Regulatory Updates, Events & Insights
Welcome to the February 2026 edition of the Washington Laboratories Newsletter!
This month, we are diving into the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Wireless IoT Systems following our technical sponsorship of the IEEE IoT Summit. We explore the transition to Physical AI, the global “Internet of Food,” and the rise of Digital Product Passports. We also provide a critical briefing on the new U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, FCC drone security waivers, and the latest 6 GHz expansion votes.
In This Issue:
- IEEE IoT Summit Highlights: “Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Wireless IoT Systems
- Key FCC & ISED Updates: February 2026
- The Bruce is Loose: Catch up on the Series
IEEE IoT SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS
Washington Laboratories was proud to serve as a Website Technical Sponsor for the recent IEEE IoT Vertical and Topical Summit, held during Radio & Wireless Week (RWW2026). The summit, “Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Wireless IoT Systems: From Design to Application.” explored how IoT is evolving into a sophisticated ecosystem of autonomous intelligence.
Highlighting Industry Leadership
Summit Chair Adam Drobot opened the event by mapping out the “Building Blocks of IoT,” emphasizing the transition from hardware-centric designs to software-defined systems. Among the many world-class presentations, two sessions stood out for their visionary approach to global challenges.
The “Internet of Food”: John Verboncoeur and IEEE SMARTAG
A major highlight from Session 1 was John Verboncoeur’s (Michigan State University) presentation on the IEEE SMARTAG initiative.
- The Vision: Transforming the global agri-food ecosystem into a transparent, data-driven “Internet of Food.”
- The Tech: By utilizing digital food passports, real-time sensors, and blockchain, the initiative provides end-to-end traceability from the farm to the consumer’s table.
- Impact: An unbelievable fraction of what we grow ends up as waste. How do we create more food and eliminate waste to meet larger consumption needs?
The Evolution of Digital Twins: Dan Isaacs
In Session 4, Dan Isaacs (CTO of the Digital Twin Consortium) delivered a compelling look at how Digital Twins are becoming the “brains” of modern manufacturing.
- From Models to Intelligence: Isaacs detailed how digital twins have evolved into Intelligent and Generative Twins capable of physical AI.
- Autonomous Edge: By deploying these twins at the “edge,” systems can now make real-time, physics-informed decisions without needing constant cloud connectivity.
- Scalability: The DPC has created a framework of distinct capabilities that are being used to optimize everything from pharmaceutical production to aerospace engineering. This consists of over 60 domain-specific building blocks.
Future Frontiers: Agriculture and 6G
The summit concluded with a deep dive into the ARA Living Lab at Ohio State University, where researchers are using agricultural sites as testbeds for 6G and AI-native sensing. Whether it’s autonomous vineyard robots or high-speed IoT links for rural connectivity, the technologies discussed at the summit are already being deployed to solve real-world problems.
Access the Full Summit Archive:
- Visit the Program Page: https://rww2026.iot.ieee.org/program
- Watch the Recordings: Session recordings, including the Panel Discussion and Summit Summary, are being added as they become available.
FEBRUARY REGULATORY BRIEFING: TECHNICAL DEEP DIVE
U.S. Cyber Trust Mark: Lead Administrator Window Opens
The FCC has officially opened a 15-business day filing window for Lead Administrator applications, signaling the next phase of the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program. This role is critical as it defines the entities responsible for managing the product registry and ensuring that consumer IoT devices meet established cybersecurity baselines.
WLL Technical Insight: While the “Mark” is a consumer-facing label, the underlying requirement for manufacturers is a shift toward Cybersecurity by Design. We recommend manufacturers begin mapping their current device security features against the NIST-based criteria early to ensure a smooth certification path once the program is fully operational.
6 GHz Expansion: High-Power Outdoor GVP Devices
In a major expansion of the 6 GHz ecosystem, the FCC has authorized a new category of unlicensed operation: Geofenced Variable Power (GVP) devices. Unlike standard Low Power Indoor (LPI) devices, GVP equipment can operate outdoors and at higher power levels by utilizing an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system.
Technical Impact: This expansion relies on geofencing to protect incumbent licensed microwave services. For manufacturers, this adds a layer of complexity to the certification process, as devices must demonstrate reliable interaction with an AFC database to dynamically adjust power levels based on their geographical location.
Drone Security: “Covered List” Updates and Critical Waivers
The FCC has updated its Covered List—the roster of equipment deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security—specifically regarding Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). However, recognizing the need for ongoing safety, the Commission has issued a waiver for certain Class I Permissive Changes.
This waiver allows manufacturers of covered UAS to continue providing software and firmware updates that are critical for security patches and consumer safety through early 2027. This provides a necessary bridge for existing deployments while the industry transitions to more secure hardware architectures.
ISED Canada: New WCS Standards (RSS-195)
ISED has released RSS-195, Issue 3 and SRSP-516, Issue 2, significantly updating the certification and technical requirements for Wireless Communication Service (WCS) equipment operating in the 2305–2320 MHz and 2345–2360 MHz bands.
Compliance Note: The updated standards include refined emission limits and coordination requirements to mitigate interference with adjacent satellite radio services. We recommend that manufacturers with active Canadian certifications or upcoming product launches in the 2.3 GHz band review their test data against these new limits immediately.
CATCH UP ON BRUCE IS LOOSE
Did you miss an episode? Stay sharp by catching up on all the “The Bruce is Loose” technical tips in our video archive.
