As we continue our exploration of the top emerging technologies of 2024, this week we’re spotlighting Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC). This innovative technology, featured in the World Economic Forum’s latest report on emerging technologies, could be a game-changer for wireless systems by combining sensing and communication functions into a single, streamlined network.
Traditionally, sensing and communication have developed separately, resulting in an overload of devices and wasted resources. But ISAC brings these capabilities together, enabling a system that can both gather and transmit data at the same time. This integration doesn’t just reduce device clutter; it also boosts energy efficiency and cuts costs, which makes it an ideal solution for applications requiring real-time data and insights.
ISAC technology can help make wireless networks “aware” of their surroundings, allowing for capabilities like location tracking, environment mapping, and infrastructure monitoring. Imagine smart agricultural systems that continuously monitor soil moisture, air and water quality, and weather conditions, helping farmers make better decisions for crop health. Urban planning can also benefit from ISAC-based environmental monitoring, supporting cleaner cities and more effective resource management.
Another exciting use for ISAC is in smart grids, where sensors within power networks can track electricity consumption and production in real-time, making energy use more efficient and reliable. This innovation also makes devices more sustainable by lowering energy and material needs, which can also lead to more opportunities for recycling or reusing device components.
A fascinating branch of ISAC is optical-wireless technology. By integrating sensing and communication into things like lighting and display systems, illuminated surfaces can act as network nodes—sending and receiving data without causing interference with other devices. This feature could be especially useful in environments like healthcare facilities or manufacturing plants, where electromagnetic interference is a concern.
While ISAC holds vast potential, there are challenges ahead. Developing standards for communication, aligning networks, and tackling technical issues will all be crucial for ISAC’s success across industries. Still, this technology shows great promise in fields from connected cars to healthcare, where it could lead to safer, more responsive systems.
In terms of funding in ISAC technologies, between 2021 to 2023, the United States led both in both business and academic grant funding, with $5.2 billion in business funding and $325 million in academic grants. Other top countries in business funding include the Netherlands ($1.2 billion), China ($665 million), Israel ($507 million), and Canada ($221 million), while the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, and Czechia are leading in academic grant funding. The industries that received the most investment in ISAC between 2021-2023 are Internet ($3.9 billion), Electronics ($2.4 billion), and Mobile and Telecommunications ($1.2 billion), Computer Hardware ($412 million) and Software ($250 million), underscoring these sectors as key drivers of innovation in integrated sensing and communication technologies globally.
World Economic Forum