Through an innovative system that integrates multisensory perception, MultiX aims to ensure that networks are capable of intelligently observing the environment and interacting with it in real time. This innovation seeks to transform sectors as relevant as healthcare centers or the autonomous vehicle industry.
“What we want to achieve through the development of this technology is for networks to cease being mere communication providers and become active observers of reality, capable of interacting with it,” explains the project coordinator, Antonio de la Oliva, professor in the Department of Telematics Engineering at UC3M. “To do this, we want to use multiple tools, such as cameras and communication networks acting as sensors simultaneously. In this way, we will gain a broader view of what is happening around us and design a new access network in which everything is connected.”
Within the project, IMDEA Networks is focusing on MultiX's low-power network perception system, with perception enablers that allow multi-static localization and detection across different radio technologies. IMDEA Networks is also involved in developing machine learning-based algorithms to integrate all detection modalities and obtain detailed information about objects in the environment. "Multi-band, multi-static integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) with coherent integration is key to high-precision environmental perception," explains Joerg Widmer, Director of Research at IMDEA Networks. "Capturing signals from multiple viewpoints improves spatial diversity, micro-Doppler extraction, and provides richer motion signatures, while coherent processing merges information across bands for greater accuracy, enabling intelligent, real-time interaction with the environment."
The project's developers have explained that one of the many applications of this new technology is enabling networks to recognize higher concentrations of people in a given area, detect falls in the home of elderly individuals, or optimize coverage by dynamically adapting to user needs.
Another potential application MultiX is currently exploring is industrial automation and connected home healthcare. “On the one hand, we aim to enable networks to coordinate robot movement in real time, detecting obstacles and allowing for more efficient task management,” explains Antonio de la Oliva. “On the other hand, the project is working on contactless health monitoring in the home environment. This means that, through connected home devices, it will be possible to monitor vital signs such as heart rate and respiration. In fact, the network could even detect emergency situations, such as a heart attack, and potentially alert health services.”
MultiX also stands out for its commitment to sustainability, a key challenge for 6G technology. In this way, to maximize energy efficiency and reduce resource consumption, the project leverages artificial intelligence to implement low-power solutions and adapt to the demands of future networks.
The project will validate its progress through two proof-of-concept tests designed to demonstrate practical applications of the developed technologies. The first consists of a multi-layer network digital twin, aimed at optimizing processes in industrial manufacturing. The second test will focus on contactless health monitoring in the home environment, with the goal of transforming home healthcare. According to the researchers, these technologies, combined with AI, could optimize diagnosis and treatment of health-related issues, even from home.
To support these test cases, IMDEA Networks is developing a powerful multi-band integrated sensing and communication platform for 6G.
The MultiX project has been funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe program (GA 101192521) and involves: Apple Technology Engineering BV&CO (Germany), BubbleRAN (France), Siemens AG (Germany), Telefónica SA (Spain), Nextworks (Italy), Intel Deutschland GmbH (Germany), InterDigital Europe Ltd. (United Kingdom), Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (Italy), the IHP-Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics (Germany), and Fundació Privada i2CAT. Internet and Digital Innovation in Catalonia (Spain), IMDEA Networks Foundation (Spain), Institute of Accelerating Systems and Applications (Greece), NEC Laboratories Europe GmbH (Germany), Hellenic Telecommunications Organization SA OTE (Greece), Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), University of Cantabria, and Carlos III University of Madrid (Spain). Within this consortium, Professor Antonio de la Oliva of UC3M is the principal investigator, Valerio Frascolla (Intel) is the innovation director, and Xi Li (NEC) is the technical director. The project began in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by June 2027.
