Research Johann Marquez-Barja

Abstract

The idea of Joint communication and sensing (JCS) capabilities is a revolutionary and innovative solution. A single system has the potential to offer significant advances in various fields, such as smart transportation, smart cities, smart homes, healthcare, security, and environmental monitoring. iSEE-6G extends beyond JCS and propose a Joint Communication, Computation, Sensing, and Power transfer (JCCSP) unified radio platform, which includes all support elements of the proposed solutions in future 6G networks. By integrating, exploiting, and supporting 6G key enabling technologies, iSEE-6G offers a) JCCSP-oriented novel intelligent reconfigurable surfaces (RIS) and agile beamforming array solutions; b) JCCSP-optimized physical layer design including waveform design, frame structure design, channel modeling, precoding/beamforming with respect to open radio access network (O-RAN) architectural paradigm; c) JCCSP-enabled cross-layer schemes design under new capabilities in terms of service-oriented network architecture; and d) JCCSPimplemented system-level solutions for providing new functionalities towards a cell-free 6G network. The iSEE-6G Proof-of-Concept (PoC) focuses in JCCSP use cases in aerial corridors, where UAVs with various roles providing different services coexist and coordinate with each other. In IMEC's testbed static distributed RUs, and vehicular UEs are additionally included for an emergency response incident. The UAVs monitor the area, estimate and report accurate positioning and provide situational awareness through integrated sensing. In ORO's testbed 5G waveforms based JCCSP exploit the KPI collection capabilities of it. The operation of the testbed will be extended at an outdoor venue, where UAVs and IoT devices will be deployed to test the Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) capabilities. Edge computational power is used for Public Protection and Desaster Relief (PPDR) monitoring and JCCSP-as-a-Service implementation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Famaey Jeroen

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is widely studied and finding increasing adoption across communication technologies spanning network layers and business ecosystems. It is anticipated to play a central role in the design and operation of future 6G networks. Despite the promise of AI, there remain many obstacles to its use in communication networks. The introduction of software defined elements such as radio access network (RAN) intelligent controllers (RIC) enables multi-party applications for the control and management of networks. However, AI functions are still nascent and such structures do not extend to optical networks or multi-controller environments. 6G-XCEL seeks to address these challenges through research on high edge network use cases that employ multi-party AI controls running over compute accelerators to coordinate control across radio and optical networks. It will develop a reference framework for AI in 6G that will pave the way towards global validation, adoption and standardisation of AI approaches. This framework will enable decentralised AI-based network controls across network domains and physical layers, while promoting security and sustainable implementations. Using the latest AI algorithms and data compression, research on the resulting decentralised multi-party, multi-network AI (DMMAI) framework will enable the development of reference use cases, data and model repositories, curated training and evaluation data, as well as technologies for its use as a benchmarking platform for future AI/ML solutions for 6G networks. 6G-XCEL will bring together a large ecosystem of researchers from the EU and US to implement elements of the DMMAI framework in their testbeds and labs, integrating it into their research programs and validating the framework across platforms. Working with standardisation groups within each jurisdiction, 6G-XCEL will achieve joint progress towards large scale application of AI in 6G networks.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Our society is undoubtedly rapidly evolving towards a fully digital society. These changes and new technologies such as 5G, (I)IoT, Cloud computing, Edge computing, Big Data... and many other new concepts, are getting embedded in our society and daily life. As a consequence, our communication networks and the internet, become very complex and rely on a heterogeneity of technologies never seen or experienced before. Research on new concepts and new aspects of this Next Generation Internet as well as developing tools, techniques and applications cannot be carried out without experimentation. Testing of these newly researched and developed technologies cannot be carried out on systems active in the real world but require experimentation facilities which can mimic the real network in all its aspects. Flemish universities and research organizations have invested in and established a collection of world-class experimentation facilities for these purposes, covering a wide range of technologies, and this proposal aims at establishing a Flemish and Belgian node in a European Research Infrastructure which would integrate all of these testbeds into one single research infrastructure. Scientific communication

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hellinckx Peter
• Co-promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Modelling for Sustainability (M4S)
• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

