Prof. Nirwan Ansari

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), USA

Web: https://web.njit.edu/~ansari/

Abstract

The metaverse is often touted as the next phase of the internet, yet it is not entirely a new concept, with older iterations such as virtual and augmented reality having been around for several years. This talk traces the origins of the metaverse, explores its hype, and assesses its feasibility. We delve into existing virtual and augmented realities and examine how they can be integrated with future generation networks to create an immersive experience that blurs the line between the virtual and tangible worlds. We also review technological enablers and research approaches that have been utilized to advance the development and optimization of such enablers. To provide a more balanced view, we discuss a number of significant research challenges that must be addressed before realizing the next phase of metaverse development. Finally, we provide an overview of recent news about major tech companies suspending their metaverse research initiatives, which suggests that the metaverse hype bubble may be bursting and the market may be cooling down.

Biography

Nirwan Ansari, Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), received his Ph.D. from Purdue University, MSEE from the University of Michigan, and BSEE (summa cum laude with a perfect GPA) from NJIT. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as well as Fellow of National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

He authored Green Mobile Networks: A Networking Perspective (Wiley-IEEE, 2017) with T. Han, and co-authored two other books. He has also (co-)authored more than 700 technical publications, over half published in widely cited journals/magazines. He has guest-edited numerous special issues covering various emerging topics in communications and networking. He is Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Wireless Communications and has also served on the editorial/advisory board of over ten journals. His current research focuses on green communications and networking, cloud computing, drone-assisted networking, and various aspects of broadband networks.

He was elected to serve in the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) Board of Governors as a member-at-large, has chaired some ComSoc technical and steering committees, is current Director of ComSoc Educational Services Board, has served in many committees such as the IEEE Fellow Committee, and has been actively organizing numerous IEEE International Conferences/Symposia/Workshops. Some of his recognitions include several excellence in teaching awards, a few best paper awards, NCE Excellence in Research Award, several ComSoc TC technical recognition awards, NJ Inventors Hall of Fame Inventor of the Year Award, Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award, Purdue University Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineering Award, NCE 100 Medal, NJIT Excellence in Research Prize and Medal, and designation as a COMSOC Distinguished Lecturer. He has also been granted more than 40 U.S. patents.