In the age of industrial digitalization, wireless communication solutions, such as 5G and local campus networks, are becoming increasingly important. This involves using new frequency ranges to increase productivity and flexibility in production processes. AIT's team, led by Principal Scientist Thomas Zemen, is actively driving this technological change through applied research.
A key element is wireless data transmission in licensed frequency bands for campus networks. AIT is developing new solutions to enable stable, low-latency, and secure communication connections, even in complex industrial environments. As part of the FFG-funded RISILIENT project, AIT and Siemens Austria are collaborating on innovative technologies, such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). The goal is to achieve reliable and energy-efficient radio coverage for mmWave frequencies, even for production areas where the direct line-of sight is blocked between base station and the user terminal.
These smart reflectors consist of inexpensive, passive components and do not require highly integrated microchips. A RIS allows to control electromagnetic waves more precisely and significantly improve radio range, which is an important step toward minimizing dead spots in industrial halls. "By developing intelligent wireless infrastructures, we are helping to make future wireless communication more energy-efficient, flexible, and independent of manufacturer-specific solutions, while also improving Europe's technological sovereignty," explains Markus Hofer, the project manager of RISILIENT.
The three-year RISILIENT research project began in January 2025. It is a significant contribution to the advancement of 5G technology for industrial campus networks, demonstrating how AIT is actively driving the digital transformation alongside key industry partners.