Center for Large Aperture Secure Sensing, Imaging, and Communications

Building the next generation of secure wireless technologies

From autonomous drones and next-generation wireless networks to increasingly crowded radio frequencies, today's technologies must operate in environments that are more complex than ever before. CLASSIC is developing the science and engineering needed to help wireless systems better sense their surroundings, communicate reliably and remain secure even when conditions are challenging.

Supported by a $15 million award from the U.S. Army Research Office, researchers are developing new approaches that combine advanced antenna systems, artificial intelligence and next-generation hardware to expand what's possible in sensing, imaging and wireless communications.

Mission: Reimagine how wireless systems sense, communicate and adapt in increasingly complex environments.

THE CHALLENGE

Wireless systems increasingly operate in crowded environments where signals compete, interfere with one another and change rapidly. These conditions make it more difficult to communicate reliably, detect important information and protect sensitive technologies.

CLASSIC brings together experts in electrical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence and physics to develop new technologies that make wireless systems more capable, adaptable and secure.

An engineering graduate student flies a drone in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) facility at the George J. Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security in Burlington, Massachusetts. Photo by Adam Glanzman/Northeastern University.

WHY IT MATTERS

Nearly every aspect of modern life depends on wireless technologies, from emergency response and transportation to manufacturing, healthcare and national defense. As these systems become more interconnected, they must also become more reliable, adaptable and secure.

CLASSIC is developing the fundamental science that will help future wireless systems detect more information, communicate under difficult conditions and respond intelligently to changing environments. These discoveries could shape future communications, sensing and security technologies that support everything from public safety to national defense.

PARTNERS

CLASSIC is supported by the U.S. Army Research Office and will work with academic, government and industry collaborators to accelerate research and translate discoveries into real-world technologies.

NEWS

Rice University receives $15 million award to establish the Center for Large Aperture Secure Sensing, Imaging, and Communications (CLASSIC).

CONTACT

For questions about CLASSIC, research collaborations or partnership opportunities,
please contact: Edward Knightly | 713-348-5748