Prof. Zabih Ghassemlooy

Professor of Optical Communication, Emeritus Professor of Northumbria University, U.K.

Abstract

The next generation wireless communication networks (i.e., 6G and beyond) will seamlessly connect people, devices and systems together, enabling the collection, preparation, processing, storing and decision making of vast amounts of information. It is anticipated that such wireless networks will utilise different technologies for use in smart environments, including homes/buildings/cities, manufacturing, agriculture, health care, transportation systems, etc., for improving productivity and the quality of life through the efficient and sustainable resources management and use. 6G will need the convergence of different wireless technologies, assisted by machine learning to solve flexibility and scalability issues. This talk will give an overview of the emerging integrated wireless technology focusing on optical sensing, positioning and data communication within the context of 6G wireless networks and beyond, using common spectrum, device, transmission and network infrastructure to improve both spectral and energy efficiencies.

Bio

Professor Zabih Ghassemlooy (Fellow, OPTICA; Fellow, IET; Senior Member, IEEE; CEng, BSc (Hons.) MMU (1981), MSc (1984) and PhD (1987) Manchester Univ., UK. 1987-88 Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, City Univ., UK. 1988-2004 Sheffield Hallam University and 2004- Northumbria University, UK, as Associate Dean for Research and Head of Photonics Technology Laboratory and Optical Communications Research Group and now is and Emeritus Professor at Northumbria University. He was a Research Fellow (2016-2022) and a Distinguished Professor (2015-2022) at Chinese Academy of Science, a Visiting Professor at Univ. Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (2013-17), Huaqiao Univ., China (2017-18), Technical Univ. of Prague, Czech Rep. (2019), Technical Univ. of Graz, Austria (2018), and others. He was Vice-Chairs of EU Cost-Actions IC1101 (2011-16), CA19111, 2020-24, and CA19111, 2020-2024. He is an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer for 2024-25. Has supervised 77 PhDs, 12 Research Fellows, over 1000 publications (440 journals and 8 books), and over 100 keynote/invited talks. His research interest: optical wireless communications, free space optics, visible light communications, and hybrid RF-OWC. He was Chief Editor: British J. of Applied Science and Technology and Intern. J. of Optics and Applications, and is Vice-Cahir of OSA Technical Group (Optics in Digital Systems-2018-). He was and still is involved on the editorial board of many journals including IEEE, OPTICA and IET. He is founder and chair of several international conference including IEEE/IET CSNDSP.

Prof. Arun Kumar Sangaiah

Distinguished Professor, International Graduate School of AI, National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (ROC)

Abstract

The emergence of sixth-generation Internet of Things (6G-IoT) communication networks is poised to revolutionize industrial applications by enabling ultra-reliable, intelligent, and high-speed connectivity. These advancements will not only enhance automation but also drive innovation across various sectors, making industries more efficient and interconnected than ever before. Efficient communication plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless data transmission, particularly in achieving full network coverage and supporting the rapid proliferation of IoT devices and sensors. However, the large-scale deployment of 6G-IoT networks brings forth significant challenges, including maintaining quality of service (QoS), ensuring robust security, and optimizing energy-efficient communication. Addressing these challenges is essential for unlocking the full potential of 6G technology and accelerating its adoption across industrial ecosystems. Unlike previous generations, the defining characteristic of 6G lies in its AI-powered communication, which shifts the paradigm from traditional connected devices to an ecosystem of connected intelligence. This transformation fosters a more adaptive and autonomous network environment, enabling real-time decision-making and intelligent resource management. To harness the full capabilities of 6G-IoT, leveraging AI-driven optimization, predictive analytics, and autonomous decision-making is crucial. These advanced technologies not only enhance network performance and reduce latency but also enable self-sustaining smart industries capable of operating with minimal human intervention. The keynote highlights the seamless integration of AI and 6G will be instrumental in supporting next-generation industrial applications, including real-time automation, digital twins, and intelligent manufacturing. By enabling these innovations, 6G-IoT is set to pave the way for Industry 4.0 and beyond, redefining the future of industrial connectivity and automation.

