Ulster University innovation aims to make 6G faster with AI

MIMONet outperforms traditional algorithms, as well as advanced AI-driven detectors, the researchers say.

Researchers at Ulster University have unveiled a new AI-based system, which they say could make 6G communications faster, smarter and considerably more energy-efficient.

At the heart of 6G are massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Traditional methods for MIMO detection either struggle to deliver accuracy or require enormous computational power, making them impractical for real-time use, argue the researchers.

Their innovation, called MIMONet, led by PhD researcher Yunis Daha from the university’s School of Engineering and supervised by Dr Usman Hadi, tackles challenges around detecting and processing wireless communication signals accurately and efficiently when millions of devices are connected simultaneously.

According to the researchers, MIMONet overcomes the issues around 6G communications by applying a lightweight deep learning architecture that can “learn” to separate and detect signals even under the most complex and noisy conditions.

In essence, their system allows 6G networks to run faster, be more reliable and less power-hungry when it comes to both hardware and energy usage. According to the researchers, tests show MIMONet not only outperforms traditional algorithms, but also the most advanced AI-driven detectors currently in use.

The team says that MIMONet was built on previous similar projects, some of which were developed at Ulster University. This latest innovation, they argue, delivers superior accuracy across small, medium and large network configurations while keeping computational demands low.

Daha explains that the team is tackling a “fundamental bottleneck in wireless communication” through AI.

“By applying AI to one of the toughest engineering challenges, we’ve developed a system that improves accuracy while easing the processing load. That’s essential as the world moves towards 6G and billions of connected devices,” Daha says.

The research, they argue, has potential applications in ultra-reliable low-latency communications, essential for technologies such as driverless cars, real-time medical robotics and future smart cities.

“6G will underpin technologies like autonomous transport, remote healthcare and immersive digital environments – but for these to work, networks need to process vast amounts of information quickly and reliably,” says Hadi.

“This research shows how artificial intelligence can provide a practical solution, paving the way for communications that are both highly scalable and energy-efficient.”

A number of studies supporting 6G technology have received cross-border investment in recent months.

In June, researchers from Tyndall National Institute and the University of Glasgow received funding from a joint programme led by Research Ireland and the UK’s Engineering and Physical Science Research Council to work on mitigating interferences in complex future wireless networks such as 6G.

While a US-Ireland R&D partnership announced millions in funding to support several projects, including one led by South East Technological University’s Dr Indrakshi Dey, who is working alongside teams at Queens University Belfast and Virginia Tech to develop the resilience of 6G mobile networks.

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