To deliver on our European 6G vision for the 2030s, and to tackle opportunities and challenges of increasing magnitude, e.g.,sustainability, trustworthiness, green deal efficiency, digital inclusion, there is need for a flagship project, towards the elaboration of aholistic 6G network platform and system. To fill this need, Hexa-X-II is proposed with the ambition of being this flagship project, andof inspiring the world for digital transformation through novel 6G services. Hexa-X-II will work, beyond enabler-oriented research, tooptimized systemization, early validation, and proof-of-concept; work will progress from the 6G key enablers that connect the human,physical, and digital worlds, as explored in Hexa-X, to advanced technology readiness levels, including key aspects of modules /protocols / interfaces / data.Hexa-X II includes: (a) the provision of advanced / refined use cases, services, and requirements, ensuring value for society; (b) thedelivery of the 6G platform blueprint, which will encompass enhanced connectivity for 6G services, mechanisms realizing the"networks beyond communications" vision (sensing, computing, trustworthy AI), efficient network management schemes; (c) therealization of extended validation at system and component level; (d) actions for global impact, while assuring strategic autonomy incritical areas for the EU.Europe is starting from the pole position with 6G research and is leading wireless network technologies today. Now is the time toleverage our joint research ambition with a flagship project that will lead the R&D effort towards end-to-end systemization andvalidation. The Hexa-X-II flagship is a unique effort and a holistic vision, of a 6G system of integrated technology enablers, whichaccomplish "beyond the sum of the parts", and of a "network beyond communications" platform for disruptive economic /environmental / societal impact; these are vital for establishing the European 6G technology leadership!

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Famaey Jeroen
• Co-promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Weyn Maarten

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

TrialsNet will deploy full large-scale trials to implement a heterogenous and comprehensive set of innovative 6G applications basedon various technologies such as cobots, metaverse, massive twinning, Internet of Senses, and covering three relevant domains of theurban ecosystems in Europe identified by i) Infrastructure, Transportation, Security & Safety, ii) eHealth & Emergency, and iii) Culture,Tourism & Entertainment. There will be 13 representative use cases developed over wide coverage areas with the involvement ofextended sets of real users in 4 geographical clusters, in Italy, Spain, Greece and Romania. The use cases will be transversal, eachsingle use case will be potentially implementable over different clusters, thus allowing for a holistic evaluation of the network KPIs.Targeting to improve the "liveability" of the urban environment in the different domains, TrialsNet will also pursue the objective to i)understand where current networks are not sufficient to assure the performance needed by the use cases, and to ii) derive the newrequirements for next generation mobile networks. To achieve this, TrialsNet will design and deploy platforms and network solutionswith advanced functionalities based on dynamic slicing management, E2E orchestration, NFV, MEC and AI/ML methods to be trialledon 3GPP and O-RAN network architectures. Design objectives of sustainability and affordability of the deployed systems will be alsotreated with the highest priority. Finally, TrialsNet will also develop appropriate technical assessment frameworks mapping quantitative and qualitative measures andvisualizing the dynamics of the use cases for society acceptance. Proper KVIs will be monitored, proved and refined to provide a sociotechnicalvision towards early adoption of 6G solutions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The FOR-FREIGHT project aims to maximise the utilisation of multimodal freight transport capacity and reduce the average cost offreight transport through the development of novel solutions and their integration with legacy logistics systems. This will enablemore effective and sustainable management