Ericsson-Carleton Partnership Celebrates Renewed Collaboration at Latest TechTalks
The Ericsson-Carleton University Partnership for Research and Leadership in Wireless Networks came together in early June to celebrate the new extension of their collaboration at the bi-annual TechTalks Ericsson-Carleton Symposium.
Ericsson Canada, Canada’s largest 5G network service provider, is an invaluable, long-term partner in driving forward innovation, training highly skilled personnel and building more reliable, secure wireless communications technology.
The Carleton and Ericsson research teams have presented the TechTalks since 2022 to share the progress being made on projects advancing wireless networks. This time, the teams also celebrated the official reinvestment in the collaboration for two more years.
The special announcement was presented at Carleton by Ericsson’s Senior Advisor and Head of Ottawa Site, Marcos Cavaletti, in Carleton’s state-of-the-art Advanced Research and Innovation in Smart Environments (ARISE) building, which houses the partnership’s Wireless 5G Laboratory.
“We are very energized by this extension and the opportunity to continue the incredible work we have been doing,” said Cavaletti. “Let’s continue to push this partnership forward as we explore new research programs on wireless applications in healthcare, transportation, aerospace, and more.”
This year’s TechTalks fostered a timely and important conversation – one that reflects not only where the world is headed, but also the very real urgency we face in preparing our digital infrastructure for an increasingly complex global web of interconnectedness.
Carleton’s Associate Vice-President (Strategic Initiative & Operations), Sandra Crocker, also opened the event, emphasizing the institution’s gratitude for Ericsson’s outstanding collaboration and recognizing the importance of preparing for our rapidly advancing digital future.
“At Carleton, we recognize how vital this moment is,” said Crocker. “The rapid changes from 5G to 6G, from terrestrial to hybrid and non-terrestrial networks, will reshape how we secure information, how we protect our economies, and importantly, maintain trust in everything from government systems to private communications.”
Moderated by Ericsson Ottawa Systems Engineer, Roland Smith, and Ericsson Chair in 5G Wireless Research, Chancellor’s Professor Ioannis Lambadaris, these TechTalks focused on the successful work of the Chair. Carleton faculty and graduate students, and Ericsson Canada staff provided six live demonstrations, including:
- 5G-enabled drones for real-time mapping of unknown environments
- 3D aerial mapping using multiple drones simultaneously
- Autonomous drone navigation through tunnels to support rescue missions
- Enhancing 5G communications in challenging radio environments
During the last TechTalks in 2024, the partnership also celebrated the opening of the 5G Drone Lab within the Wireless 5G Laboratory. Since then, researchers have been using the lab’s private, standalone 5G network to advance solutions for real-world challenges, from disaster relief to contactless delivery.
Over the last five years, we have united our brightest students, dedicated researchers, and Ericsson’s experts to modernize applications in a range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, robotics and autonomous vehicles. Projects have engaged more than 20 Carleton faculty members, eight Ericsson Fellows, and more than 700 co-op work terms at Ericsson Ottawa to date.
Next, the partnership will continue delving into the next pivotal years in how we manage wireless across sectors in a consistently evolving digital environment.
For more on the success of the collaboration, see the extended partnership announcement and our latest impact report.
The Ericsson-Carleton University Partnership
Starting the fifth year of a multimillion-dollar program, the goal of the Ericsson-Carleton University Partnership is to attract and retain talented individuals, promote and enhance research synergy, and establish training in an energetic industry and academic environment. The Carleton University partnership is a key pillar of Ericsson Ottawa Research and Talent Development programs for creating wireless technology leaders.