Paper-Based Flexible MIMO Antenna Enables Low-Cost Shipborne 5G Communications

Researchers at Liaoning Technical University have developed a paper-based flexible multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna engineered specifically for shipborne 5G communications. The study was published in the peer-reviewed Chinese Journal of Ship Research and led by Yang Wendong.

The team said the innovation could "realise millimetre-wave communication antennas suitable for the complex environment of ships". The design replaced the expensive and rigid conventional foundation boards, or substrates, used in high-end electronics with commercially available glossy photo paper less than 0.3mm thick, combined with screen-printed conductive copper paste.

In their paper, the authors said the design cut material costs by more than 95 per cent compared to traditional microwave substrates, while also offering a product that was biodegradable and suitable for large-scale deployment. The paper-based antenna is positioned as a low-cost, scalable "last-mile" communication solution.

The development comes as navies worldwide explore ways to integrate 5G into maritime operations. The US Navy has focused on high-end solutions centred on low Earth orbit satellite connectivity under programmes such as SEA2 (Sailor Edge Afloat and Ashore), with contracts reaching tens of millions of dollars per deployment.

For example, the US Navy has awarded Booz Allen a US$99 million contract to deploy wireless networks for around 140 ships in its Military Sealift Command, while the research and development contract for a single terminal stands at US$6.29 million.