First corporate client of 6G Test Center develops bulletproof glass with RF signal protection
In dual-use products, innovation can arise from the intersection and combination of traditional products and features that meet future needs. The 6G Test Center already enables simulation of wireless communication scenarios of the 2030s. With the first client, various bulletproof glasses with signal interference protection were tested. Understanding the propagation of high-frequency signals through structures allows for their prevention.
"We conducted attenuation measurements of the glasses in our anechoic EMC chamber at frequency ranges from 500 MHz to 50 GHz. We examined 12 different bulletproof and EMI-shielded glass samples," summarizes Hannu Nikurautio, research director at the University of Oulu's 6G Test Center.
"We are researching and developing the thinnest and lightest possible bulletproof glasses, signal protection glasses, and glasses suitable for withstanding explosion pressure waves, as well as their various combinations. Additionally, we can enhance products with PDLC smart film, classified as burglar-resistant, bend them into shape, or add heating glass for both land vehicles and boats," continues Joni Kaski the CEO of Tambest.
The test results were successful and will help further develop the product. The testers also learned and gained applicable results. The testing correlates well with RF signal research conducted at the University of Oulu.
"Our products are dual-use and our target market now includes the Nordic countries, the Baltics, and broadly all NATO countries. We are ready for large-scale production, as our glass processing factory already manufactures over 1,000 units of various laminated glasses per week. Our different products are suitable for military vehicles and buildings, military boats, critical civilian buildings, and societal infrastructure. Additionally, they are used in special vehicles in crisis areas. Glass and transparent surfaces are everywhere," explains Joni Kaski and continues.
"We are pioneers in Finnish bulletproof and blast-resistant glass solutions. We have comprehensive machinery and solid expertise. We are particularly good at lamination and bending on a global scale. In lamination, we can produce jumbo-sized products and have all the necessary glass processing machines for manufacturing various products. This is a good starting point to consider new business in the dual-use sector and to make signal protection a central role. Our glasses have potential integration into future secure infrastructures from military vehicles to command centers."
The focus of the 6G Test Center's research is on dual-use technologies utilized in both civilian and defense sectors. The center is part of NATO's DIANA research network. As in the case of Tambest, the center also offers some services directly to companies, enabling testing and product development before potentially applying to NATO's research program.
"Our test center's mission is to accelerate dual-use innovations, especially those that strengthen Finland's national defense capability and business operations. Through testing activities, companies gain dual-use value for their products. The research conducted in our facilities corresponds to real 2030s scenarios in wireless communication. The importance of security brought by RF shielding is growing in modern communication environments. We invite forward-looking companies to collaborate with us for testing and validating dual-use products," emphasizes Hannu Nikurautio.
The 6G Test Center, maintained in collaboration between the University of Oulu and VTT, offers an optimized environments both indoor and field for testing, evaluating, verifying, and validating next-generation wireless technologies. The center's test network infrastructure extensively covers 5G and 6G technologies, as well as O-RAN, AI-RAN, 3GPP, and CONVERGE features for research. This provides advanced resources and expertise for companies, researchers, and defense organizations. The collaborative ecosystem accelerates innovation across the entire wireless communication field.