6G: The next wireless revolution poised to change the world

IMAGE CREDIT:
Image credit
iStock

6G: The next wireless revolution poised to change the world

6G: The next wireless revolution poised to change the world

Subheading text
With faster speeds and more computing power, 6G can enable technologies that are still being imagined.
    • Author:
    • Author name
      Quantumrun Foresight
    • August 15, 2022

    Insight summary

    6G (sixth-generation) technology is on the horizon, promising to transform our interaction with the digital world by offering incredibly fast internet speeds and ultra-low latency. Its potential extends to revolutionizing various industries, from healthcare to automotive, and even reshaping global communications and economies. However, this technological leap also brings challenges, including the need for infrastructure development, job market adaptations, and sustainable energy solutions.

    6G context

    6G is set to redefine the interaction between the digital and physical realms. With its potential to deliver speeds up to one terabyte per second, which is dramatically faster than 5G, it may transform how we perceive and interact with technology. This advancement could seamlessly integrate virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), and other immersive technologies into everyday life. Although 6G technology is still in its developmental phase, with no fixed standards or timeline for implementation, its implications are significant enough to attract global attention.

    Governments and industries worldwide are recognizing the potential of 6G technology, not just as a technological leap but as a strategic asset. In a notable collaboration, the US and Japan have committed to investing USD $4.5 billion in advanced communication technologies that surpass the capabilities of 5G. This commitment reflects a broader trend where nations view cutting-edge technology as a critical component of economic strength and national security. Similarly, China's five-year plan for 2021-2025 includes ambitious objectives for the rapid development and deployment of 6G technology.

    From enhancing communication capabilities in remote areas to revolutionizing industries like healthcare, automotive, and entertainment, the impact of 6G could be profound. However, it's essential to understand that this technology is still in its infancy, and practical applications are yet to be fully realized. As we move towards a more connected future, the transition from 5G to 6G will likely bring challenges in infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and ensuring equitable access across different regions.

    Disruptive impact

    The introduction of 6G technology may enable data transfer at unprecedented speeds, potentially reaching up to 1 terabyte per second. Alongside these speeds, 6G aims to significantly reduce latency to just 0.1 milliseconds and facilitate massive machine-type communication, essential for the seamless operation of interconnected technologies. These improvements may particularly beneficial in sectors like transportation, where, for instance, autonomous vehicles will be able to communicate more effectively.

    6G's immense computing power may facilitate the development and widespread use of digital twins and volumetric holograms, allowing people to explore virtual environments without spatial or temporal limitations. This technology could revolutionize the workplace, enabling employees to use AR glasses or smartphones to project themselves into digital spaces and control robots for physical tasks. The implications for industries such as construction and drone operation are vast, with the potential for remote piloting and autonomous site management.

    Furthermore, 6G could significantly expand the capabilities of supercomputers and artificial intelligence. With enhanced computing power, supercomputers could approach human levels of reasoning and problem-solving, opening new frontiers in research and development. AI servers, powered by 6G, could remotely operate wireless drones, offering new possibilities in areas like logistics, surveillance, and emergency response. 

    Implications of 6G

    Wider implications of 6G may include:

    • The ability to access human brain-class computational power remotely, enhancing the development of more advanced AI and VR applications, thus significantly advancing fields like medicine, education, and entertainment.
    • The introduction of powerful extended reality headsets, facilitating a more immersive experience in the developing Metaverse, which could lead to new forms of social interaction, entertainment, and e-commerce.
    • Wearable earplugs capable of instant foreign language translation, improving cross-cultural communication and fostering global collaboration in business, tourism, and education.
    • Governments accelerating the production of critical technologies like semiconductors and enhancing telecommunications infrastructure, leading to increased self-reliance and economic growth in the tech sector.
    • A surge in demand for global talent specialized in research and development in advanced technologies, intensifying competition among nations to attract and retain skilled professionals.
    • The creation of more efficient, automated supply chains due to improved machine-to-machine communication, reducing operational costs and increasing productivity in various industries.
    • Potential displacement of jobs in traditional sectors due to automation and advanced technologies, requiring a shift in workforce training and education systems.
    • A rise in energy consumption associated with advanced technologies, calling for sustainable and renewable energy solutions to mitigate environmental impacts.

    Questions to consider

    • What are the other technological possibilities with 6G?
    • How do you think governments can support the faster deployment of 6G?

    Insight references

    The following popular and institutional links were referenced for this insight:

    Center for Strategic & International Studies 6G Is Not A Distant Horizon