of goods and freight flows in airports, ports, inland terminals and various logistics nodes,taking into account the requirements of all involved stakeholders, and accounting for economic, environmental and social aspects.Through the FOR-FREIGHT solutions the following functionalities will be delivered: i) real-time door-to-door tracking and statusmonitoring & control of cargo, ii) Decision Support Systems for the optimization of resource utilization based on Digital Twin concept,iii) Increased resilience against large scale disruptive events and increased security of information based on Blockchain technology, iv)Increased sustainability through the implementation of a carbon footprint assessment framework and use of alternative modes oftransportation (subway).To achieve these ambitious goals, the FOR-FREIGHT project engages world-leading T&L stakeholders specializing in different modesof transportation, such as port and airport authorities, terminal operators, airfreights handlers, train operators and major transport/shipping operators and brings them together with leading SW and technology developers, research organizations and innovativeSMEs. This collaboration will drive the deployment of three state-of-the-art multimodal trial facilities, to enable real life trials inoperational environments covering heterogeneous multimodal scenarios, namely, seaport to logistics hub and last mile delivery,seaport to airport (airfreight) and river-port to rail cargo. A cloud-based experimentation platform will be offered by FOR-FREIGHT,integrating access to the three trial sites, and offering advanced monitoring and experimentation tools.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The 6GStart project will facilitate the preparation activities of the European Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU)Initiative. This work will maintain the European momentum and leadership in 5G achieved through the 5G PPP and carry it forward tothe new 6G SNS JU. It will bring the relevant players together to prepare the SNS JU by building on the work done to date in the 5GPPP. This approach will contribute significantly to Europe having a leading role in the definition, provision, and exploitation of 6G by2030.The 6GStart project will ensure the inter-project collaboration structures and mechanisms will be established and in place by the timethe first phase projects of the SNS JU start. As such, the 6GStart project will ensure the fast launch of the new SNS partnership and theavailability of an efficient operational infrastructure for the inter-SNS-project coordination. The infrastructure for the 50+ ongoing 5GPPP projects will also be supported.The 6GStart Project will also orchestrate collaborations, and capture and promote the achievements of the new 6G SNS initiative andthe ongoing 5G PPP by facilitating their activities in inter-project working groups and maintaining links to the NetworldEuropecommunity and the 5G-IA membership.The 6GStart project will support the running of two editions of the EuCNC&6G Summit events in 2023 and 2024, as well as assistingthe organisation of the Global 5G/6G events based on the inter-regional MoUs managed by the 5G IA, contributing to the strategy ofpromoting the European achievements in the wider ICT sector.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The introduction of 5G cellular networks opens a huge potential for new industrial time-critical applications and to lower design times of time-critical applications. However, this far, there is no proven evidence that private 5G can offer the reliable and low-latency (<10 ms) end-to-end communication needed to support robust, time-critical control algorithms for teleoperation and collaborative operation in industrial and offshore environments. The ValArch5G project investigates whether private 5G meets the requirements of availability and reliability. Hereto, we develop an end-to-end communication digital twin (based on real measurements), a predictive QoS map and an adaptive closed-loop control strategy. These developments are validated by implementing them in use cases including 1) the teleoperation of an AGV/ASV using a common private 5G network infrastructure, 2) an AGV/ASV controlled over a network, 3) collaborative control between AGV and machine

