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 What is something that is invisible, intangible, colorless, and odorless, yet surrounds us constantly—whether in the sky, underground, deep space, or deep sea—mdash;pervading every corner of our existence?
The answer is: radio.
Although human has only begun to understand it within the last two centuries, radio has already become an indispensable companion, one that we unknowingly rely on for hours each day.
How do we measure the "distance" between two intelligent entities?
Whether considering sentient beings or intelligent systems, they must possess several fundamental capabilities: perceiving information, storing and processing data, and outputting and exchanging information. The proximity between intelligent entities is determined by the speed at which they can interact, thus allowing us to define their "distance" by the time it takes to exchange information.
In 1895, Marconi's successful transmission and reception of wireless telegraphy marked the dawn of an era in which communication could be measured in seconds and milliseconds, rather than the days, months, or years required for written correspondence.
Since the onset of the second industrial revolution, wireless technology has advanced at an astonishing pace over the past century, resulting in multiple leaps forward in humanity's ability to transmit and perceive information. This progress has played a pivotal role in driving human advancement and social evolution.
The evolution of wireless technology would not have been possible without the groundbreaking inventions and discoveries of engineers and scientists. The earliest and most influential professional organization dedicated to wireless technology is the Institute of Radio Engineers (IRE), founded in 1912. At that time, Lee de Forest, one of IRE's founding members, had just applied for a patent for the triode vacuum tube (in 1907). Shortly thereafter, amplitude modulation (AM) signals were employed for the wireless transmission of audio signals. In 1916, Lee de Forest was broadcasting music five nights a week from a station in New York City, marking the beginning of commercial radio systems. He is revered as the father of radio and the grandfather of television.
The first commercial in-vehicle wireless receiver was introduced in 1923, and in 1928, the Detroit Police Department became the first to deploy an in-vehicle one-way radio communication system. The Connecticut State Police system, placed in operation in 1940, was the first practical two-way FM mobile system in the world.
In 1949, the integration of wireless technology with vehicular applications led to the establishment of the IRE Professional Group on Vehicular Communications (PGVC). In 1963, PGVC, then comprising 1,500 members, merged with the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) to form the IEEE Vehicular Communications Group (VCG). In 1967, VCG expanded its scope to include vehicular electronics and was subsequently renamed the Vehicular Technology Group (VTG) to reflect this broader focus. In 1978, the current IEEE Society structure was adopted, replacing the original group structure, and the VT Group evolved into the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society (VTS).
From IRE to VTS, the Society has brought together pioneers who have shaped the development of wireless technology over the past century. Since 1950, the society's flagship conference, the IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC), has become a premier platform for gathering experts, fostering intellectual exchange, rigorous debate, and promoting cutting-edge technologies.
This October, IEEE Vehicular Technology Society (VTS) proudly hosted its milestone 100th edition of our flagship conference. The 2020 100th IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., celebrating 75 years of advancing wireless technologies.
Are you an engineer, researcher, student, or practitioner passionate about cutting-edge wireless communication? Become a part of our community! VTS offers opportunities to collaborate on groundbreaking research in committees like AI for Wireless Communications, Mission Critical Communications, Drones, and Space-Air-Ground-Water Integrated Communication Systems.
Shape the future of mobile radio technology with us!
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