TERRAMETA

TERRAMETA envisions a future use case in smart manufacturing where all elements are software-defined and mobile. Other incoming manufacturing technologies, such as the Omniverse, require large amounts of sensor data to be generated and transmitted over the network. Due to the required mobility, a dense, high-speed wireless network is needed with performance requirements beyond the reach of WiFi or low-frequency 5G/6G. Thus, the use case proposes a future where THz RIS covers the entire factory floor, with mobile robots and other machines generating gigabits per second of sensor data sent across the factory floor for Simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM). Note: Not all features described in the diagram will be demonstrated. However, it is planned to demonstrate a THz RF front-end and transmissive THz RIS in an on-site demonstrator integrated with Dell robots as a proof of concept in Cork, Ireland.

This use case demonstrates a full‑duplex wireless communication system operating in the D‑band (140 GHz) and 300 GHz frequency ranges, enhanced by Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), to support ultra‑high‑bandwidth, low‑latency industrial applications. A mobile industrial robot equipped with high‑resolution RGB‑D sensors generates multi‑Gbps real‑time sensor data, which is transmitted wirelessly to an edge server for processing and digital‑twin visualisation.

The demonstration validates simultaneous uplink and downlink operation (full‑duplex), high‑order modulation stability, and robust performance in realistic deployment conditions, addressing key challenges of THz communications such as path loss and blockage. The system integrates THz RF front‑ends, baseband processing units, RIS‑assisted propagation, and commercial edge computing infrastructure.
This use case targets future smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 scenarios where fibre‑like wireless connectivity is required for mobile robots, real‑time sensing, and edge AI workloads. The demonstrated architecture is designed to be modular and adaptable to other industrial or advanced laboratory environments.