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Internet connected devices are pervasive in today's world; from smart watches and implants, to thermostats and smart phones, to city-wide deployments of sensors. The wealth of information col-lected by these devices can be used to personalize services and applications, reduce bills and waste in the home, and reduce pollution and traffic congestion. However, there are also great risks. Devices being hacked, network traffic being intercepted, wireless networks tracking devices, breaches of sensitive, and personal, data from corporations and municipal databases, data misuse by contracted third-parties, and fines due to non-compliance are few of the many risks that can form a barrier to system deployment and make it difficult to reap the benefits of the IoT-enabled fu-ture. Moreover, the lack of trusted and secure platforms and privacy-aware analytics methods for secure sharing of personal data and proprietary/commercial/industrial data hampers the creation of a data market and data economy by limiting data sharing. MOZAIK aims to eliminate that barrier by reducing the above-mentioned risks end-to-end, from sensor nodes to the cloud where the data is aggregated, processed and may be stored. To achieve this aim of MOZAIM, we will research on and develop: - a software implementation of a secure and privacy-friendly distributed IoT-data collection and analytics system, considering the whole data cycle, from the generation up to the data sharing, filling important technology gaps through challenge-based and/or user-driven re-search and innovation efforts - an on-demand platform to support businesses and sectors to access expertise, knowledge, algorithms and tools on privacy and security enhancing technologies - a hybrid personal and non-personal data marketplace which ensures respect of prevailing legislation and allows data subjects and data owners to remain in control of their data and its subsequent use.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The IOF consortium IDLab is composed of academic supervisors at the IDLab Research Group, a UAntwerp research group with members from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Applied Engineering. IDLab develops innovative digital solutions in the area of two main research lines: (1) Internet technologies, focusing on wireless networking and Internet of Things (IoT), and (2) Data science, focussing on distributed intelligence and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The mission of the IDLab consortium is to be the number one research and innovation partner in Flanders and leading partner worldwide, in the above research areas, especially applied in a city and its metropolitan surroundings (industry, ports & roads). To realize its mission, IDLab looks at integrated solutions from an application and technology perspective. From an application point of view, we explicitly provide solutions for all stakeholders in metropolitan areas aiming to cross-fertilize these applications. From a technological point of view, our research includes hardware prototyping, connectivity and AI, enabling us to provide a complete integrated solution to our industrial partners from sensor to software. Over the past years, IDLab has been connecting the city and its surroundings with sensors and actuators. It is time to (1) reliably and efficiently connect the data in an integrated way to (2) turn them into knowledgeable insights and intelligent actions. This perfectly matches with our two main research lines that we want to extensively valorise the upcoming years. The IDLab consortium has a unique position in the Flemish eco-system to realize this mission as it is strategically placed across different research and innovation stakeholders: (1) IDLab is a research group embedded in the Strategic Research Centre imec, a leading research institute in the domain of nano-electronics, and more recently through groups such as IDLab, in the domain of digital technology. (2) IDLab has a strategic link with IDLab Ghent, a research group at Ghent University. While each group has its own research activities, we define a common strategy and for the Flemish ecosystem, we are perceived as the leading partner in the research we are performing. (3) IDLab is the co-founder of The Beacon, an Antwerp-based eco-system on innovation where start-ups, scale ups, etc. that work on IoT and AI solutions for the city, logistics, mobility and industry 4.0 come together. (4) Within the valorisation at UAntwerp, IDLab contributes to the valorisation within the domain 'Metropolitanism, Smart City and Mobility'. To realize our valorisation targets, IDLab will define four valorisation programs: VP1: Emerging technologies for next-generation IoT; VP2: Human-like artificial Intelligence; VP3: Learning at the edge; VP4: Deterministic communication networks. Each of these valorisation programs is led by one of the (co-)promoters of the IDLab consortium, and every program is composed of two or three innovation lines. This way, the IDLab research will be translated into a clear program offer towards our (industrial) partners, allowing us to build a tailored offer. Each valorisation program will contribute to the different IOF objectives, but in a differentiated manner. Based on our current experience, some valorisation programs are focusing more on local partners, while others are mainly targeting international and EU funded research projects.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hellinckx Peter
• Promoter: Latré Steven
• Promoter: Mannens Erik
• Co-promoter: Famaey Jeroen
• Co-promoter: Hellinckx Peter
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Mercelis Siegfried
• Co-promoter: Mets Kevin
• Co-promoter: Oramas Mogrovejo José Antonio
• Co-promoter: Weyn Maarten
• Fellow: Braem Bart

