The latest 6G-XR Plenary Meeting took place from January 28-30, 2025, bringing together key project partners to assess progress, refine strategies, and outline upcoming actions. Hosted in Oulu – Finland’s leading hub for wireless innovation – the meeting provided a crucial checkpoint for the project’s development and impact in the last year of its term.

Led by Project Coordinator Jussi Haapola and Technical Coordinator Mohammed Al-Rawi, the plenary covered a broad spectrum of critical topics, including technical advancements, financial and administrative updates, and strategic alignments.

Key Discussions and Insights

A significant focus of the discussions was on the progress of use cases and enabler development. Participants reviewed the current status of internal use cases, key enablers, and live demonstrations, ensuring that the project remains aligned with its pioneering goals in delivering XR applications powered by 6G technologies. The progress of each work package was thoroughly assessed, with achievements highlighted and priorities set for the next phase of development. In addition, the meeting evaluated the execution of cascade actions, particularly the three waves of open calls, analyzing their progress and wider impact on the evolving 6G ecosystem.

Another crucial topic was the project’s contributions to standardization efforts and industry alignment. Experts examined how 6G-XR technologies fit within existing regulatory frameworks, ensuring the project remains at the forefront of global telecommunications innovation. To further strengthen this understanding, a dedicated session provided valuable insights into European regulations, covering critical legislative aspects such as the AI Act, Data Act, and Cybersecurity Act. This equipped researchers with essential knowledge to navigate the evolving policy landscape.

Exploring Oulu’s Research Infrastructure

One of the highlights of the plenary was a site visit to the University of Oulu, where participants explored the 5G Test Network (5GTN) infrastructure. The visit provided hands-on exposure to state-of-the-art research facilities, culminating in a live demonstration of 6G-XR technologies in a laboratory setting.

As the project moves forward, the insights gained from the plenary will guide the next steps in shaping the future of immersive connectivity within the 6G paradigm.