As 2025 winds down, the year showcased significant developments and challenges in the Test and Measurement (T&M) sector. The innovations and strategic shifts seen throughout the year indicate an industry on the brink of transformation.
One notable milestone was the launch of an orbital data center prototype by Axiom Space and Red Hat. This initiative, reaching the International Space Station (ISS), tests space-based computing capabilities. It aims to pave the way for Axiom Orbital Data Centers, intended for both governmental and commercial applications.
In an exciting development, researchers from the University of Florida, in collaboration with NASA and others, launched photonic AI chips into space. This mission investigates how these chips fare against space radiation, potentially integrating them into future satellite communications and autonomous spacecraft technologies.
Many T&M suppliers faced financial constraints due to reduced telco investments. However, they adjusted focus toward emerging markets such as AI data centers, satellite communications, and defense modernization. Keysight performed well, indicating robust growth driven by AI enhancements, despite global tariff challenges.
On the European front, Vodafone enlisted Spirent to assist in rolling out 5G Standalone (SA) networks. This involves utilizing a fully automated software testing platform for the carrier’s voice core infrastructure, potentially setting a precedent for other network carriers.
Another significant achievement featured Keysight and KT Sat’s first successful handover from geostationary to low-Earth orbit satellites. This advancement foreshadows broader satellite connectivity, democratizing internet access globally.
Meanwhile, Nvidia’s strategic $2 billion investment in Synopsys raised concerns over its growing influence in the semiconductor industry. There is potential for this collaboration to enhance simulation and digital twin technologies, essential across various sectors.
Innovations moved at pace with the early introduction of Wi-Fi 8 by Broadcom, backed by Rohde & Schwarz’s testing efforts. Meanwhile, Nokia, together with R&S, delved into 6G research to tackle signal distortion and coverage issues, unveiling an AI-powered receiver at the Brooklyn 6G Summit.
High-profile mergers and acquisitions punctuated the year, with Keysight and Viavi jointly acquiring Spirent. This acquisition enhances testing capabilities, with high-speed Ethernet testing and RF channel emulation being key assets.
Additionally, the merging forces of Synopsys and Ansys culminated in a reinforced commitment to simulation-driven semiconductor design.
Finally, T&M companies focused on advancing network observability technologies, driven by AI. The sector is increasingly adopting digital twins for real-time replicas of assets and systems, realizing predictive maintenance.
The FCC’s scrutiny of testing labs with Chinese affiliations emphasized the importance of safeguarding the telecom supply chain. Non-terrestrial networks, on the other hand, encountered testing challenges that emphasized improved frequency emulation.
The year has certainly been eventful, marking significant progress and lessons for the T&M sector as it gears up for 2026’s demands and opportunities.
