The 6G Era and Artificial Intelligence in the Sky: Scientific Highlights at the 11th IEEE ICCE 2026

The image of an autonomous vehicle maintaining connection thanks to AI autonomously detecting obstacles in a 6G simulator was a highlight at the 11th International Conference on Communications and Electronics (IEEE ICCE 2026). This technical detail reflects the future network trend of prioritizing smart interaction rather than focusing purely on transmission speed.

Taking place in Nha Trang from July 29 to 31, the 11th IEEE ICCE 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the event series and looks toward the 70th anniversary of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. Chaired by Hanoi University of Science and Technology and co-chaired by the University of Science and Technology (The University of Da Nang) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (VNU-HCM), this knowledge forum opens up important insights into the global connectivity infrastructure of 2030.

Vision for 6G Networks and "Tactile" Technology

Dr. Takehiro Nakamura from NTT DOCOMO (Japan) brought to IEEE ICCE 2026 a comprehensive look at the core values of the 6G network. According to Mr. Nakamura, the 6G network actualizes five key values, including ubiquitous connectivity, sustainability, high performance, AI-native networking, and an outstanding customer experience.
  The concept of "AI-native networks" was emphasized by him as a system designed from the ground up to deeply integrate with artificial intelligence. This allows the network to automate operations, optimize technical parameters based on real-world data, and rapidly self-heal after large-scale incidents. The ultimate goal is a zero-error, continuously operating network system that maximizes user experience through the integration of modern computing technologies.

A highly impressive point in NTT DOCOMO's presentation was the application of AI in the physical layer, also known as the AI-Air Interface. By using machine learning models to optimize resource allocation, the system can maintain stable connections even in complex environmental conditions. Real-world tests validate that using machine learning significantly improves system performance compared to traditional methods. Notably, pilotless transmission capability achieved a throughput growth of approximately 18%.
  The vision of ubiquitous connectivity is materialized by the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) strategy. The 6G system will establish a multi-tier network architecture, combining low earth orbit satellites, geostationary satellites, and High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) operating at an altitude of 20 km. The HAPS system acts as a flying mobile base station, ensuring cellular signal coverage in remote seas, high mountains, or supporting emergency communications when ground infrastructure fails.

Regarding customer experience, "FEEL TECH" technology based on the Human Augmentation Platform has opened up new possibilities. The 6G network aims to share emotions and senses such as touch and taste through the mobile network, allowing humans to connect with each other on a much deeper level.

The future network system also drives the emergence of new types of robots. With ultra-high speeds and ultra-low latency, the entire computing and sensing capabilities of robots are shifted to the network. In-network computing solutions allow offloading processing tasks from end devices, making smart wearables more compact.

Breakthroughs in Circuit Design and the "Democratization" of Phased Array Technology
  Prof. Kenichi Okada from the Tokyo Institute of Technology brought highly convincing experimental research results on circuit design for future telecommunication systems. The biggest challenge today is meeting the rapidly skyrocketing demand for mobile data. Analyses indicate that actual data traffic grew more than 100 times between 2010 and 2024.

Prof. Okada's research team focuses on exploiting ultra-high frequency bands (Sub-THz) and Massive MIMO antenna techniques to achieve a target speed of 1 Terabit per second by 2035. The most prominent achievement is a D-band transceiver reaching a record speed of 640 Gbps. This system operates in the 114-170 GHz frequency band and is manufactured based on standard silicon chip technology (CMOS). This result confirms the ability to transmit large-capacity data at a low production cost.
  The Japanese scientist proposed the concept of "Democratizing phased arrays." Using silicon chips to replace rare materials significantly reduces component costs. This shift allows the integration of phased array antennas into both base stations and user devices. Research on flexible phased arrays that can bend or fold opens up potential for smart wearables or small satellites. A 64-element antenna array in the 300 GHz band with a compact core size equivalent to a coin is a prime example of the sophistication of this technology.

The TD-MIMO technique, with ultra-fast beam switching capabilities, was also introduced to optimize chip area. The research team achieved a record beam switching speed of 0.15 nanoseconds, the fastest ever published. Thanks to the ability to process multiple data streams in parallel, the system ensures high performance and power savings for mobile devices.

Furthermore, tests in the 300 GHz band demonstrated a transmission capability of 100 Gbps over a distance of 10 km, opening up hopes for long-range wireless networks with speeds comparable to fiber optics.

Artificial Intelligence in Outer Space and Nanotechnology for Microchip Inspection    
  Alongside breakthroughs in terrestrial networks, the 11th IEEE ICCE 2026 also expanded discussions on artificial intelligence at the "edge" of outer space, presented by Prof. Tat-Jun Chin from the University of Adelaide. As space programs develop robustly, the need for autonomy in satellite systems becomes urgent. Future satellites will need to perform complex tasks such as on-orbit maintenance or space debris cleanup. These tasks require real-time sensing and decision-making capabilities to ensure safety.

Prof. Tat-Jun Chin shared advancements in deploying AI directly on devices mounted on spacecraft. Instead of relying on transmitting data back to Earth, which suffers from significant latency, smart spacecraft can make their own decisions based on on-site measurements.
  In the field of electronics, Prof. Zhongqing Su from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University introduced a new non-destructive evaluation framework based on ultra-fast laser technology. Inspecting the internal structures of microchip systems becomes increasingly difficult as component sizes shrink. By leveraging ultra-short ultrasonic wavelengths generated by lasers, this technique enables material characterization at ultra-high resolutions at the nanoscale.

The research team demonstrated the ability to create 3D imaging of the internal characteristics of complex microelectromechanical systems without direct contact. This technology plays an important role in monitoring the structural health of semiconductor components, ensuring reliability for advanced electronic systems.
  Hanoi University of Science and Technology has affirmed its position by successfully organizing an international-scale event with meticulous preparation in all aspects. The academic discussions at IEEE ICCE 2026 open up new research collaborations and innovations that will sprout in the future. The conference has concluded, but the insights into the 6G world, AI in outer space, and ultra-small chips reaching Terabit speeds... continue to spread within the regional and global scientific communities.

The greatest lingering takeaway is the belief in the power of global connectivity and the aspiration to use technology to create a smarter, more sustainable society. IEEE ICCE 2026 in Nha Trang was truly a festival of knowledge, where today's breakthrough ideas will become tomorrow's reality!