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
- The Radio Frequency Identification and Flexible Electronics (RFLEX) group at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is participating in ETEXHEALTH. The project is focused on finding solutions based on the application of electronic textile sensors (e-textile) to monitor biometric variables of the human body and the evolution of diseases in a minimally invasive way.
- A team of researchers from the ISI group at the UPC is developing technology to be able to monitor animals’ cardiovascular parameters in a non-invasive way. This tool is designed to facilitate the work of vets and professionals who look after animals, as it can be used to measure vital signs in as little time as possible and provides more information than current electrocardiogram systems.
- A multidisciplinary team at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is working on the European project AI - Enhanced Fibre -Wireless Optical 6G Network in Support for Connected Mobility (6G-EWOC) to develop technologies and a 6G optical network that will combine artificial intelligence with 6G technologies, remote sensing systems and optical communication (wireless and by optical fibre). The result will be a network that will enable autonomous and human-driven vehicles to circulate safely, avoiding accidents in zones that have a lot of traffic or are very busy.
- CD6 researchers at the UPC participate in a project to design and construct a proof of concept of a system that has laser technology and sensors to detect and map the underwater environment.
