6G Integrated Sensing and Communication for Ubiquitous Wireless NeTworks

As we advance into the 5G networks era, emerging applications increasingly require enhanced broadband and seamless connectivity. While sub-6GHz-based conventional 5G networks offer temporary solutions, the need for greater bandwidth and advanced capabilities drives the development of millimeter-wave and Terahertz networks. These next-generation networks require precise environmental information for reliable communication, which can only be achieved by integrating wireless communication and wireless sensing technologies. Looking ahead, 6G networks are expected to go beyond simply increasing data rates and massive connectivity by merging wireless sensing and communication into a unified system, known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC).6G-SCOUT is leading this evolution by developing efficient ISAC systems for 6G wireless networks that seamlessly integrate communication and sensing functionalities. The project focuses on several key objectives to advance 6G technology. First, it will create a resource-efficient, sensing-assisted communication algorithm that evaluates sensing data from various network nodes, optimizing resource allocation to enhance sensing and communication performance. Second, 6G-SCOUT will develop a cooperative multi-band, multi-static sensing technique for localization and object recognition, using advanced machine learning (ML) and deep reinforcement learning tools. To ensure transparency and robustness of the proposed ML solutions, posthoc explainability techniques will be used. A crucial aspect of 6G-SCOUT is the practical validation of its algorithms and system designs using real-time software-defined radio (SDR) and multi-band testbed platforms. Lastly, with 6G standardization on the horizon, 6G-SCOUT will also promote European Union value-based techniques for 6G ISAC, building a strong stakeholder community through standardization efforts and widespread dissemination, ensuring a lasting impact on global wireless communication.