The “Workshop on Quantum and Digital Twin Technologies for 5G/6G” was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the London Digital Twin Research Centre, Middlesex University. This event gathered leading international researchers and industry experts to discuss the integration of Quantum Computing (QC) with Digital Twin technologies, particularly in addressing security challenges within OpenRAN (O-RAN) for 5G and 6G networks. The hybrid workshop attracted over 50 participants, both in person and online, from Vietnam, India, and the UK. The programme featured 10 presentations and 6 poster sessions on the topic.
The workshop, sponsored by our EPSRC UKI-FNI pilot project “Q-DTRAN“ and the British Council ISPF project “QuanDT, served as a dynamic platform for exploring cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum computing, digital twin technologies, and 5G/6G networks. Participants gained valuable insights into the latest advancements and future challenges in these fields. Discussions highlighted the need for continued interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation to address the complexities of securing next-generation communication networks.
Key Highlights:
- Introduction to the Workshop: Prof. Huan Nguyen, Director, LDTRC, Middlesex University, provided an introduction to the workshop’s goals and an overview of the collaborative research projects at LDTRC.
- Quantum Technologies for 5G/6G and O-RAN: Dr. Tuan Le, LDTRC, discussed the potential of quantum computing to address key challenges in 5G and 6G networks, particularly in enhancing the security, efficiency, and scalability of O-RAN systems.
- Security in 5G/6G Communication Networks: Prof. Lei Zhang, University of Glasgow, discussed the evolving security threats in 5G/6G communication networks, and the need for innovative solutions. He then introduced several key projects from his research group addressing such security threats.
- Quantum Information Theory: Prof. Vinod Sharma, Shiv Nadar University, India, delved into the theoretical underpinnings of quantum information and discussed its application in securing communication networks.
- Open RAN from an Industrial Point of View: Dr. Duc To, Rakuten Symphony UK, brought to the audience an industrial perspective on O-RAN, examining the practical challenges and benefits of incorporating digital twins and quantum technologies into O-RAN systems.
- Temporary Aerial Network Using Millimeter-Wave Drone Base Stations: Dr. Gia Khanh Tran, Tokyo School of Engineering, Japan, introduced the concept of using millimeter-wave drones to facilitate the construction of temporary digital twin networks, with potential applications in 5G/6G deployments in remote or dynamic environments.
- O-RAN Research at University of Glasgow: Dr. Ruiyu Wang, University of Glasgow, provided insights into the ongoing research on O-RAN at the University of Glasgow, discussing how digital twin models can enhance network optimisation and performance in real-time.
- Digital Twin and TransIT Project: Dr. Mohammad Alquraan, University of Glasgow, showcased the TransIT project, which focuses on using digital twins for transport systems, and explored how similar approaches could benefit the optimisation of 5G/6G infrastructure.
- O-RAN Enterprise 5G Use Cases: Mr. Ramesh Sriraman, HCL Technologies, discussed various enterprise use cases of O-RAN, emphasising the role of digital twins in enabling more efficient and scalable 5G networks.
- Colloidal Quantum Dots for Short Wave Infrared Image Sensors: Dr. Cong-Duan Vo, CTO, Quantum Science Ltd, presented advancements in quantum dot technologies for enhancing image sensors, which have implications for improving the monitoring and management of digital twin systems.
- Poster sessions from PhD students
