CeTI is a cluster of excellence of the TU Dresden. The central vision is to enable people to interact in quasi-real time with cyberphysical systems (CPS) in the real or virtual world via intelligent wide area communication networks in order to enable people and machines to exchange skills and expertise globally.
QUARKS targets various social groups to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of quantum resources for future quantum communication networks using innovative dialogical and participatory outreach formats. The aim is also to convey technological knowledge about quantum resources for the communication networks of the future in a way that is appropriate for the target social groups (e.g., school students, specialists from the business world, etc.). The projects also aims to realise experimentally the integration between quantum and non-quantum computing for in-network computing paradigm of future 6G-quantum communication networks.
TICCTEC is a satellite project in the German CampusOS call focusing on Open RAN utilization in 5G campus networks. TICCTEC will investigate the conjoint use of Time-Sensitive Networking protocols and 5G mobile communication networks via TSN translators. The aim is to realize deterministic communication from the edge cloud to the device for tele-operated robot and vehicle control. Also, the integration of D2D communication in such an architecture shall be investigated to increase reliability and decrease latency in difficult wireless links.
The project researches quantum bridging technologies with application potential for future generations of communication networks and towards the quantum internet. For this purpose, a holistic concept for a network architecture based on Physical Layer Service Integration (PLSI) will be designed. The compatibility with 6G networks will be ensured. The concept will be made accessible and evaluated by emulating the entire quantum-classical network protocol stack. Concrete building blocks of the roadmap are Entanglement-Assisted Data Transmission (ED) and Oblivious Transfer (OT). The project addresses secure and efficient quantum-classical communication networks, also considering quantum-classical error-correcting procedures for reliability.
AI4CSM aims to support automotive usecases with very strict reliability requirements, strengthening the European semiconductor industry and competence centeres.
We contribute intelligence at the network edge, with in-time provisioning of necessary compute resources at the edge, if possible, and further into the cloud when necessary. Placement of the computation and the impact on expected computational delay are given with confidence bounds.
We also work to interface with partners’ prototypes of n257 devices for high speed connectivity.
The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) targets a Blueprint for a pan-European Quantum Internet by ground-breaking technological advances, culminating in the first experimental demonstration of a fully integrated network stack running on a multi-node quantum network. QIA will push the frontier of technology in both end nodes (trapped ion qubits, diamond NV qubits, neutral atom qubits) and quantum repeaters (rare-earth-based memories, atomic gases, quantum dots) and demonstrate the first integration of both subsystems. We will achieve entanglement and teleportation across three and four remote quantum network nodes, thereby making the leap from simple point-to-point connections to the first multi-node networks. The demonstrations will include the key enabling capabilities for memory-based quantum repeaters, resulting in proof-of-principle demonstrations of elementary long-distance repeater links in the real-world, including the longest such link worldwide.
The goal of the “6G-Access, Network of Networks, Automation & Simplification (6G-ANNA)” project is to develop a holistic design for the sixth generation of mobile communications that includes a closed end-to-end architecture. To this end, the fundamentals of radio access are first investigated, and innovative protocols and signal processing algorithms are designed and implemented. This is followed by the investigation of appropriate network management and orchestration approaches. The goal is to simplify and improve the interaction between humans, technologies and the environment. One contribution is made by new sensors and algorithms for the recognition of human movements. For example, digital twins of complex machines in manufacturing can be precisely mapped to control them remotely. Another focus is the investigation of 6G as a “network of networks” in which – similar to the Internet – different closed networks are flexibly interconnected. Here, the focus is on security aspects and resilience. Overall, flexibility and the reduction of energy consumption while maintaining the performance of the network are important goals in all research work – from individual radio access to the integration of multiple networks.
In the DAKORE project, one of the winners of BMBF’s 2021 GreenICT innovation competition, highly energy-efficient radio access networks will be researched. In particular, the project focuses on the redesign and intelligent parameterization of power amplifiers in base stations (in particular 5G GNodeB). The goal here is to 1. implement power amplifiers that operate with high efficiency over broad ranges of output powers, 2. intelligently control the output power of multiple, distributed power amplifiers, using novel machine learning methods, and 3. to run these algorithms on optimized, highly energy-efficient compute hardware. Through this, we hope to save up to 60% of the energy consumption of future radio access networks, substantially contributing to a greener future. In this context, the Deutsche Telekom Chair for Communication Networks will focus on the simulation of radio access networks and the optimization of network parameters (such as the output power), using machine learning approaches.
