Universal connectivity, integration with non-terrestrial networks, AI sensing for health and wellbeing, as well as optimising the factories of the future through digital twins (virtual representations of real-world objects), are just some of the applications that will become reality when the next generation of connectivity arrives in a decade.
The festival, hosted by the University of Bristol Smart Internet Lab’s flagship projects JOINER and REASON along with the Federated Telecoms Hubs, offered visitors from academia, government and the general public a portal into that world by demonstrating how this groundbreaking technology might change lives beyond recognition.
As well as keynotes and discussions at We The Curious asking the big questions, guests were given opportunities to operate a giant biomechanical snail by manipulating a small-scale model, see the thought process of an artificially intelligent tortoise and experience life as a holographic human.
They could also witness dental inspections performed remotely with precision and ease using a haptic controller in Bristol to instruct a robotic arm equipped with an advanced oral cavity inspection instrument over 370 miles away in Glasgow.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “This remarkable event has given us an exciting preview of what the world could look like in just ten years’ time.
“The next generation of mobile networks promises to be immersive, interactive, intelligent and inclusive and the University is helping to lead the way for a joined-up, connected future where people’s lives are immeasurably improved.”
While 6G is in early-stage development, it’s hoped that emerging technologies will enable a ‘network of networks’. This means drawing together a range of different technologies associated with connectivity - including satellite, Wi-Fi, cellular and more to provide consistent coverage everywhere, in all corners of the globe. JOINER is where the UK’s first 6G tests are taking place and is powering the entire festival.
Director of the Smart Internet Lab, Professor Dimitra Simeonidou, said: “The UK is doing fantastic work in this space. We have the opportunity, driven by academia, to play a significant role in the global development of future networks.
“And that’s what today is all about. To bring researchers, industry, government and the general public together to showcase the great work that is being done. To give you early insights into the work and thinking that is to come. And to imagine - together - what our future world might be like.”
Chris Bryant, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, delivered a video address at the conference underlining the importance of connectivity and the technologies which enable this.
He said: “Advanced connectivity technologies are vital in our effort to improve the lives of communities and families across the UK. These technologies will also form the foundation for the future digital economy, providing reliable, universal coverage and resilient networks for our critical national infrastructure.”