Insights & Policy

Digital Twins (DTs) are rapidly emerging as a foundational technology for creating intelligent, connected, and resilient systems across diverse industries. From modern power grids to next-generation wireless communications, DTs depend on continuous, data-rich exchanges between the physical and virtual worlds. These exchanges must be fast, reliable, and adaptive—requirements that align closely with the transformative potential of sixth-generation (6G) networks. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 2030 vision outlines the key capabilities of 6G, including AI-native design, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, integrated sensing, and pervasive connectivity [1]. These features directly support the fundamental needs of DTs, such as [...]

Artificial intelligence (AI) and 6G are converging to unlock new possibilities for next-generation connectivity. Within the Federated Telecoms Hubs (FTH), CHEDDAR is leading pioneering research that pushes the boundaries of native AI in telecommunication networks and helps shape the UK’s position in global edge intelligence and connectivity innovation. This article explores how AI and 6G combine, where CHEDDAR’s research fits, and why its contributions are uniquely significant. Three Ways AI and 6G Combine To understand CHEDDAR’s role, it’s important to clarify the three commonly accepted ways AI integrates with 6G radio access networking (RAN) [1]: AI and RAN: Computing resources within the [...]

The information and communication technology (ICT) sector accounted for between 1.5% and 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. The use cases and performance demands of future sixth-generation (6G) networks are expected to further increase energy consumption and carbon emissions over comparable coverage areas, primarily due to reliance on higher-frequency bands and ultra-dense infrastructure unless mitigated through energy-efficient design and carbon-aware network optimisation. At the same time, there is growing agreement on the importance of developing more sustainable systems, driven by the environmental impact of carbon emissions, concerns about the exhaustion of non-renewable energy sources, and the drive for cost-effectiveness. [...]

As telecommunications evolve toward AI-native 6G systems, artificial intelligence will become deeply embedded within network infrastructures to deliver intelligent, seamless, and user-centric services. Yet, this integration also introduces complex trust and safety challenges. Future machine learning systems, powered by deep reinforcement learning (DRL), will manage diverse and dynamic datasets to enable autonomous decision-making across networks. This white paper explores the urgent need for explainable deep reinforcement learning (X-DRL) to ensure transparency, accountability, and reliability in next-generation networks. It identifies three critical challenges: stakeholder-specific explainability across providers, regulators, and end-users; the absence of long-term behavioural models for DRL agents; and the [...]

Following the release of the initial version last year [R1], we are now developing White Paper 2.0 — a comprehensive update that reflects the latest progress in 6G research. This revision comes ahead of the anticipated launch of the 6G study item by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) in 2025. In preparation for this milestone, the white paper is being refined to align with the rapidly evolving landscape of 6G technologies, with a particular focus on near-field technology applications. The main objectives of this update are to strengthen research and standardisation efforts in near-field technologies, identify key scenarios and [...]

Powering the Future of Communications The Communications Hub for Empowering Distributed clouD computing Applications and Research (CHEDDAR)is driving the UK’s leadership in next-generation communications and distributed cloud technologies. Our 2024/25 Annual Report highlights a year of exceptional progress — from advances in AI-native networks, integrated sensing, and 6G system design to the expansion of our national research ecosystem, new partnerships, and real-world impact across healthcare, energy, and secure connectivity. Led by Imperial College London, with core partners at Cranfield, Durham, Glasgow, Leeds, and York, CHEDDAR unites 21 universities and numerous industry collaborators under one vision: to build communications systems that [...]