TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES
ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY AND 6G
- Management with generative AI. Autonomous network orchestration through large-scale language models (LLMs) and intent-based networks.
- Deterministic networks. Design of multi-agent control planes based on AI to guarantee communications with near-zero latency and Ultra-High Reliability in geographically distributed networks.
- Fibre-Radio convergence: development of infrastructures integrating programmable optical fronthaul and wireless access in millimetre bands (FR2, 26 GHz) for connected mobility.
- Open infrastructures. Laboratories and testbeds based on open architectures (O-RAN) and open-source software.
- Multi-element antennas with technology based on beamforming.
- Management of interference in communications and in information processing.
- Signal protocol models to improve the efficiency of handover mechanisms through software-defined networks (SDN).
- Graphene and wireless microantennas that can operate in the terahertz band.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OF THINGS (AIoT) AND DISTRIBUTED CONNECTIVITY
- Aerial and Non-Terrestrial IoT (NTN). Use of drones (UAVs) as flying base stations and intelligent relays to integrate the Internet of Everything into cellular and satellite networks.
- Marine and underwater IoT. Development of autonomous underwater node networks with bidirectional acoustic communication and embedded AI for environmental monitoring.
- Data improvement in IoT. Machine learning to optimise data quality in low-cost sensor networks, improving measurement accuracy.
- IoT mesh networks with low-power radios.
- Data modulation of Wi-Fi devices for communications with non-WiFi devices.
SECURITY AND NETWORK RESILIENCE
- Design of advanced, modular and open security systems in multi-domain environments within 6G ecosystems.
- Cybersecurity in the cloud continuum environment.
- Proactive security strategies supported by digital twins.
- Algorithms for the detection of cyber-physical attacks.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
- More efficient and secure hardware-based security systems for memory devices (memristors).
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
- Algorithms for energy optimisation in 5G networks.
- Low-cost radiofrequency links with low energy consumption.
- Faster processors with reduced energy consumption for artificial intelligence and autonomous learning.
- Systems for evaluating and improving energy efficiency and performance associated with AI.
INTELLIGENT COMPUTING AND COGNITIVE SYSTEMS
- Cloud/Edge/Fog Continuum: management of computational resources from the device (edge) to the cloud to reduce latency.
- Automated Regulatory Compliance: AI-based frameworks for regulatory compliance and digital certification (Compliance Digital Passport) in regulated data spaces.
- Efficient processors for intelligent computing systems capable of carrying out cognitive functions.
- Advanced management and control systems for 5G networks.
- Optimisation of massive communications with multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO).
- Autonomous adaptation in wireless networks.
SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
- Instant, precise and reliable positioning methods based on GNSS signals.
- Development and integration of payloads based on GNSS-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) for nanosatellites.
- Development and integration of communication subsystems for nanosatellites and their links (satellites and ground station).
- Environmental testing and validation of nanosatellites and subsystems through cleanroom facilities, thermal-vacuum chambers and vibration systems.
INFRASTRUCTURES AND LABORATORIES
- 6G LABNET UPC: Infrastructure for the experimentation and validation of technologies and services using next-generation networks in a real-world environment spanning more than 30 km.
- UPCxels: Multisectoral data space connecting companies and administrations to create value from information.
- OBSEA: Submarine scientific, cabled and multiparametric laboratory for real-time marine observation.
QUANTUM COMPUTING
- Development and integration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) services in 6G satellite networks.
- Post-quantum cryptography.
- Architectures for quantum processors.
UPC LABS
We offer infrastuctures for users or organisations interested in using a platform that integrates radio and optical technology, sensors, SDN controllers, network resource orchestrators and data centres to perform communications test for 5G services.
APPLICATION SECTORS
Industry 4.0
Sustainability
Data Science
Artificial intelligence
Connected vehicle
Cognitive networks
Digital Economy
Health
Mobility
Internet of things
Smart agriculture
FEATURED PROJECTS
- Researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) have developed a unique infrastructure serving the UPC, research centres and companies for the experimentation and validation of technologies and services using next-generation networks. This platform enables the validation of 5G solutions in real-world scenarios and leads research towards 6G, facilitating technology transfer to the market.
- Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and age-related disorders, have been widely studied due to their significant impact on individuals and society. So far, these are incurable and debilitating diseases that lead to progressive degeneration and death of nerve cells, resulting in cognitive and mobility impairments. Tremors, mainly at rest, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), limb rigidity, and issues with gait and balance are typical motor disorders related to Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, due to progressive muscle atrophy, these issues can lead to falls, which in turn result in further complications and risks to quality of life.
- RootBot aims to develop and demonstrate an autonomous robotic electromagnetic detection system equipped with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and advanced navigation technologies to map the root systems of fruit trees and soil moisture. This project seeks to optimize agricultural resource management, particularly water, and contribute to more sustainable farming through the use of innovative technological tools.
- The Centre for Sensors, Instruments and Systems Development (CD6) at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is participating in the development of a smart assistant device that, by combining building information modelling (BIM) with augmented reality and virtual reality technologies, provides a comprehensive tool at each stage of the construction life cycle.
