6G in healthcare: better wireless technology for better care

While the 5G cellular technology standard is becoming more widespread in the public sector, development on its successor has already started. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched an initiative to lay the foundations for 6G. This communications technology can also be significant for the healthcare sector.

In this MEDICA-tradefair.com interview, Dr.-Ing. Johannes Dommel talks about the 6G next-generation mobile communications standard and explains how it could help improve the healthcare sector.

Dr.-Ing. Dommel, what is the goal of the "6G Health" project?

Dr.-Ing. Johannes Dommel: "6G Health" focuses on the early development and evaluation of technologies that could be of interest for use in the 6G mobile communications standard. We also want to introduce these technologies to early adopters and provide input for the 6G standardization process.

We are at a point where the 5G mobile communications standard is becoming more widespread, while its development in the research sector is still ongoing. The medical sector currently features a series of 5G projects that focus on networks in hospital facilities and universities or the use of sensor systems.

Adjacent to these developments, the BMBF has launched the initiative to develop and help shape 6G in Germany. This includes four hubs across Germany to conduct research in this setting. The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) coordinates the "6G Research and Innovation Cluster (6G-RIC)" research hub.

Apart from basic research, there are projects for specific applications that include industry partners and users.

What is the biggest difference between 6G and 5G?

Dommel: One fundamental difference is that 6G will feature more than just interconnected devices. With 5G, we can connect mobile phones to sensors and transmit data via an infrastructure. With 6G, the goal is to make it the central nervous system of our connected life. Once the technology infrastructure is in place, it can act as an interface between the digital and analog worlds in various areas.

What should we expect from 6G applications in the medical field?

Dommel: It is very interesting for us in research as this will give us entirely new and enhanced functionalities. You have the “Integrated Communication and Sensing” approach. This means that through the propagation of electromagnetic waves through space, i.e., through the communication process itself, we can not only transmit data but also detect and track objects. This includes the chance to record vital parameters or detect falls with no special sensors.

What added value could this generate for healthcare providers and patients?

Dommel: Our work currently focuses on improving the healthcare work environment, both in home and clinical settings. We could use the technology to improve patient flow throughout the hospital and subsequently reduce the workload for the nursing staff. Networked robotics is another possibility, whether it pertains to logistics or exoskeleton control systems that help with heavy work. Another option is a real-time augmented reality connection that enables physicians to examine the same patient from different locations or to assist in a surgery.

There are many conceivable 6G applications. However, the general vision is to use the technology to improve outcomes by optimizing clinical processes.

How long before we can expect 6G applications to be available?

Dommel: Standardization could start as early as 2028. The first applications could hit the commercial market around 2030. However, one should point out that the development of each generation of mobile communications takes about ten years. The rollout of 5G networks has progressed for two or three years. There will also be advancements to this technology as it will not abruptly disappear as soon as 6G is available.