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

5GECO (5G Intelligent Radio and Transport Edge Network Cross-Optimisation) aims to reduce the Open 5G RAN Total Cost Ownership (TCO) of Mobile Networks (MN) for ultra-dense urban and private industrial deployments. This will be achieved by developing an Intelligent Neutral Host (INH) platform with end-to-end (E2E) management, supported by orchestration and control capabilities that allow the INH operator to control its equipment, for example the Radio Access Network (RAN) and the Transport Network (TN), can share and its spectrum, whether licensed or shared, with other MN operators so that they can densify their coverage in the most cost-effective way, saving a private network owner's money earn with his private network.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Mannens Erik

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The standard management capabilities of commercially available devices in a combined wired/wireless (Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth) environment does not allow to meet the strict requirements for end-to-end (E2E) delays and jitter. VELOCe will make improvements and add extensions to the latest WiFi 6/6E and LE Audio standards and benchmark these. Specifically, VELOCE E2E, will develop compatible mechanisms to reduce delays caused by communication and full control and verification of audio processing, and real-time device and network settings adaptable based on E2E performance measurements.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Famaey Jeroen

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

VITAL 5G - The VITAL-5G project has the vision to advance the offered transport & logistics (T&L) services by engaging significant logistics stakeholders (Sea and River port authorities, road logistics operators, warehouse/hub logistic operators, etc.) as well as innovative SMEs and offering them an open and secure virtualized 5G environment to test, validate and verify their T&L related cutting-edge Network Applications (NetApps). The combination of advanced 5G testbeds (offered through participating MNOs / vendors) with vertical specialized facilities and infrastructure (offered by participating key logistics stakeholders) through an open service validation platform (repurposed and created by the project) will create a unique opportunity for third parties such as SMEs to validate their T&L related solutions and services utilizing real-life resources and facilities, otherwise unavailable to them. The platform will provide to 3rd party experimenters, the necessary testing and validation tools, offering them a trusted and secure service execution environment under realistic conditions that supports multi tenancy. Such an elaborate validation mechanism will allow for the further refinement and fine-tuning of the provided services fostering the creation of new services and the evolution of existing ones, while boosting the SME presence in the emerging 5G-driven logistics ecosystem. The VITAL-5G project plans to showcase the added-value of 5G connectivity for the European T&L sector by adopting a multi-modal approach containing major logistics hubs for freight and passengers (sea ports, river ports, warehouse / logistics hubs, highways, etc.) as well as the respective stakeholders (road operators, port authorities, 3rd party logistics (3PL) operators), thus creating an end-to-end chain of connected T&L services accommodating the entire continent.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Hellinckx Peter

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

DAEMON - The success of Beyond 5G (B5G) systems will largely depend on the quality of the Network Intelligence (NI) that will fully automate network management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are commonly regarded as the cornerstone for NI design; indeed, AI models have proven extremely successful at solving hard problems that require inferring complex relationships from entangled and massive (e.g., traffic) data. However, AI is not the best solution for every NI task; and, when it is, the dominating trend of plugging 'vanilla' AI into network controllers and orchestrators is not a sensible choice. Departing from the current hype around AI, DAEMON will set forth a pragmatic approach to NI design. The project will carry out a systematic analysis of which NI tasks are appropriately solved with AI models, providing a solid set of guidelines for the use of machine learning in network functions. For those problems where AI is a suitable tool, DAEMON will design tailored AI models that respond to the specific needs of network functions, taking advantage of the most recent advances in machine learning. Building on these models, DAEMON will design an end-to-end NInative architecture for B5G that fully coordinates NI-assisted functionalities. The advances to NI devised by DAEMON will be applied in practical network settings to: (i) deliver extremely high performance while making an efficient use of the underlying radio and computational resources; (ii) reduce the energy footprint of mobile networks; and (iii) provide extremely high reliability beyond that of 5G systems. To achieve this, DAEMON will design practical algorithms for eight concrete NI-assisted functionalities, carefully selected to achieve the objectives above. The performance of the DAEMON algorithms will be evaluated in real-world conditions via four experimental sites, and at scale with data-driven approaches based on two nationwide traffic measurement datasets, against nine ambitious yet feasible KPI targets.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Camelo Botero Miguel
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

DEDICAT 6G - In future 6G wireless networks, it is imperative to support more dynamic resourcing and connectivity to improve adaptability, performance, and trustworthiness in the presence of emerging human-centric services with heterogeneous computation needs. DEDICAT 6G aims to develop a smart connectivity platform using artificial intelligence and blockchain techniques that will enable 6G networks to combine the existing communication infrastructure with novel distribution of intelligence (data, computation and storage) at the edge to allow not only flexible, but also energy efficient realisation of the envisaged real-time experience. DEDICAT 6G takes the next vital step beyond 5G by addressing techniques for achieving and maintaining an efficient dynamic connectivity and intelligent placement of computation in the mobile network. In addition, the proposal targets the design and development of mechanisms for dynamic coverage extension through the exploitation of novel terminals and mobile client nodes, e.g., smart connected cars, robots and drones. DEDICAT also addresses security, privacy and trust assurance especially for mobile edge services and enablers for novel interaction between humans and digital systems. The aim is to achieve (i) more efficient use of resources; (ii) reduction of latency, response time, and energy consumption; (iii) reduction of operational and capital expenditures; and (iv) reinforcement of security, privacy and trust. DEDICAT 6G will focus on four use cases: Smart warehousing, Enhanced experiences, Public Safety and Smart Highway. The use cases will pilot the developed solutions via simulations and demonstrations in laboratory environments, and larger field evaluations exploiting various assets and testing facilities. The results are expected to show significant improvements in terms of intelligent network load balancing and resource allocation, extended connectivity, enhanced security, privacy and trust and human-machine interactions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: Hellinckx Peter