Bio

Prof. Arun Kumar Sangaiah received his Ph.D. from School of Computer Science and Engineering, VIT University, Vellore, India. He is currently a Full Professor with National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. He has published more than 200 research articles in refereed journals (IEEE TII, IEEE TITS, IEEE TNSE, IEEE TETCI, IEEE SysJ, IEEE SensJ, IEEE IOTJ, ACM TOSN), 11 edited books, as well as 1 patent (held and filed) and 3 projects, among two of them funded by National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), Taiwan, the Ministry of IT of India and few international projects (CAS, Guangdong Research fund, Australian Research Council) cost worth of USD 500,000 USD. Dr. Sangaiah has received many awards, Yushan Young Scholar, Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2021,2022, 2023), Top 2% Scientist (Standord Report-2020,2021,2022), PIFI-CAS fellowship, Top 10 outstanding researcher, CSI significant Contributor etc. Also, he is responsible for Editor-in-Chief, and Associate Editor of various reputed ISI journals. Dr. Sangaiah is a visiting scientist (2018-2019) with Chinese Academy of Sciences, China and visiting researcher of Université Paris-Est (UPEC), France (2019-2020). His Google Scholar Citations reached 27000+ with h-index of 93 and i10-index of 351.

Prof. Trung Q. Duong

Canada Excellence Research Chair and Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada

Abstract

Quantum computing uses the concept of quantum mechanics to offer a massive leap forward in relations to solving complex computation problems. Hybrid quantum-classical machine learning algorithms can significantly enhance the processing efficiency and exponentially computational speed-up, highly capable of guaranteeing high QoS requirements of 6G networks. This talk presents the state-of-the-art in quantum machine learning and optimization and provide a comprehensive overview of its potential, via machine learning approaches. Furthermore, this talk introduces quantum-inspired machine learning/optimization applications for 6G networks in terms of 6G channel estimation and RF fingerprinting considering their enabling technologies and potential challenges. Finally, some dominating research issues and future research directions for the quantum-inspired machine learning/optimization in 6G networks are elaborated.

Bio

Dr. Trung Q. Duong (IEEE Fellow, IET Fellow, CAE Fellow, EIC Fellow, and AAIA Fellow) is a Canada Excellence Research Chair and Full Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada. He is also an adjunct professor at Queen’s University Belfast, UK and a visiting professor under eminent scholar program at Kyung Hee University, South Korea. His current research interests include quantum optimisation and machine learning in wireless communications. He is an author/co-author of 600+ publications with 22,500+ citations and h-index 81. He has served as an Editor for many reputable IEEE journals (IEEE Trans on Wireless Communications, IEEE Trans on Communications, IEEE Trans on Vehicular Technology, IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, IEEE Communications Letters, and IEEE Wireless Communications Letters) and has been awarded best paper awards in many flagship conferences including IEEE ICC 2014, IEEE GLOBECOM 2016, 2019, and 2022. He was the only UK-based researcher awarded both the Research Fellowship and Research Chair from the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2017, he was awarded the Newton Prize from the UK government. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials and an IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC), and the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA).

Prof. Telex M. N. Ngatched

McMaster University, Canada

Abstract

The space-air-ground integrated network (SAGIN), which links space, air, and ground network segments using modern information network technologies, is recognized as a promising network architecture for the next generation wireless communication networks, i.e., 6G and beyond, due to its wide coverage area, high user quality service, massive connectivity, and unrestricted terrain conditions. SAGIN’s integration of satellite, air, and ground segments offers seamless connectivity in remote areas, increased capacity in high-demand regions, and high-speed data access, promising significant benefits for the future evolution of 6G wireless communications. However, SAGINs, which generally operate in the radio frequency band, are limited by the high bandwidth requirements of automated driving systems, security monitoring, and the Internet of Things. To increase the speed and transmission rate of these systems, the use of optical communication links, at high frequency bands, is a promising approach. This talk will highlight the challenges related to the integration of optical wireless communication, specifically free-space optical, in SAGIN. Proposed solutions will be discussed, and prospective research avenues will be outlined.

Bio

Dr. Telex M. N. Ngatched is an Associate Professor at McMaster University, Canada. His research interests include the next generation wireless communication networks enabling technologies, optical wireless communications, hybrid optical wireless and radio frequency communications, artificial intelligence and machine learning for communications, and underwater communications.

Dr. Ngatched serves as an Area Editor for the IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, an Associate Technical Editor for the IEEE Communications Magazine, and an Associate Editor of the IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine. He was a recipient of the Best Paper Award at the IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (WCNC) in 2019. He is a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) registered with the Professional Engineers Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada.