6G testing in mines: Collaboration with Oulu University

Luleå University of Technology is breaking new ground in mining technology by conducting innovative research into 6G networks in collaboration with Oulu University. This pioneering project aims to explore how next-generation wireless technology can enhance safety, efficiency, and communication in mining environments, laying the foundation for a transformation in the industry.

In the Sunrise 6G project the robotics and AI team at Luleå University of Technology will be collaborating with Oulu University. In a joint effort they are conducting the first experiment with 6G radio frequencies in underground tunnels. The subterranean robotics laboratory in Luleå makes the perfect analogue of underground mining tunnels and thus a fitting place to conduct the experiment.

The experiment

The aim of the experiment is to evaluate how effective and safe the 6G network will be in a real active mining environment. To test this Oulu University will bring a 6G transmitter and receivers which will be fastened on the robots provided by the robotics team.

“We will be performing a few different experiments, but the goal is to test how efficient the 6G network will be in mines. The idea is to use this technology on heavy duty machinery in mines to make the mining industry safer and more efficient”, George Nikolakopoulos, Head of Subject, says.

The 6G frequency will allow heavy machinery to communicate without having line of sight of each other as at that stage it will be too late to avoid a collision. There are other benefits too. In the mining industry many different brands of machines are used which can cause problems when a machine from one vendor is trying to communicate with a different one. Having a mobile 6G network and receivers which can be put on all different machines would solve this issue and create a safer working environment.

Furthermore, the 6G frequencies can bounce on tunnel walls more efficiently and with a more precise accuracy than 5G, making the machinery respond quicker without needing line of sight of each other.

Oulu University, renowned for its expertise in 6G research, plays a pivotal role in the project. Their team has supplied the hardware and developed the experimental testbed.

A vision for the future

This 6G experiment represents a significant step forward in advancing the capabilities of autonomous systems in mining. By leveraging 6G’s high-speed, low-latency communication, Luleå University of Technology and Oulu University aim to demonstrate how mining machines can operate more safely and efficiently without the need for extensive network installations. The long-term goal is to enable heavy-duty machinery to communicate seamlessly and adapt to complex mining environments.

The collaboration underscores a bold vision for the future of mining, where cutting-edge technology drives innovation, safety, and sustainability. This project is not just a technological milestone but also a glimpse into how 6G will revolutionize industries beyond mining.