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Recent developments in 5G IC modems are expected to become available in the market this year, enabling new applications. Edge AI and 5G are globally considered ideal to enable new applications of massive sensor nodes, massive data, low latency and high reliability with local AI data handling. This project addresses the challenges associated with this: 5G gateway & Edge AI board design, EMI/EMC challenges, higher heat dissipation, modem parameterization for optimal performance in latency, bandwidth and low energy, Interoperability with devices from different network vendors, dynamic A.I. architecture with distributed processing between EDGE & CLOUD/SERVER

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall objective of 5G-Blueprint is to design and validate a technical architecture, business and governance model for uninterrupted cross-border teleoperated transport based on 5G connectivity. 5G-Blueprint will explore and define: - The economics of 5G tools in cross border transport & logistics as well as passenger transport: bringing CAPEX and OPEX into view, both on the supply (Telecom) side and on the demand (Transport & Logistics) side for transformation of current business practices as well as new value propositions - The Governance issues and solutions pertaining to responsibilities and accountability within the value chain dependent on cross border connectivity and seamless services relating to the Dutch & Belgian regulatory framework (telecommunications, traffic and CAM experimentation laws, contracts, value chain management) - Tactical and operational (pre-) conditions that need to be in place to get full value of 5G tooled transport & logistics. This includes implementing use cases that increase cooperative awareness to guarantee safe and responsible tele-operated transport - Preparing and piloting tele-operated and tele-monitored transport on roadways and waterways to alleviate the increasing shortage of manpower and bring transport and logistics on a higher level of efficiency through data sharing in the supply chain and use of AI. - Exploring the possibilities of increasing the volume of freight being transported during the night where excess physical infrastructure capacity is abundant; the lowering of personnel costs would make this feasible on a cost effective basis - Tele-operation will be enabled by the following 5G qualities, such as low latency, reliable connectivity and high bandwidth that current 4G LTE cannot deliver sufficiently. The project's outcome will be the blueprint for subsequent operational pan-European deployment of teleoperated transport solutions in the logistics sector and beyond.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The ever-increasing need for real-time communication of factory processes in one hand, and the offered flexibility of wireless communication on the other, is pushing Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) evolution towards the wireless networks. By definition, wireless networks are non-deterministic due to their random channel access mechanism. In order to introduce TSN vision to the wireless world, such randomness needs to be controlled. In this project, we develop a complete end-to-end system that enables and controls TSN in both wireless and wired domain.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

By making waterway transport more cost-efficient, Smart Waterway will enable a modal shift for last mile urban logistics from the road to the small waterways in many European cities, including a city as Ghent. For small barges that could enter these waterways, however, the cost of automating a vessel is high compared to the construction cost. Hence, a cost reduction in automating small vessels will be crucial in this shift. We believe this can only be reached by drastically reducing the equipment cost on the autonomous vessel. This does, however, require significant advances in sensing and localization technology. Although a lower accuracy is sufficient for autonomous waypoint-based navigation, low-cost onboard sensors will not suffice in more complex scenarios (i.e. locks, bottlenecks such as bridges, loading and unloading bays) where accurate localization is needed to safely maneuver the vessel. To overcome this issue, these critical locations will be equipped with additional sensors (e.g., IR, cameras) and a novel ultra-wideband localization system. By combining low-cost onboard sensors with infrastructure near critical locations, Smart Waterway aims to achieve economically viable level 3 autonomy in urban waterways.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Hellinckx Peter
• Co-promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

