New IIT Hyderabad chip enables 'internet of everything' with low-power 6G tech

Hyderabad: Researchers at IIT Hyderabad have developed an indigenous IoT-enabled system-on-chip (SoC) that integrates 4G, 5G, and satellite communications into a single platform, unlocking transformative applications across sectors. Professor Kiran Kuchi of IIT Hyderabad explained, "While conventional 6G is often imagined as ultra-high-speed networks for immersive applications, this chip represents a special class of 6G technologies: low-power, narrowband, sensor-driven connectivity." He emphasised that this chip is fundamental to enabling the “Internet of Everything” by ensuring billions of devices such as sensors, meters, trackers, and wearables can connect intelligently and sustainably.

The compact, low-power, and low-cost chip extends connectivity to virtually any corner of the Earth, working reliably for years without battery replacement. "Wearables and animal tags equipped with the chip can monitor health indicators, delivering early alerts and improving both human wellness and livestock management," Kuchi said, highlighting some of the chip's transformative applications. He added that with built-in GPS, assets, perishable goods, school bags, and even children can be tracked affordably and safely.

Kuchi also pointed out the chip’s role in cold-chain monitoring, explaining, "The chip can ensure vaccine and perishable supply chain integrity across pharma and food logistics." On water distribution, he said, "Water distribution networks can be monitored in real-time, detecting leaks early and reducing wastage." Regarding defence and strategic uses, Kuchi noted, "With satellite capability, mobile assets can be tracked over vast distances, independent of cell tower coverage, which is critical for defence and national security."

The chip has passed essential standards compliance, ensuring interoperability and reliability across diverse networks and is ready for large-scale commercial rollout. Kuchi said, "This success is the result of India's fabless semiconductor model: the chip is designed in India, fabricated abroad, but tested, packaged, and productized within the country." He also stressed strategic independence through domestic intellectual property ownership and said that future chip production will be localised in India as semiconductor fabrication capabilities expand.

Calling the chip a vision of "inclusive 6G," Kuchi said, "By enabling ultra-low-power, sensor-based communications, it complements high-speed 6G networks and makes massive-scale connectivity feasible, affordable, and sustainable." He explained that the data generated by billions of connected devices can "drive smarter governance, improve citizen services, and strengthen India's digital foundations in health, education, agriculture, and security." He concluded by urging, "Central and state agencies are encouraged to leverage this technology early and adopt it for the public good, accelerating its impact across governance and citizen services," aligning with the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047 for a technologically sovereign, self-reliant India.

With inputs from PTI