SECAI, a DAAD-funded Zuse School in Germany, facilitates AI education and research. Hosted by TU Dresden and Leipzig University, SECAI emphasizes the integrated approach of university studies, research, and applications, creating diverse career opportunities for young talents to contribute to AI’s societal and economic advancement. The program focuses on two core themes: developing innovative composite AI methods and integrating AI algorithms into customized microelectronics and intelligent devices. SECAI leverages the collaborative research of partner universities and the regional strengths of Saxon high-tech sites in Dresden and Leipzig.
The BMBF project Quantum Internet of Things (QUIET) aims to develop a hybrid quantum-conventional communication network. In the interaction of distributed quantum states and conventional transmission, (quantum) sensors are to be networked. In this way, the performance and security of the network will be significantly increased. All layers of the network, from the physical layer to network protocols, will be considered. In the project, leading research groups from the fields of quantum communication and network technology are working intensively with companies from the telecommunications sector with the “Quantum Communication Innovation Hub”.
The BMBF Quantum Wireless Campus Network (QD-CamNetz) project aims at demonstrating the first 5G quantum campus network. Quantum technologies will be seamlessly integrated into the existing 5G campus network to achieve unprecedented resilience and time synchronization, which are the pillars of future Industry 4.0, tactile internet and future 6G networks. To this end, quantum routers compatible with existing communication infrastructure will be developed and realized for use outside the laboratory. For this purpose, on the one hand, the entire quantum protocol stack will be researched and developed, which not only regulates the communication between the quantum routers, but also provides functions for applications, for example. On the other hand, the associated novel network architecture must also be developed and implemented. The result is a test platform for testing real industrial application examples.
The BMBF project “6G-Quantum Security (6G-QuaS)” aims to develop a hybrid quantum-classical wired industrial network. Here, the quantum information is to be stored continuously in the phase and amplitude of the light and not, as is common in current research, discretely in its polarization. This should result in significantly lower latency times and greater resilience against attacks while maintaining the same level of security. The project will develop the necessary protocols as well as a demonstrator. In the project, leading research groups from the fields of quantum communication and network technology are working intensively with companies from the telecommunications sector and the “Quantum Communication Innovation Hub”.
The power grid ecosystem is moving towards a decentralised energy supply and distribution system. Households can operate independently of electricity providers and sell energy back to the main grid using renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind generators, known as distributed energy resources (DERs). A competent communications infrastructure is needed to realise this transformation of the power grid. The introduction of the 5G standard in mobile networks facilitates the development of future energy management solutions. Furthermore, new technologies enable the development of intelligent algorithms for the control of future electricity grids. These include the Internet of Things (IoT), networking via mesh networks for remote monitoring of grid status and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for management and coordination. In Dymobat, a single-user controller is developed to manage the individual DERs. Then, a central control unit for synchronisation and optimisation of network operation within a small group of DERs, Microgrid, is designed. Subsequently, mobility algorithms are developed for the use of battery electric vehicles as mobile energy storage units, which enable temporary self-supply of sub-grids. The developed algorithms are tested, optimised and validated virtually in a testbed model using real input parameters. In the second step, a real testbed will be designed and installed, and the performance of the model-tested algorithms will be evaluated in a real test environment and further improved using the know-how thus acquired. The overall goal of the DymoBat project is to develop marketable solutions for future power grid management for the use of distributed energy resources based on the application of 5G technologies.
The unified solution developed in stic5G will help to increase the connectivity in industrial environments for employees, machines and tools in indoor as well as outdoor scenarios, by combining hybrid wired and wireless networks to realize more efficient and flexible production processes. However, such networks also come with various requirements such as scalability with regards to high numbers of (simultaneous) users, a high cumulative bandwidth and the ability to connect with operation technology (OT) networks.
