As a key partner in the 5G Metro project, IMREDD – Université Côte d’Azur plays a central role in turning cutting-edge technologies into concrete solutions. We spoke with Paulo Moura, Deputy Director for Innovation and Partnerships at IMREDD, to explore how the institute is leveraging its expertise in smart and sustainable technologies to support bringing telepresence and 5G to campus. In this interview, he shares insights on the challenges of integrating cutting-edge infrastructure in a university setting, and how 5G Metro aligns with IMREDD’s broader mission of co-developing impactful, real-world solutions.
How does IMREDD’s expertise in smart and sustainable technologies contribute to the development and deployment of the 5G Metro project?
IMREDD is at the forefront of innovation in smart and sustainable technologies, acting as a bridge between academia, industry, and public institutions. With a strong focus on digital transformation, IMREDD provides the ideal environment for testing and validating cutting-edge solutions, including 5G applications. Our expertise in connected infrastructures, data-driven services, and emerging technologies enables us to integrate the 5G Metro project within a real-world ecosystem, ensuring its relevance and scalability.
What are the main challenges and opportunities in deploying a 5G Standalone network and telepresence robots within the IMREDD campus?
Deploying a 5G Standalone network within an academic setting presents both technical and operational challenges. One of the key hurdles is ensuring seamless network coverage across indoor and outdoor environments while maintaining ultra-low latency for real-time applications like telepresence robots. Another challenge lies in optimizing the integration of these robots into academic workflows, ensuring they enhance student engagement rather than disrupt traditional learning experiences. However, this deployment also offers a unique opportunity: IMREDD serves as a living lab where new use cases can be explored and refined, paving the way for broader adoption of 5G-enabled technologies in our local ecosystem.
How does 5G Metro align with IMREDD’s broader mission of fostering innovation and digital transformation in education and beyond?
IMREDD’s mission is to drive innovation by bringing together researchers, businesses, and public authorities to co-develop smart solutions with societal impact. 5G Metro is a perfect example of this approach, as it leverages next-generation connectivity to address real-world educational challenges. By integrating 5G, telepresence, and AI-driven learning tools, the project not only enhances accessibility for remote students but also demonstrates how digital transformation can reshape the future of education. Additionally, the insights gained from 5G Metro will inform other sectors, such as smart mobility and healthcare, reinforcing IMREDD’s role as a key player in technological and societal progress.
