5. Integrated sensing and communication

WEF Emerging Technology 2024

Integrated sensing and communication

The advent of 6G networks facilitates simultaneous data collection (sensing) and transmission (communication). This enables environmental monitoring systems that help in smart agriculture, environmental conservation and urban planning. Integrated sensing and communication devices also promise to reduce energy and silicon consumption.

Competitive Environment in integrated sensing and communication

Companies and universities with conceptually close patents to the technology definition

Identification of competitive environment

The chart shows the competitive environment in the WEF technology based on technological similarity of patents. The EconSight uses cutting-edge AI-based patent analysis to identify conceptually close patents to the technology definition. The relevance of the companies and universities shown is calculated as the similarity of their patents compared to the technology concept. The closer to the core, the higher the similarity. An identified patent is measured by the distance of its closest text element compared to the target concept. A patent owner is positioned according to its closest patent’s distance. The environment further categorized into segments. A distinction is made between small and large companies on the basis of their total patent portfolios. The small and specialised companies can be identified, as well as their potential (exit) partners. Universities and research institutions are also separated.

Countries in technology
(number of active patents in technology in 2024 country by inventor address)

Patent activity by country

The chart shows the identified patents in the technology by country, based on the addresses of the inventors. The inventors are named on the patents with their addresses and can therefore be associated with their home countries. If inventors from different countries are named on the patent, it is associated with each named country. This indicator shows where the invention was actually made and where the technological expertise is located.

Development of patent publications
(publications per year)

Patent activity by publication year

The chart shows the identified patents in the technology as a time series by publication year. This indicator shows, on the one hand, the novelty value of the technology, i.e. the time from which the first significant numbers of patents have been published. On the other hand, the indicator shows the dynamics of development. In emerging technologies, patent publications should increase significantly over time. The current year 2024 is not yet complete, therefore the numbers are lower than in previous years.

EconSight comment and short analysis

Integrated sensing technology is a general technology concept for low powered communication devices integrated in the 6G infrastructure currently mainly targeted at applications in the digital agricultural space. Bayer/Monsanto is one of the leading larger players with Deere closely behind. We can see also larger IT players in the field, such as Intel and IBM, but also unexpected players such as Tata. However, the field is fully dominated by small players with a multitude of solutions, such as Smart Farm integrated elements, ripening sensors or moisture control. It remains to be seen where we will see further applications of these micronised devices besides Agtech. Some of the patents in this field are already being used in Smart City environments, but others applications areas will follow.

Background

  1. Textual concepts are generated for each WEF technology.
  2. The concepts are applied to our full-text AI-RAG (retrieval augmented generation system) which is optimised for highest precision patent analysis to identify the semantically close patents for each technology.
  3. A competitive environment with the most relevant companies and research institutions is developed where the relevance is calculated as the similarity of their patents compared to the technology concept. The closer to the technology core, the higher the similarity. Large corporates, small specialists and research institutions are shown separately.

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This invention relates to an integrated sensing and communication system designed for smart agriculture applications, leveraging the capabilities of 6G networks. The system combines advanced sensors and communication modules into a single device, capable of simultaneously collecting environmental data (such as soil moisture, temperature, and crop health) and transmitting this information in real-time to a central server. The high bandwidth and low latency of 6G networks enable rapid data processing and decision-making, improving agricultural efficiency and productivity. The system also reduces energy consumption by optimizing data transmission intervals based on the sensed environmental conditions.

This invention relates to an integrated sensing and communication system designed for smart agriculture applications, leveraging the capabilities of 6G networks. The system combines advanced sensors and communication modules into a single device, capable of simultaneously collecting environmental data (such as soil moisture, temperature, and crop health) and transmitting this information in real-time to a central server. The high bandwidth and low latency of 6G networks enable rapid data processing and decision-making, improving agricultural efficiency and productivity. The system also reduces energy consumption by optimizing data transmission intervals based on the sensed environmental conditions.

This invention presents an energy-efficient integrated sensing and communication module for environmental conservation applications, utilizing the advanced features of 6G networks. The module is equipped with sensors for monitoring various environmental parameters, such as wildlife activity, water quality, and forest health. The integrated communication unit enables the real-time transmission of data to conservation centers, facilitating prompt actions to protect endangered ecosystems. The system’s design prioritizes low power consumption and reduced silicon usage, making it suitable for deployment in remote and sensitive environments where energy resources are limited.

The invention relates to an integrated sensing and communication platform designed for managing smart infrastructure systems, utilizing 6G network capabilities. The platform integrates a wide array of sensors with communication modules, allowing for the simultaneous collection and transmission of structural health data, such as stress, vibration, and temperature in buildings and bridges. This real-time data exchange enables predictive maintenance and ensures the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure. The platform is designed to be energy-efficient, reducing both operational costs and the environmental impact associated with monitoring large-scale infrastructure.

This patent describes a low-power integrated sensing and communication system tailored for smart agriculture, leveraging 6G network technology. The system combines soil and crop sensors with a communication unit capable of real-time data transmission to agricultural management systems. The system is designed to operate on minimal power, using energy-harvesting techniques to sustain its operation in remote fields. The integration of sensing and communication in a single device reduces the need for multiple components, lowering silicon usage and overall system complexity. This innovation supports more sustainable and efficient farming practices by providing continuous monitoring with minimal energy consumption.

precision-investment

Further information on our analysis approach and how we identify the most exciting startups and newcomers in highly specialised technology domains and evaluate them for private equity and venture capital can be found in our Precision Investing approach.

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