Innovations to power the metaverse and artificial intelligence (AI) for accessibility are in focus in the latest issue of the ITU Journal on Future and Evolving Technologies.

The issue also features research on vehicle-to-everything communications, edge computing, and low-earth orbit satellite networking.

The ITU Journal – free of charge to both readers and contributors – offers comprehensive coverage of communications and networking.

The online journal welcomes research submissions all year long on all topics relevant to the work of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

What’s in the latest issue

The new issue analyses the maturity of existing virtual worlds, the state of the art in multisensory media aimed at engaging all five human senses, point cloud videos for holographic-type communication, and the networking innovations necessary to envisioned metaverse applications.

It also looks at safety-critical tech applications in areas such as emergency broadcasts for connected cars, accurate lane identification for autonomous driving, and edge computing for communications in environments like underground and open-pit mines.

Research on digital inclusion explores assistive devices and applications leveraging AI and computer vision, the merits of gamifying the learning of sign language, the accessibility of educational websites, and promising directions for research and standardization work on low-earth orbit satellite networking.

What’s coming up

Upcoming issues of the ITU Journal are set to address:

• Intelligent technologies for future networking and distributed systems
• Satellite constellations and connectivity from space​
• Next-generation computer communications and networks

The ITU Journal is currently inviting submissions for two more special issues:

• AI and machine learning solutions in 5G and future networks
• Geospatial AI to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Opportunities for research communities

Along with research articles, the online ITU Journal includes recorded webinar discussions with researchers and industry leaders.

ITU Academia membership is another key avenue for academics to engage in the work of ITU, the United Nations agency for information and communication technologies.

Academia and industry are key partners in research and development as well as bringing the latest innovations to market.

Academia members participate in ITU expert groups responsible for radiocommunication, standardization, and development.

Contributions from academia strengthen ITU’s work and increase the impact of research.

ITU international standards, for example, support the global adoption of solutions developed collaboratively by academia and industry and boost return on investment for both.