To fill the gap between OT and IT, the project stic5G strives to conceptualize, implement, and validate flexible prototype TSN system elements and to perform an integration into industrial 5G-TSN campus networks without the dependency of any specific RAN or core implementations, i.e. open-source O-RAN, OpenAirInterface (OAI), or commercial closed-source implementations. Furthermore, existing safety relevant real-time industrial Ethernet protocols, such as PROFINET and PROFIsafe will be mapped to the new technologies to establish real-time capable, high-reliability and efficient industrial hybrid networks combining Ethernet and campus 5G-networks. In parallel, monitoring and management tooling for the complete life cycle to develop, commission and operate hybrid 5G-campus- and Ethernet networks will be developed to ensure a proper behavior of such a network. All developed modules for the protocol stack will either open source or provide an open documentation of the interfaces for the interaction.
Resilience was the main motivation to change the architecture from public-switched telephone networks to the current Internet. To further extend resilience, the IETF (IETF-icnrg) advocates for Information-Centric Networking (ICN). In this project, we expect two main contributions to improving resilience without disregarding other modern communication systems’ KPIs (e.g., latency, energy consumption, and costs). i.) extend the ICN concept for distributed coded computing, multipath coded transport, and distributed coded storage; ii.) find a unified coding for the three techniques mentioned above, resulting in the concept of “One Code to Rule Them All”. We rely on in-network computing to deploy coding for the three techniques (e.g., IETF-coinrg). To prove the performance of our proposed approach, we carry out theory, simulation, emulation, and implementation. We will give feedback on the latter one to the IETF community.
The project aims to make quantum communication usable for public communication networks in research and industry by integrating quantum communication into future 6G networks and existing fixed networks. In this way, a quantum Internet is to be made possible in the near future. The focus is on the investigation, design and realization of an integrated end-to-end resilience for the future classical quantum Internet.
The projects leads the way to the end-to-end (E2E) system design (based on integrated and interacting technology enablers) and the enabling platform delivering novel services for the next generation (6G) of wireless networks. The project continues on the tracks of the Horizon Europe project Hexa-X, which has laid the foundation for the global communication network of the 2030s by developing the 6G vision and basic concepts, including candidate key technology enablers.
The Remote project deals with the problem of fully automatic documentation of manual human activities in industrial production processes.
It is focused on the implementation of an ML model, to be used for the recognition of movement patterns using already existing data gloves. The data gloves use sensors to measure human motion changes of hands and fingers and transmit this data to a machine or an information processing system. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the practical feasibility of this approach and to verify its performance in terms of accuracy, robustness and speed.
QSyncNextG deals with the design, analysis, test and implementation of quantum synchronisation for 5G/6G communication networks considering low latency communication. The project first deal with the design of 6G protocol stack and functionalities to be integrated with quantum synchronisation. This includes the control plane to manage the quantum and classical resources during the synchronisation procedure. Next, the project also aims at realising a specific demonstrator of the network for testing and performance evaluation.
Nano- or microscale communication nodes, designed for challenging environments, require alternative paradigms like molecular communication. Applications include medical nanobots in blood vessels, air-based systems, and macroscale industrial communication. Nano-sized particles, such as magnetic nanoparticles and biochemical molecules, serve as information carriers. Molecular communication complements traditional networks and is envisioned for 6G+ solutions. Our project focuses on developing an IoBNT for precision medicine and microscale industrial use, facilitating in vivo monitoring and actuation of infections through nanodevice communication with external gateways. The IoBNT supports data transmission and actuation commands between nanodevices and remote healthcare providers for disease treatment.
MOBILITIES aims to demonstrate cost-effective and feasible solutions for innovative passenger and freight mobility, fostering cities’ climate neutrality by 2030. Madrid and Dresden will lead 11 pilots with 27 solutions, utilizing electrification, automation, and connectivity. They will establish Urban Transport Labs as Innovation Hubs, with five Replication Cities (Ioaninna-Greece, Trencin-Slovakia, Espoo-Finland, Gdansk-Poland, and Sarajevo-Bosnia & Herzegovina) actively participating and becoming key players in their own designs.