InterConnect envisages to contribute for the democratization of efficient energy management, through a flexible and interoperable ecosystem where demand side flexibility can be soundly integrated with effective benefits to end-users. In fact, over the last few years several projects and technology providers have come up with solutions that allow every energy user to have awareness and control over his appliances, but there has always been a major issue with interoperability. End-users should be able to choose and change their technology providers, without having to replace their installation, every time they feel this need and still be able to adopt sustainable behaviour and benefit from technological advances. In the energy sector, a steep move towards digital is occurring and becoming tremendously user-centric and market-driven. The system dimension is significant, as the number of energy service providers is increasing thanks to favourable regulatory environment and technology advancements for monitoring and control. This is the reason why this consortium integrates relevant partners from all the representative stakeholders in this new energy paradigm. Specific competences in ICT, IoT, energy, data science, software, were included and the full value chain, from R&D institutions, manufacturers, DSO, retailers, IT providers, and energy users is represented. To guarantee a higher Europe-wide impact, several relevant associations related with ICT and energy are also involved. To achieve a significant dimension, 7 large scale pilots, in different countries and with different end-users, are foreseen to guarantee representativeness and dimension in terms of number of appliances and services. The overarching objective of these pilots is to demonstrate a real digital market environment over electrical systems with significant amounts of DSF, reducing operational and investment costs that will benefit energy end-users and help EU achieve its energy efficiency objectives.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The goal of the HAI-SCS (Helicus Aero Initiative – Scheduling Connectivity Security) project is to enable complete, secure and safe automation of mission-critical UAV flights focusing on medical transport. To enable the above described objectives, important new technological innovations are planned within the HAI consortium SCS project: * An automated flight planning and scheduling algorithm able to learn in real time the best flight plan and schedule, given a high dimensional set of input parameters and multi-modal output options (flights, ground transport). Given the high dimensionality of the problem, the aim is to reinforce a learning-based approach, where the total reward of all UAS flights is maximized. A phased approach is being proposed in which a fixed corridor-based airspace design is being assumed in a first phase, allowing an operational handshake-based flight approval process that can be set up with the authorities. The second phase involves the inclusion of a flexible airspace design model in the flight planning and scheduling process. * A dynamic heterogenous quality of service (QoS) management layer able to provide seamless QoS across multiple communication channels (e.g., 5G, 4G, private networks, direct C-band links, etc.). Moreover, guaranteed connectivity, meeting the QoS requirements, need to be constructed and scaled up/down instantly. * A versatile security management system that provides the building blocks to secure the communication and control of the UAS taking into account the specific security and performance requirements of the application (e.g., low latency, high bandwidth) and the resource constraints of the UAS (e.g., battery capacity).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Across Flanders, 2,500 small, energy-efficient and wireless sensors will continuously monitor the quality and quantity of water in Flanders in real time. The intention is to prevent flooding, scarcity and pollution. Researchers are developing a network of 2,500 sensors throughout Flanders, also known as the Internet of Water. They will monitor the quality and quantity of soil, ground and surface water and purified sewage water. These sensors will transmit the current measurement data permanently and in real time to an intelligent water management system. Sensors pass on real-time data to self-learning software, which in turn can make realistic predictions. That, in turn, enables us to take the correct measures in time. With Internet of Water, we provide our water managers with an innovative instrument that will enable them to better protect Flanders against flooding, scarcity or pollution.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project focuses on the development of tools and practices that relate to cultural heritage, ICT and sustainable local development from the logic of public spaces, places and memory, valuing the main results of the first stage in different contexts and institutions, in order to contribute to its integrated management. The development of heritage information systems and methodologies for intervention in heritage buildings are some of the tools that integrate the project within the wider societal context.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meers Philippe
• Co-promoter: Favero Paolo S H
• Co-promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann
• Co-promoter: van Zimmeren Esther

Research team(s)

• Visual and Digital Cultures Research Center (ViDi)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

5G-MOBIX aims at executing CCAM trials along x-border and urban corridors using 5G core technological innovations to qualify the 5G infrastructure and evaluate its benefits in the CCAM context as well as defining deployment scenarios and identifying and responding to standardisation and spectrum gaps. 5G-MOBIX will first define the critical scenarios needing advanced connectivity provided by 5G, and the required features to enable those advanced CCAM use cases. The matching between the advanced CCAM use cases and the expected benefit of 5G will be tested during trials on 5G corridors in different EU countries as well as China and Korea. Those trials will allow running evaluation and impact assessments and defining also business impacts and cost/benefit analysis. As a result of these evaluations and also internation consultations with the public and industry stakeholders, 5G- MOBIX will propose views for new business opportunity for the 5G enabled CCAM and recommendations and options for the deployment. Also the 5G-MOBIX finding in term of technical requirements and operational conditions will allow to actively contribute to the standardisation and spectrum allocation activities. 5G-MOBIX will evaluate several CCAM use cases, advanced thanks to 5G next generation of Mobile Networks. Among the possible scenarios to be evaluated with the 5G technologies, 5G-MOBIX has raised the potential benefit of 5G with low reliable latency communication, enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communication and network slicing. Several automated mobility use cases are potential candidates to benefit and even more be enabled by the advanced features and performance of the 5G technologies, as for instance, but limited to: cooperative overtake, highway lane merging, truck platooning, valet parking, urban environment driving, road user detection, vehicle remote control, see through, HD map update, media & entertainment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

