Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock.

Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock.

      Korean researchers have successfully developed underground wireless communication, which has the potential to save lives in dire situations.

      For many years, being underground meant losing connection and risking safety. At the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in Korea, researchers have transformed this reality with a groundbreaking innovation that, while seemingly straightforward, is quite extraordinary.

      This new technology enables voice communication up to 100 meters below ground, wirelessly. It is the first of its kind in the world, and its importance cannot be underestimated.

      How does it work?

      The communication method utilizes magnetic field underground communication source technology, marking the world’s first successful application of this approach. Rather than depending on conventional radio waves, which are quickly absorbed by rock and soil, ETRI’s system employs low-frequency magnetic fields.

      The configuration includes a transmitting antenna that is 1 meter in diameter located on the surface and a small, handheld receiving sensor underground, functioning at approximately 15 kHz. This setup provides sufficient bandwidth for a data rate of 2 to 4 kbps, which is adequate for clear two-way voice communication.

      The research team successfully tested bidirectional communication between the surface and the fifth underground level of a limestone mine, an area where existing wireless technologies have failed to operate.

      Previous studies had only achieved a communication range of a few tens of meters, but ETRI managed to extend this to 100 meters, with plans to push the technology even further.

      Why is this significant?

      Those who have witnessed news reports of mine or tunnel collapses understand the feeling of helplessness experienced by rescue teams when they can no longer communicate with trapped workers. This technology could fundamentally change this dynamic. Rescue teams could maintain real-time communication with survivors buried underground, significantly enhancing rescue efforts.

      This technology can be likened to the satellite feature included in Apple’s latest iPhones, which assists individuals stranded without network access in getting in touch with rescue services. Similarly, this innovation can help those trapped below the surface.

      Its potential applications extend far beyond mining and rescue missions. It could be utilized in underground utility tunnels, gas and oil pipelines, and military bunker operations. ETRI is also working on integrating the system with personal devices like smartphones, making it even more accessible in real-world rescue scenarios.

      The research has been published in the IEEE IoT Journal, and patents have been filed for the crucial components.

      Elon Musk is establishing a TeraFab chip factory that is unlike anything the world has seen.

      Currently, the global chip supply meets only 2% of Musk's requirements. Therefore, he has decided to construct his own factory. Musk revealed that every chip available to him today only satisfies about 2% of his companies' needs. Rather than waiting for the global supply to catch up, he announced TeraFab on Saturday night, a chip factory located in Austin resulting from a collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX.

      The announcement was made via a livestream from the historic Seaholm Power Plant in downtown Austin. “We either build the TeraFab, or we don’t have the chips, and we need the chips, so we’re going to build the TeraFab,” Musk explained. The facility will be situated on the Tesla campus in eastern Travis County.

      In South Korea, KAIST has released a video showcasing a humanoid robot demonstrating impressive human-like agility.

      A new video (above) highlights the field tests and interaction abilities of KAIST Humanoid v0.7, created by the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). This remarkable humanoid robot was developed in KAIST’s Dynamic Robot Control & Design Laboratory (DRCD) and incorporates actuators and technology innovated in-house.

      AI is proving to be a valuable tool for helping distressed individuals locate lost pets amidst a landscape filled with challenges.

      While AI often gets bad press due to deepfakes, misinformation, and broader frustrations, there is a heartening aspect to its application. It is being used to assist people in finding their missing pets.

Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock. Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock. Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock. Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock. Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock. Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock. Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock.

Other articles

GrapheneOS maintains a strict stance on privacy, with no identity verification required at any point. GrapheneOS maintains a strict stance on privacy, with no identity verification required at any point. GrapheneOS is steadfast in its stance against global identification regulations, maintaining its no-account policy despite the potential restrictions on access in certain areas, prioritizing enhanced privacy protections over convenience and availability. The memory crisis could lead to the reintroduction of expandable storage in smartphones. The memory crisis could lead to the reintroduction of expandable storage in smartphones. With the rise in prices for RAM and storage, smartphone manufacturers might consider hybrid storage options such as microSD cards to manage expenses. The memory crisis could lead to the return of expandable storage in smartphones. The memory crisis could lead to the return of expandable storage in smartphones. With the increase in RAM and storage costs, smartphone manufacturers might consider hybrid storage options such as microSD cards to manage expenses. Human therapists staged a strike to protest against being replaced by AI counselors. Human therapists staged a strike to protest against being replaced by AI counselors. Are AI chatbots on the verge of taking over the role of your therapist? That concern prompted 2,400 mental health providers from Kaiser Permanente to go on strike. IRONSCALES introduces AI email agents and threat intelligence at RSAC. IRONSCALES introduces AI email agents and threat intelligence at RSAC. IRONSCALES introduces three AI email security agents and a new series on threat intelligence at RSAC 2026, focusing on the increase in AI-driven phishing attacks. Beyond the Boundary Wire: How Yardcare and the Innovative N1600PRO are Pioneering the Robotic Mower Movement Beyond the Boundary Wire: How Yardcare and the Innovative N1600PRO are Pioneering the Robotic Mower Movement Yardcare can put an end to your tiring manual mowing today. We present the N1600PRO, a smart, wireless lawnmower designed for homeowners seeking a smart upgrade. Featuring RTK + Vision navigation and intelligent app control, this robotic mower provides a flawlessly trimmed yard without requiring hours of your time.

Researchers have shown that wireless communication can occur underground, even when passing through solid rock.

Korean researchers achieved the successful transmission of voice signals 100 meters underground through the use of magnetic fields, marking a global first that has the potential to revolutionize rescue operations and communication in subterranean environments.