Minister Clara Chappaz Visits IMREDD: A Spotlight on the 5G Metro Project

As part of her visit to IMREDD on February 3rd, Clara Chappaz, the French Minister Delegate for Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, was introduced to the 5G Metro project by Paulo Moura (IMREDD) and Franck Lavagna (Orange). This initiative, led by Orange in partnership with IMREDD and Awabot, is pioneering the deployment of a 5G Standalone (5G SA) network on the IMREDD campus, with a strong focus on inclusion and accessibility in education.

At the heart of the project is an innovative use case: telepresence robots developed by Awabot. These robots, connected to the ultra-fast, low-latency 5G SA network, will enable students facing health-related or mobility challenges to actively participate in classes and campus life remotely. By navigating classrooms and interacting with peers and professors in real-time, students in situations of isolation will have equal access to education.

During the presentation, the Moura and Lavagna highlighted the importance of inclusive digital transformation and the role of 5G technology in bridging gaps in access to education. The project also aligns with broader initiatives supporting the digitalization of learning environments, leveraging emerging connectivity solutions to foster innovation in higher education.

The 5G Metro project is a key step toward integrating advanced connectivity into academic settings, demonstrating how 5G technology can enhance accessibility, inclusion, and the overall learning experience.