European Training Network in Low-energy Visible Light IoT Systems

Project Information

ENLIGHTEM

Grant agreement ID: 814215

DOI

10.3030/814215

Project closed

EC signature date 6 May 2019

Start date 1 June 2019

End date 31 December 2023

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 4 048 337,88

EU contribution

€ 4 048 337,88

Coordinated by

FUNDACION IMDEA NETWORKS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ENLIGHTEM (European Training Network in Low-energy Visible Light IoT Systems)

Reporting period: 2021-06-01 to 2023-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

ENLIGHT’EM is an H2020 ITN MSCA project, implemented among high-quality universities, research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises located in 9 different countries. ENLIGHT’EM have trained a new generation of innovators and provided them with the know-how to contribute to the development of the IoT in the world of 5G and beyond. Fifteen early-stage researchers (ESRs) evolved into leading-edge experts in a diverse array of sub-fields leading to the integration of low-energy VLC into the IoT. After a very complete research and training program, the ESRs have acquired and honed cutting-edge skills contributing to IoT areas such as connected energy, light, living and cities. ENLIGHT’EM have explored the emerging field of low-energy VLC systems for the IoT to design and demonstrate sustainable networking solutions.

These new technologies are designed for sustainable development, which is our approach towards providing economic added value in the society in line with the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030.

ENLIGHT’EM was the first project to take the potential of LEDs as low-energy and sustainable illumination technology to the next level, unleashing its full possibilities for emerging IoT services while retaining its original strong advantages. The research work has been divided into 15 research lines, each led by one ESR. The research lines can be classified in 3 main topics: i) Low-energy technologies, centered on the theoretical foundations and on advancing the state-of-the art to design low-energy hardware, software and communications technologies.; ii) Intelligent algorithms and RF integration, that studies innovative algorithms and protocols for resilient and networked VLC integrated in 5G ecosystems and for the preparation of Beyond-5G technologies; iii) Applications and Services, that targets network and system applications in five concrete scenarios.

Overall, the project has largely contributed to designing a new generation of wireless systems that rely on VLC and low-energy footprint of LEDs, for a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios, but also for more traditional high-speed applications. The assiduous research endeavors undertaken by each ESR have yielded tangible advancements that harmoniously align with the objectives of ENLIGHT’EM. These contributions not only furnish valuable scientific insights, and important achievements that are leading to impactful exploitation, but also manifest tangible potential inputs to policy makers in various disciplines, applications and services.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

ENLIGHT’EM project has achieved all the main objectives according to the initial plan. The scientific work has focused on the three main research areas: Low-energy technologies (WP1), Intelligent algorithms and RF integration (WP2) and Applications and Services (WP3).

In WP1 we have studied the theoretical foundations and advanced the state-of-the-art with the design of low-energy hardware, software and communications technologies. The ESRs’ contribution has provided both theoretical insights and practical implementations, significantly enhancing the project's overall impact and advancing the knowledge base in the realm of energy-efficient VLC technologies.

In WP2 we have studied innovative algorithms and protocols for resilient and networked VLC integrated in 5G ecosystems and for the contributing to Beyond-5G technologies. As a result, the ESRs have introduced novel concepts, investigated various algorithms by conducting research in indoor environments, integrated legacy WiFi and VLC systems, and designed a platform that integrates VLC for access and RF for backhaul, enabling commercial WiFi transmitters as edge devices.

In WP3 we have the work on developing network and system applications. The ESRs’ contribution not only furnished valuable insights but also manifested as implementations, thereby broadening the scope of application scenarios for VLC to encompass scenarios such as underwater environments and vehicular networks. This expansion has propelled the boundaries of knowledge within the domain of VLC technology applications and services.

The ESRs have completed an extensive training program with 10 project events and 27 secondments. As a result of our research work, we have published 67 papers in top Journals and Interntional Scientific Conferences, filled 4 patents, organized 2 workshops, funded 1 start-up, participated in 11 public communication events, and had an intensive presence in open electronic media, with the aim of disseminating outcomes and drawing the attention of the general public (1 webpage https://enlightem.eu/ , 77 videos in YouTube and over 350 posts in social media).

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The first main impact of ENLIGHT’EM project is the enhancement of the career perspectives and employability of researchers and contribution to their skills development. Besides, the different results of the project have impacted as you can see in the following points:

Scientific publications: Our research as part of ENLIGHT’EM benefits both theoretical understanding and practical implementation in the rapidly evolving landscape of networked VLC, also denoted as LiFi. In academia, our work contributes to the advancement of knowledge in communication technologies, specifically in harnessing visible light for data transfer, opening new avenues for research and exploration. For R&D institutions, our research findings provide a foundation for the development of innovative VLC applications, paving the way for practical solutions in diverse fields.

Patents: Obtaining a patent grants exclusive legal rights over an invention for a limited period, preventing others from using, manufacturing, selling, or importing it without the patent holder's permission.4 patents have been submitted and/or published.

Spin-off / Start-up: At the beneficiary IMDEA Networks, the research team with the participation of ESR Dayrene Frometa has won the first prize in the food category of the competitive European EIT Jumpstarter program for its business idea LiFi4Food. LiFi4Food has become a start-up that aims to positively impact food production indoors, with an eco-friendly monitoring control system with battery-free sensors for greenhouses. Dayrene Frometa is co-founder and board member of the startup.

PhD Theses: Obtaining a doctorate demonstrates a high level of competence, advanced research skills, and the ability to undertake complex projects. This will open professional opportunities, such as access to PostDoc positions to continue the researcher career, or in industry roles requiring specialized expertise in VLC and LiFi technologies. Most ESRs have already defended their PhD thesis at the time of ending the project in December 2023, and a few more will defend it in the first months of 2024.

All of the publishable results have been uploaded to https://zenodo.org/ so this contributes to the development of open science.

We expect that this project will have a great impact on society, with ENLIGHT’EM contributing to satisfying the demand of IoT communication but putting emphasis on the low-energy systems, which is a priority in the research agenda as required for global sustainability.

European Researchers Night 2022 Vienna

Training Event 8 - Istanbul

ENLIGHT'EM Logo

Training Event 6 - Madrid

ENLIGHTEM in ACM MobiCom 2023 - Madrid

Research progress presentation during the Project Meeting