The University of Surrey has outlined its vision of 6G and the potential applications for the ‘teleportation’ of human senses through video conferencing, telemedicine and more.
With 5G technology slowly gaining traction around the world, some researchers are already turning their attention to the applications of 6G technology, targeting previously unachievable applications such as the transmission of senses through ‘data teleportation’.
The reliance on quantum mechanics has become more prevalent in recent years, with researchers at Fermilab successfully ‘teleporting’ qubits of photons with 90% fidelity, a major breakthrough in the development of an internet that operates on the quantum level.
In a statement, Regius Professor Rahim Tafazolli, director of 5GIC, 6GIC and head of the institute for communication systems, the University of Surrey, outlined: “6G will enable a rich new fabric of digital services, including extending human senses and ambient data in a fusion of the virtual and physical worlds. Imagine a world where one can interact with colleagues and friends from different continents, from different cultures, without any perception of not being in the same room.
“Imagine extending the human experience, via digital solutions, into a realm of new sensory and tactile perceptions. Imagine interacting seamlessly with machines and enjoying personally tailored healthcare and well-being programmes supported by extensive and yet non-intrusive sensors.”
The low latency levels and time synchronisation required to achieve this kind of data teleportation is currently beyond the limitations of 5G technology but could be achieved by 6G developments. 6G technology could be used to achieve precise geolocation services, with context-aware digital services supporting activities such as physical product browsing and machine tracking.
Tafazolli Added: “To enable 6G, a rich cross-functional programme of technology and scientific research will be needed. We envisage a ground-breaking programme of work that will involve collaboration across multiple scientific and engineering disciplines, critically advancing 6GIC members to leadership positions in the field.
“6G will be a hybrid network of networks, comprising short range, wide area and satellite networks and seamless integration and essential use of edge computing. It will also lift 5G-enabled services to new levels of performance and functionality.”