QUARKS targets various social groups to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of quantum resources for future quantum communication networks using innovative dialogical and participatory outreach formats. The aim is also to convey technological knowledge about quantum resources for the communication networks of the future in a way that is appropriate for the target social groups (e.g., school students, specialists from the business world, etc.). The projects also aims to realise experimentally the integration between quantum and non-quantum computing for in-network computing paradigm of future 6G-quantum communication networks.
The Robotics Institute Germany aims to position Germany as the global leader in AI-based robotics, supported by €20 million in funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This initiative unites top universities and research institutions, leveraging their combined strengths to enhance the international competitiveness of AI-based robotics research in Germany. Key priorities include shared resources, collaborative infrastructure, and talent development to drive innovation in the field.
The activities of the TU Dresden/ComNets include the development and establishment of a medical robotics cluster, the development and provision of robotics kits and interactive school modules to promote hands-on learning in the field of robotics, and collaboration on communication activities related to the overall project.
launchhub42, positioned at the heart of the University of Technology Dresden, is an innovative startup incubator of the two universities of excellence – TU Dresden and TU Munich – designed to bridge the gap between ambitious students and the forefront of technological advancements. With a primary focus on the development of cutting-edge communication networks for robotics, the metaverse, and human interaction, launchhub42 is at the vanguard of fostering the next generation of tech pioneers. Currently collaborating with 20 startups, the incubator provides an exhaustive suite of resources including specialized training, essential information, and unparalleled access to advanced technologies that are typically out of reach for burgeoning enterprises. Housed in a conspicuous building within the university’s premises, launchhub42 offers a plethora of facilities including meeting spaces, office areas, and demonstration zones, all meticulously designed to facilitate engagement with potential customers and partners. By nurturing talent and innovation, launchhub42 aims to catalyze the transformation of visionary ideas into real-world solutions, thereby shaping the future of technology.
Despite rapid progress in artificial intelligence (AI), serious issues with computing infrastructures and networked systems have emerged globally, potentially restricting AI and future technologies like communications, medicine, and robotics. AI applications consume enormous amounts of energy, risking standstills if energy supplies falter. To address this, researchers from TUD Dresden University of Technology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), and the Technical University of Munich (TUM) are collaborating on the “gAIn” (Next Generation AI Computing) pilot project. The main goal is to investigate new computing platforms, such as analog and biological computing, as well as the mathematic foundations of AI to address these problems.
The Quantumrepeater.Net (QR.N) is a national German project alliance with consisting of about 40 partners with the goal to realize long distance quantum communication channels using quantum repeaters. Pioneering practical quantum repeater segments for fiber optical based quantum communication networks will enable large-scale quantum communication networks and therefore provide for the security and resiliency needs in telecommunication systems of the future. In order to realize this ambitious goal, efforts of hardware development are combined with software and system integration strategies. ComNets is integral part of the QR.N alliance by providing compact and mobile entangled photon pair sources based on semiconductor quantum dots for usage in practical realizations of quantum repeater demonstration segments
The research network “Smart AI-based Robotics” (SKR) is doing the fundamental work to form the fragmented and not fully integrated research on robotics in Saxony into a coherent alliance in order to strengthen Saxon industry and research in the long term. In order to create holistic solutions for SCR, context perception and understanding, adaptability, independent task planning and division, system combinatorics, expandability and teamwork as well as the integration of future-proof connectivity and AI chips, sensor fusion & development and methodologies such as computer vision, natural language processing and machine and reinforcement learning are required. Due to these transdisciplinary topics, a wide variety of industries and research branches must be brought together. Added to this are research and application areas from robotics such as software and hardware development. The aim is to systematically network the diverse technological fields of human-technology interaction, communication technology, semiconductor and sensor technology, work planning, logistics and production planning, robotics, software, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics and control technology.
The SKR network will create a central point of contact for cooperation, research, transfer and further training in Saxony.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) has the potential to revolutionize transportation in connected cities. The focus is on leveraging compact aerial vehicles for efficient, safe, and cost-effective travel while enhancing AAM capabilities. Advancements in technology, implementation of robust safety measures, establishment of resilient communication networks, and optimization of infrastructure placement are key priorities. Through cutting-edge research and innovation, the future of AAM is being shaped to create smarter, more connected urban mobility solutions.
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