THE University of Bradford is playing a key role in studying 6G technology - which promises to transform the world.

6G - the next generation of wireless technology now in the early stages of research and development - will eventually take over from the current system, 5G.

The emergence of 5G has revolutionised the way we communicate, including by offering faster download speeds and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously.

6G looks set to propel things even further.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Deployment of 5G has brought more efficient and improved wireless communications worldwide - and now there is demand from technology and industry providers to go even further  Deployment of 5G has brought more efficient and improved wireless communications worldwide - and now there is demand from technology and industry providers to go even further  (Image: University of Bradford)

It could eventually lead to personalised wound-healing patches being printed off by nurses, classrooms populated by holograms, drones monitoring farms - and much more.

As part of EU-funded trials, the University of Bradford - led by Professors Sankar Sivarajah, Vishanth Weerakkody and deputy vice-chancellor Zahir Irani - will receive £299,033 to study how 6G could improve people's lives.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Farms and vineyards could be monitored by drones in the world of the futureFarms and vineyards could be monitored by drones in the world of the future (Image: University of Derby)

Professor Sivarajah said: "With this project, there will be quantifiable technical indicators - for example, measuring when and how often the network drops, along with energy efficiency.

"But we will also be looking at the socio-economic costs, savings and efficiencies and the social impact.

"What will be the impact of 6G on people's lives?

"Will people benefit?"

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Professor Sankar Sivarajah, from the University of BradfordProfessor Sankar Sivarajah, from the University of Bradford (Image: University of Bradford)

He added: "The University of Bradford research team (UBRAD) has several years of research and development experience, both in academia and industry.

"It consists of people who are acknowledged as the most published UK academics in the field of technology management, evaluation and digital Government research. 

"The UBRAD academics will use their extensive experience and expertise in evaluating technology implementation, diffusion and adoption in Europe to lead the societal and business impact of the trials and pilots."

The University of Bradford will analyse a number of 6G test cases, including:

Health

  • Personalised wound healing, such as 3D printed patches impregnated with the right medicines to heal an individual's wound

  • Devices, such as smart watches and virtual reality able to detect if a person falls or suffers pain, which would be able to communicate with a doctor. This would allow for AI to recognise the daily pattern of life of an individual, meaning care can be personalised

Education

  • The use of extended reality - an umbrella term used to describe immersive technologies which can merge the physical and virtual worlds - in rural schools and health training

  • The use of holograms in education

Farming

  • Drones and robots monitoring grapes in vineyards

'Smart cities'

  • The use of automated guided vehicles, controlled by human users, in factory and warehouse settings