Bringing Light to the Digital Divide: Links, AI, and the Future of Connectivity

MINDSeminar with Dr Mitchell Cox

Bringing Light to the Digital Divide: Laser Links, Al, and the Future of Connectivity

While many enjoy fast fibre internet, millions in South Africa and beyond still lack reliable connectivity. As digital tools and Al become essential for education, work, and healthcare, bridging this gap is critical. This talk presents a new approach from the Wits Optical Communications Lab: transmitting data wirelessly using laser light-like fibre optics, but without costly cables. By shaping light beams into structured patterns, data can travel long distances even where infrastructure is limited. We'll show how machine learning keeps these links stable in real-world conditions and how emerging optical neural networks could shift some processing into the light itself-paving the way for faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient networks accessible to all.

Wednesday, 5 November 2025
13:00 - 14:00
HYBRID EVENT
45 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg (Tshimologong
Digital Innovation Precinct)
RSVP Here: [https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/5fe428c2-fca5-4f22-9999-c8dfeb1d90c1@4b1b908c-5582-4377-ba07-a36d65e34934](RSVP Link)

Speaker Bio:
Dr Mitchell A. Cox earned his PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2020, specialising in structured light in turbulence.
He co-founded the Wits Optical Communications Lab, developing innovative, low-cost solutions for long-range optical communications using creative hardware design and machine learning, including optical neuromorphic computing. His work has earned him an NRF P rating (2025), the Mering Naudé Medal (2024), and the Friedel Sellschop Award (2023). An Optica Ambassador and IEEE Senior Member, Dr Cox is dedicated to bridging the digital divide by making high-speed, affordable internet accessible-starting in South Africa and extending globally.