In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the need for reliable, low-latency, and interference-resilient wireless communication has never been greater. Modern factories, logistics centers, and autonomous environments are filled with mobile robots, connected sensors, and intelligent machines that rely on seamless data exchange. As digitalization advances, reliable communication and intelligent sensing technologies are becoming the backbone of Industry 4.0 and beyond—driving automation, flexibility, and efficiency. 

Industrial and dynamic environments, however, pose significant challenges for wireless systems. Metallic structures reflect and scatter radio signals, degrading signal quality and reliability, while control applications demand time-critical communication with end-to-end latencies of just a few milliseconds to ensure safety and precision. In such conditions, connectivity must be predictable, deterministic, and secure. 

This workshop presents innovative technologies that enable robust and reliable wireless communication and sensing systems. 

We begin with an introduction to emerging technologies in visible light sensing (VLS), positioning (VLP), and communication (VLC). By using modulated light emitted from LEDs, these systems can achieve high-speed data transmission while simultaneously providing precise localization and sensing—offering a promising complement to radio-based solutions in challenging environments. 

Another key focus will be AI-driven techniques for wireless environment awareness. In heterogeneous wireless settings, these methods enable interference detection, jamming recognition, and adaptive tuning of communication parameters. By making wireless systems more cognitive and responsive, AI enhances seamless and resilient connectivity even under highly dynamic conditions. 

We will also highlight recent advances toward achieving “better-than-wired” wireless connectivity, building on time-sensitive networking (TSN) principles. Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) is unlocking new industrial and autonomous applications such as closed-loop control, cooperative robotics, and remote operations that demand extreme reliability and minimal delay. 

The Reliable Communication and Intelligent Sensing for Dynamic Environments workshop aims to foster both knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Alongside technical presentations, participants will experience live demonstrations and have ample opportunities to engage with researchers, technology developers, and industry innovators. 

This workshop is organised with support from DIGITALIS, the European Digital Innovation Hub focusing on supporting the digital transformation of manufacturing companies. 

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME

12h00Registration & lunch
13h00Introduction
Kris Hermus, Coordinator Wireless Community & Innovation Program Manager Flanders, imec
13h20

Wireless communication challenges in warehouse automation
Matthias Maes, R&D Network & Security Team Lead, Movu Robotics


Abstract will follow

13h45

Flexible connectivity architectures for remote perception and control of autonomous vehicles
Jianqiao Cheng, Senior Researcher, Flanders Make


The rise of autonomous vehicles, such as drones and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), is creating new opportunities across logistics, construction, inspection, and many other industries. However, achieving truly robust autonomy and safe remote operation depends heavily on reliable sensor perception and low-latency data transmission. Remote piloting adds further challenges: high-bandwidth sensor data must be streamed dependably, and onboard compute is often insufficient for running advanced AI models. In this talk, we present the connectivity and control architectures we developed to enable fully autonomous piloting of drones performing industrial-quality inspections with AI assistance. We will share the practical challenges encountered in real deployments and describe the final architecture that enables robust, low-latency remote operation over long distances.

14h15

Visible light communication, sensing and positioning: technologies and applications
David Plets (Professor) and Morteza Alijani (PhD Researcher), imec-WAVES-UGent
 


Abstract will follow
 

14h45COFFEE BREAK
15h15DEMO TOUR
 
  • Demo 1 – Movu Robotics:
    ultra-reliable WiFi connectivity for autonomous mobile robots
  • Demo 2 – Flanders Make: 
    flexible wireless connectivity for autonomous vehicles
  • Demo 3 – TBC: 
    …
  • Demo 4 – TBC: 
    …
15h55

Wireless Physical layer foundation models: interference and jammer detection in dynamic environments
Adnan Shahid, Professor, imec-IDLab-UGent

 

Abstract will follow

16h25

Ultra reliable and deterministic wireless networking, what is it and do we need it
Spilios Giannoulis, Co-Founder & CEO, Better than Wired


As wireless systems take on roles traditionally reserved for fixed cabling, expectations for reliability, latency, and predictability are rising sharply. “Ultra-reliable and deterministic wireless” describes a new class of networks engineered to deliver guaranteed performance—bounded latency, minimal jitter, and near-perfect availability—regardless of environmental or traffic conditions. This talk explores what determinism in wireless truly means, how it differs from conventional best-effort connectivity, and why industries are now demanding it. We will examine which forces could drive adoption, from industrial automation and robotics to smart infrastructure and real-time control, and consider where deterministic wireless can not only match wired performance but surpass it in flexibility and deployment efficiency. Finally, we will discuss the practical path forward: what is technically feasible today, what remains challenging, and why the shift toward “better-than-wired” wireless networks is becoming both feasible and necessary.
 

16h50Plenary Q&A session
17h00Networking reception
19h30End of the workshop

Registration

Registration-fees:

  • Imec employees and residents: free of charge
  • Employees of Wireless Community members: free of charge
  • Others:
    • 125 EUR (excl VAT) early bird until November 27
    • 150 EUR (excl VAT) late registration from November 28

Please fill in your details in this Event Registration Form below and you will be automatically registered. A few days prior to the event you will receive a confirmation email with all practical details.

For all practical questions about this workshop, please contact us at wireless-community@imec.be

Register on the Wireless Community site