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Institute for Safe Autonomy
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Communications

We are developing resilient communication mechanisms and harnessing quantum-based technology to allow for the efficient operation and assurance of connected robotic and autonomous systems on land, underwater, in the air, and in orbit.

Communication is fundamental to the operation of connected robotic and autonomous systems - allowing them to monitor their environment, receive data, interact with external devices, exchange information with other systems, adapt their behaviour, and make themselves accessible to assurance processes.

Such communications must be carried out securely and reliably - with delay and resilience suitably controlled even in the most demanding of operating conditions. They must also remain effective in the face of the rapid expected proliferation of connected robotic and autonomous systems over the coming decades.

To meet these challenges, our Communications research pillar is able to harness the ISA’s unique array of experimental and laboratory facilities. This gives our team the power to develop, test and enhance the capabilities of a range of communication technologies, and ready them for application in the service of safe autonomy.

"ISA has a unique set of laboratory spaces and test facilities, allowing us to design, assess and refine novel communication systems ready for real-world deployment."

Professor David Grace, Pillar Research Lead

Explore our research

Wireless Communications

Our focus is on Advanced Connectivity Technologies, including specialist terrestrial and non terrestrial (aerial platform and satellite) communications. Specifically we are progressing O-RAN technology for both 5G and 6G systems for connected robotic and autonomous systems. We exploit our extensive facilities such as our O-RAN testbed, as well as our High- Altitude Platform and Rooftop Labs, and regularly conduct trials in real environments.

Underwater systems

We are a team of specialists in underwater acoustic communication and sensing, from signal processing to networking. Our work combines theory and computer modelling with practical experimentation.We develop our own devices in-house, testing them in our specialist anechoic water tank and our University lake through to larger scale trials.

Quantum systems

We host the York Centre for Quantum Technologies and leverage the specialist facilities of the ISA Quantum Labs to drive innovations in secure communications, safe autonomy, and beyond.

Facilities

Find out more about our laboratories and test spaces.

Work with us

Find out about ways you can work with us.