The Network of our Dreams

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe: It’s 2024, and yet it feels like our mobile network is still lagging two decades behind – so when people talk about the 6G mobile network, it seems like a pipe dream. But not at Fraunhofer IML. In the “6GEM open – efficient – secure – safe” project, researchers are working to create a future where 6G is the central system in our lives by 2030.

The “6G” part of the name stands for this future mobile network, while the “EM” part refers to the unique consortium involved the project, a combination of scientific excellence and mobile communications expertise made up of representatives from across the materials, networks, components, microchips and modules sectors in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to Fraunhofer IML, the Technical University of Dortmund (TU Dortmund), RWTH Aachen University, Ruhr University Bochum, the University of DuisburgEssen and four other non-university research institutions are also participating in the project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The consortium has been working on this research project together since August 2021. The goals of the initiative are to create a leading position for Germany in the technology provider market and to underline the importance of having a well-developed mobile network. To facilitate these aims, the project has been divided into a total of seven main topics: 

• Digital operating theater
• Smart hospital
• German Rescue Robotics Center
• Highly automated production environment
• High-speed intralogistics
• Port logistics 
• Road traffic scenarios, from inner cities to highway

The 3D automated intralogistics environment operated by Fraunhofer IML and the Chair of Materials Handling and Warehousing (FLW) at TU Dortmund consists of two research halls that can be used for demonstrations, simulations and testing, offering researchers reproducible validation options for testing and measuring 6G technology. Either real or even more critical measurements can be taken by adjusting the parameters of the mobile communication system. Obstacles that cause reflection and attenuation can be put in place to simulate shadowing effects and different signal strengths. An initial prototype was set up last year, in which a cabledriven parallel robot that can move in three directions is used to bridge any gaps in the network connection. Meanwhile, a digital network twin (DNT) provides a real-time simulation of the test field, including the robot platforms, the obstacles and the mobile communications. The researchers are also using a laser system to visualize network communications and environmental information and display processes and results effectively, which helps the researchers get a deeper understanding of the network. This system was presented at the annual 6GEM General Assembly 2024. Ideally, real-time decisions should be made at the point in the system where the conditions are most favorable and the best availability of technical equipment is to be found. An edge cloud continuum makes it possible for high-level capabilities such as AI and analytics to be distributed. The decision-making instances switch smoothly between cloud, edge and on-device, depending on the situation. The aim is to build OpenRAN-compatible software that allows decisions to be made, stores information on situational and fluid states and can change the execution location on this basis. In order to calculate these factors in the areas where the network is at its strongest and the best resources are available, multi-agent and cluster system approaches are used in the new 5G campus network that is currently being set up. This prototype will be presented at the 6GEM General Assembly 2025, which will take place on the campus of Fraunhofer IML and the Chair of FLW at TU Dortmund. Apart from the innovative research dimension, one particular highlight of this project is actually this meeting of the consortium, where all the participants can share the current status of their research and make new contacts. In addition to the German project partners, international guests who are interested in the consortium’s innovative research will also be in attendance.