The global development of 6G is in full swing. This next-generation mobile technology will reach the market in 2030. With the Future Network Services (FNS) programme, the Netherlands is investing in this development. Do IoT Fieldlab has a key role as a partner in this programme. The development of digital technologies is moving fast and many countries and companies worldwide are investing heavily in these areas. The Netherlands is a forerunner in the development of communication technology and intends to take a leading position in the development of 6G as well.
DurationJanuary 2024 - June 2030
Partners (TU Delft)Do IoT Fieldlab, TU Delft
Partners (others)62 partners in total; see partner scheme below
Major opportunities
Mobile networks are crucial for the digitalisation of our society and the earning power in all sectors of the economy, from industry and energy to logistics and healthcare. Dutch companies see great opportunities in 6G network technology and applications coming to the market from 2030 onwards. The development of 6G contributes to the digital autonomy and sustainability of the Netherlands and the European Union. Therefore, the government is investing in this development.
What will 6G offer
The 6G network will offer higher speeds, greater capacity and greater security than 5G and 4G. 6G is expected to be 300 times faster than the most advanced 4G networks. In addition, 6G is going to be used not only for communications, but also for localisation using radar sensing. This will, for instance, offer the possibility to better direct traffic flows. AI (artificial intelligence) will also help to quickly detect and resolve disruptions or rapidly increasing demand for capacity.
Role Do IoT Fieldlab
Currently, Do IoT Fieldlab offers several test sites with a 5G installation. Companies, scientists, students and governments work together to develop the products and services of the future. Think of a super-stable auxiliary arm for a surgeon, better data systems for emergency services, drones in horticultural greenhouses or robots that assist in hazardous work. These are all applications that involve exchanging a lot of data at lightning speed via a reliable connection. Under realistic conditions, such prototypes are made 5G-ready within the fieldlab.
For the development of 6G, Do IoT Fieldlab again intends to develop ‘testbeds’. With its own 6G installations, with workshops for companies and (semi-)governments and by bringing parties together. The experience we have gained in more than 20 use cases in recent years will be useful and we look forward to sharing and desseminating our knowledge. In this way, the Netherlands can stay ahead and be 6G-ready in time.
Unique collaboration
The Future Network Services approach is unique in several respects: a total of 62 Dutch parties, led by TNO (the leading independent research organisation in The Netherlands), are joining forces in this public-private partnership. All relevant parties including leading telecom and semiconductor manufacturers, mobile operators, ICT companies, knowledge institutes and governments are involved. In addition, the accumulated knowledge and expertise will be shared and applied intensively within vocational, professional and university eductation. This seamlessly links research, education and innovation in building a strong Dutch 6G ecosystem.
The innovative FNS program focuses on four areas:
Intelligent components, like the development of electronics chipsets for software antennas for the new high (mm-wave and THz) frequencies in 6G (program lead: TU Eindhoven)
Intelligent networks, developing AI-driven software for 6G radio and core networks (program lead: TU Delft)
Leading applications, developing new 6G applications in mobility, energy, health, and other sectors that create direction for the development of the network technology (program lead: TNO)
Strengthening the ecosystem with a national 6G testbed, supporting SME’s and start-ups, developing, and executing the human capital agenda and ensuring European policy alignment (program lead: TU Delft).
FNS program partners
Intelligent components, program lead: Eindhoven University of Technology
Partners: Aircision, Altum RF, Ampleon, Antenna Company (TAC), Antennex (ATX), ASTRON, Chalmers, Ericsson, itoM/Bosch, KPN, NXP, Prodrive Technologies Innovation Services B.V., Robin Radar Systems, Sabic, Signify, Imec the Netherlands (Imec), Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO CITC, TNO Nano-instrumentation, TNO Networks, TNO Optics, TNO PITC, TNO Radar, TNO Radar hardware, University of Twente, Viasat, VTEC Lasers & Sensors
Intelligent networks, program lead: The Delft University of Technology
Partners: Almende, AMS-IX, Ericsson, IS-Wireless, Keysight, KPN, Nokia, NVIDIA, Solvinity, SURF, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO Networks, University of Twente, University of Amsterdam, Vodafone Ziggo, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Leading applications, program lead: TNO
Partners: Comforest (Ultraware/Sinewave), Drone Delivery Services, Ericsson, Future mobility Network, Future Mobility Park, Gomibo, KPN, Nokia, Odido, Philips, PWXR, SURF, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO Networks, Vialis, Cordis Automation, Alliander, ASML, Municipality of Amsterdam, Municipality of Rotterdam, Port of Rotterdam, Province of Drenthe, Province of Friesland, Province of Groningen, Schiphol Airport, Tennet
Strengthening the ecosystem with a national 6G testbed, program lead: The Delft University of Technology
Partners: BTG, ECP, Ericsson, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, KPN, Nokia, Odido, Oost-NL, Platform talent voor technologie, SURF, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO, TNO Networks, University of Twente, University of Amsterdam, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy – execution costs, Liberty Global, Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure
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