is Nokia’s exploration of “network as a sensor” technology. This paradigm-shifting concept empowers wireless networks to function as sensors, capable of perceiving objects, individuals, and motion without relying on conventional onboard sensors. This innovation holds the promise of allowing us to “see around corners,” amassing real-time information about our surroundings, and even interacting with objects from a distance, effectively erasing the boundary between the digital and physical worlds.
In a departure from prior wireless technology generations, Nokia’s 6G lab endeavours to seamlessly integrate sensing capabilities into the wireless network infrastructure. This signifies that sensing and communication services can operate concurrently, unlocking a plethora of possibilities for applications and services reliant on real-time environmental data.
In addition to these technological leaps, the lab also serves as a crucible for tackling critical concerns such as algorithm refinement, privacy safeguards, and sustainable system design—fundamental aspects in sculpting a resilient and secure 6G ecosystem.
The virtual inauguration of Nokia’s 6G lab in Bengaluru saw the esteemed presence of India’s Telecom Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who underscored the pivotal role of telecom technology in India’s Digital India Program. He emphasized the nation’s aspiration to lead in 6G technology—a vision staunchly supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nokia’s influence in 6G technology extends well beyond India’s borders. The company actively engages in a gamut of global and regional projects, collaborating with industry peers, clients, academia, and research institutions. These endeavours are geared towards setting a unified course and vision for 6G technology, encompassing participation in landmark projects like 6G Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II, pivotal phases in the European 6G Flagship initiative. Nokia also stands as a linchpin founding member of the Next G Alliance.
Bolstering India’s aspirations to make significant strides in global 6G standards, Nokia’s Bengaluru Centre is forging collaborative ties with esteemed research institutes in the country, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). These alliances are poised to amplify the impact of Nokia’s 6G research initiative, setting a new standard in wireless technology.
