Techtile -- Open 6G R&D Testbed for Communication, Positioning, Sensing, WPT and Federated Learning

TL;DR

Techtile is an open, versatile 6G research testbed that integrates communication, sensing, positioning, and edge computing resources, enabling experimental validation of next-generation wireless systems and algorithms.

Contribution

The paper introduces Techtile, a unique open testbed that combines diverse technologies and distributed resources for comprehensive 6G research and development.

Findings

Enables evaluation of multi-technology network topologies.

Supports experimental validation of new algorithms.

Facilitates research on hyper-connected environments.

Abstract

New concepts for next-generation wireless systems are being developed. It is expected that these 6G and beyond systems will incorporate more than only communication, but also sensing, positioning, (deep) edge computing, and other services. The discussed measurement facility and approach, named Techtile, is an open, both in design and operation, and unique testbed to evaluate these newly envisioned systems. Techtile is a multi-functional and versatile testbed, providing fine-grained distributed resources for new communication, positioning and sensing technologies. The facility enables experimental research on hyper-connected interactive environments and validation of new algorithms and topologies. The backbone connects 140~resource units equipped with edge computing devices, software-defined radios, sensors, and LED sources. By doing so, different network topologies and local-versus-central computing can be assessed. The introduced diversity of i) the technologies (e.g., RF, acoustics and light), ii) the distributed resources and iii) the interconnectivity allows exploring more degrees and new types of diversity, which can be investigated in this testbed.