ENSURE 6G ‑ Remote sensing and data fusion integration for Industrial logistics in Rural Areas with 6G

Objective

Ensure-6G aims to innovate and implement advanced 6G connectivity infrastructure, focusing on enhancing industrial logistics in the rural territories of Sweden, Finland, and Norway. The project endeavors to develop symbiotic functions and digital enablers, such as seamless wireless connectivity and intelligent data fusion techniques, to ensure robust remote monitoring and control of industrial logistics infrastructure, particularly in rail networks.

Challenges & Solutions

The territories share common challenges related to large rural areas, long supply chains, and the necessity for intelligent, automated operations in supply chain and logistics. Ensure-6G seeks to address these through an ICT-driven green transition, focusing on:

• Remote Sensing: Implementing enhanced remote sensing capabilities.
• Wireless Connectivity: Utilizing advanced 5G/6G technologies.
• Data Fusion: Employing intelligent data fusion techniques at the Edge and cloud levels.

Cross-Border Cooperation

The uniformity of challenges across national borders necessitates a collaborative approach, combining expertise in distributed sensing, data fusion, wireless connectivity, and automation. The project targets two primary cross-border challenges: providing connectivity over extensive distances and developing intelligent data fusion techniques utilizing remote sensing data.

Partnership & Collaboration

The project brings together Mid Sweden University, University of Oulu in Finland, and two Nordic companies, Starbit and Solita, to explore and develop possibilities through 6G technology for industrial applications in rural areas. The collaboration aims to integrate varying inter-regional ICT competencies and perspectives, with industries across borders actively participating.

Target Group & Stakeholder Involvement

The primary target group is the Private Sector, with a focus on companies interested in the connections of infrastructure with the rail network. The project aims to address the needs of the private sector for competencies within areas of growth, such as the development of complex operational systems and autonomous mobility and control.

Synergies with Other Initiatives

Ensure-6G builds on findings from various projects, including Horizon Europe’s flagship 6G projects Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II, the ongoing interReg Aurora project Arctic6G, and the Academy of Finland’s 6G Flagship project, among others. It also finds synergy with VINNOVA-funded projects led by MIUN to develop ICT infrastructure to automate forest timber terminals with teleoperation.

Sustainable Development

• Ecological: Aiming for more cost-efficient methods of building and maintaining railroads, enabling more transports done with rail and reduced emissions.
• Social: Enabling companies to establish operations and conduct business with a high level of remote operations, promoting a better work environment and more equal workplaces.
• Economical: Innovating connectivity solutions for more cost-efficient methods of building and maintaining railways in rural areas.

Exit Strategy

The project intends to create a North-Nordic ICT Belt to attract more talent and competencies to the region, ensuring long-lasting results. The cluster and innovation network formed will include all partners and serve as a structure for future projects, integrating the results into new research and development initiatives.