Creating the Sixth Sense

A Bit of Tech is a Nokia Bell Labs Podcast that celebrates the centennial of the legendary research institute. Join host Aron Heller as he recaps our 2025 journey through the past, present and future of Nokia Bell Labs. Bit by bit, he explored how Nokia Bell Labs has shaped the world of technology and revolutionized our lives. Each episode focused on a different aspect of this legacy with a different guest and delved into how today’s innovators are defining the world of tomorrow. For more information check our "A bit of tech" podcast series page: https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/a-bit-of-tech/ 

Our sixth episode covers the groundbreaking sensing capabilities that are becoming central to our communication networks. Nokia Bell Labs’ Head of Optical Systems and Device Research Tod Sizer joins Aron Heller to review various elements of this digital “sixth sense” that can pick up signals from our environment and offer spectacular insights. Together they discuss our path from our pioneering work on radar to sensors on fiber optic communication cables that can offer early warnings on earthquakes and 6G networks that will become a sensor and make cities smarter and safer.For more information check our "A bit of tech" podcast series page: https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/a-bit-of-tech/ 

Host Aron Heller rounds up what you can expect to hear on our sixth episode. “The sixth sense” unpacks the past, present and future of our sensing technologies research with Nokia Bell Labs’ Head of Optical Systems and Device Research, Tod Sizer.  For more information check our "A bit of tech" podcast series page: https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/a-bit-of-tech/ 

Our fifth episode spotlights the core research for which Nokia Bell Labs is most well-known, and that’s the foundational communication technologies that govern our world. Nokia Bell Labs’ Radio Systems Research Lab Head Harish Viswanathan joins Aron Heller to review the journey from 0G to 6G and how we have been instrumental in its development every step of the way. Together they discuss how the institute established the cellular concept way back in 1947 and how its research continues to define the future 6G network today. For more information check our "A bit of tech" podcast series page: https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/a-bit-of-tech/  

Host Aron Heller rounds up what you can expect to hear on our fifth episode. “The wireless evolution, 0G to 6G” unpacks the past, present and future of our foundational technologies research with Nokia Bell Labs’ Radio Systems Research Lab Head Harish Viswanathan. For more information check our "A bit of tech" podcast series page: https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/a-bit-of-tech/ 

Our fourth episode explores the wide world of quantum technologies that could literally transform our world. Nokia Bell Labs’ Data and Devices Research Department Head Michael Eggleston joins Aron Heller to discuss this new age of quantum computers that are seeking to solve the world’s biggest problems. Together they review the institute’s rich legacy in quantum and delve into our current efforts to create a groundbreaking topological qubit. Then, they discuss how quantum also looks to revolutionize networking, sensing and security.  For more information check our "A bit of tech" podcast series page: https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/a-bit-of-tech/ 

Host Aron Heller rounds up what you can expect to hear on our fourth episode. “A Bell Labs quantum leap” unpacks the past, present and future of our quantum research with Nokia Bell Labs’ Data and Devices Research Department Head Michael Eggleston. For more information check our "A bit of tech" podcast series page: https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/100/a-bit-of-tech/  

Our third episode delves into the technologies enabling what was once regarded as science fiction: space exploration and communication. Nokia Bell Labs Solutions President Thierry Klein joins Aron Heller to discuss a new golden age in space exploration. Together they review the institute’s rich history in radio astronomy and its pioneering of early satellite communication. Then, they discuss current efforts to develop a space economy and establish connectivity for NASA astronauts on the Moon - and eventually on Mars, too.  https://www.nokia.com/bell-labs/research/network-fundamentals/space-communications/  https://www.nokia.com/blog/a-breakthrough-with-a-bang-a-bell-labs-discovery-60-years-ago-changed-our-view-of-the-universe/  https://www.nokia.com/blog/a-network-like-no-other-how-nokias-moon-network-differs-from-any-on-earth/  https://www.nokia.com/blog/the-moon-maestro-meet-the-nokia-bell-labs-innovator-taking-networks-out-of-this-world/   

Host Aron Heller rounds up what you can expect to hear on our third episode. “A Bell Labs Space Odyssey” unpacks the past, present and future of our space exploration and communication with President of Nokia Bell Labs Solutions Thierry Klein.

Our second episode dives into the technology dominating today’s conversation: artificial intelligence. Bell Labs AI Research Lab leader Sean Kennedy joins Aron Heller to discuss the onset of this new revolutionary era that offers both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. Together they try to dispel some of the prevailing myths around AI. Then, they discuss how Bell Labs pioneered the field back in the 1950s and continues to lead its responsible development today for the betterment of humanity and our planet. (527 characters) Additional links:https://www.nokia.com/blog/yes-ai-will-upend-many-jobs-just-not-the-ones-you-imagined/ https://www.nokia.com/blog/industry-50-restoring-the-human-aspect-in-the-quest-for-automation-and-efficiency/ https://www.nokia.com/blog/ai-has-a-bright-future-but-we-need-to-work-together-to-ensure-appropriate-guidelines/ https://www.nokia.com/blog/for-ai-to-thrive-it-must-put-humans-first/ https://www.nokia.com/blog/ai-solutions-look-to-create-a-sustainable-future/