5G for Connected and Automated Road Mobility in the European UnioN. The project will build a 5G-enabled corridor from Bologna to Munich to conduct cross-border trials of 5G technologies in three major use cases: vehicle manoeuvre negotiation (at various levels of automation), infotainment, and emission control. The 5G New Radio will be used to support latency sensitive and/or bandwidth hungry services and applications. The project will leverage on a distributed mobile edge cloud spanning from the vehicle itself to the centralised cloud. Multi-tenancy and neutral host concepts will be leveraged upon to deliver a final platform capable of enabling new business models. 5G-CARMEN will complement C-V2X with LTE and C-ITS technologies, targeting interoperability and harnessing a hybrid network.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project is part of the IMEC Frame Agreement and is being given as structural investment for fundamental research based on yearly set KPIs from the group to IMEC. This A-budget is defined within the IMEC Way of Working and part of the frame agreement of the University of Antwerp and IMEC.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Better Than Wired project aims at providing deterministic access to wireless networking so that the same level of Quality of Service guarantees can be given to wireless networks as wired networks feature, with an additional benefit of an increased flexibility. The project will mainly evaluate an industry 4.0 scenario where a plant wants to optimise their connectivity. By combining existing building blocks on programmable network management (e,.g., ORCHESTRA, real-time SDR),the project will feature a high level of flexibility in managing the wireless network. As such, it is possible to quickly anticipate to changes in performance.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Latré Steven
• Co-promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

FUTEBOL will create research infrastructure and tools that enable and promote the federation of experimental telecommunication resources irrespective of their location in Brazil and Europe, with a view toward global experimentation across heterogeneous networks, both wired and wireless, and a variety of end-systems. The focus of FUTEBOL is on building upon current tools and platforms in support of end-to-end experimentation, creating a pool of, and giving open access to, shared network experimental resources that complement those available in each continent. Industrial and academic researchers in telecommunications have recognized the need for flexibility, intelligence, and the efficient use of resources. These requirements are exemplified by the broad range of technologies being proposed for inclusion into the fifth generation of cellular networks (5G). Furthermore, existing overarching strategies stress the intelligent combination of techniques to flexibly use available resources, both wireless and wired, in the most efficient way. In this sense, FUTEBOL is an experimentation platform that will support the joint optimization of optical network scheduling and radio resource management. Such a platform is required for experimentation-based exploration and validation of several 5G technologies (e.g. cloud radio access networks, cell densification, etc.) and the efficient use of the optical backhaul. The development of a coherent toolset to support joint control of wireless and optical networks in an experimentation context is among the objectives of FUTEBOL, including: (1) to create a toolset to enable experimentation at the wireless/optical network boundary; (2) to provide these tools to an array of experimental facilities that support experiments in both wireless and optical networks in an open manner; and (3) to contribute to open research questions in optical/wireless using the tools developed in the project. The basic experimentation toolset created in FUTEBOL will consist of a defined environment that allows users to focus directly on their problems of interest with minimal overhead. As such, a common experimentation architecture, relevant to issues that cross the wireless/optical network boundary, is the core of this toolset. The architecture will enable the coordination between wireless and optical networks, defining interfaces to provide a standard method of communicating control and management data between each type of network. The toolset based on these elements will support experimentation by providing both a realistic model of real deployments of wireless/optical integration points as well as additional experiment monitoring capabilities that may not be available in real deployments. Furthermore, the toolset must be portable across testbeds to provide a consistent framework independent of the particulars of a given facility. FUTEBOL will also provide open access to the developed tools, through methods such as those defined by the Fed4FIRE project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Marquez-Barja Johann

Research team(s)

• Internet Data Lab (IDLab)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project