6G White Paper on Localization and Sensing (2006.01779v1)

Abstract: This white paper explores future localization and sensing opportunities for beyond 5G wireless communication systems by identifying key technology enablers and discussing their underlying challenges, implementation issues, and identifying potential solutions. In addition, we present exciting new opportunities for localization and sensing applications, which will disrupt traditional design principles and revolutionize the way we live, interact with our environment, and do business. Following the trend initiated in the 5G NR systems, 6G will continue to develop towards even higher frequency ranges, wider bandwidths, and massive antenna arrays. In turn, this will enable sensing solutions with very fine range, Doppler and angular resolutions, as well as localization to cm-level degree of accuracy. Moreover, new materials, device types, and reconfigurable surfaces will allow network operators to reshape and control the electromagnetic response of the environment. At the same time, machine learning and artificial intelligence will leverage the unprecedented availability of data and computing resources to tackle the biggest and hardest problems in wireless communication systems. 6G will be truly intelligent wireless systems that will not only provide ubiquitous communication but also empower high accuracy localization and high-resolution sensing services. They will become the catalyst for this revolution by bringing about a unique new set of features and service capabilities, where localization and sensing will coexist with communication, continuously sharing the available resources in time, frequency and space. This white paper concludes by highlighting foundational research challenges, as well as implications and opportunities related to privacy, security, and trust. Addressing these challenges will undoubtedly require an inter-disciplinary and concerted effort from the research community.

• The paper highlights the inherent integration of localization and sensing capabilities within future 6G wireless communication systems.
• Key technological enablers for these advancements include expanding frequency ranges to mmWave and THz bands, intelligent surfaces, massive antenna arrays, and deep AI/ML integration.
• These integrated 6G capabilities are poised to enable transformative applications in areas like digital health, autonomous navigation, extended reality, and joint radar-communication systems.

Overview of "6G White Paper on Localization and Sensing"

The "6G White Paper on Localization and Sensing" provides a comprehensive examination of the potential advancements in localization and sensing capabilities that are anticipated with the advent of 6G wireless communication systems. The paper emphasizes how localization and sensing will be inherently integrated with communication functionalities from the outset, as opposed to being add-ons in past generations like 5G and earlier. These advancements are expected to facilitate numerous novel applications and transform fundamental design principles in wireless communication networks.

Key Technological Enablers:

The paper identifies several pivotal technological enablers that will underpin 6G systems:

1. Frequency Range Expansion: 6G will utilize higher frequency bands, such as mmWave and THz bands, facilitating fine range, Doppler, and angular resolutions along with centimeter-level localization accuracy.
2. Intelligent Surfaces: New materials and reconfigurable surfaces will enable the manipulation of electromagnetic responses, supporting enhanced communication and sensing applications.
3. AI and ML Integration: Artificial intelligence and machine learning will become essential tools for managing the vast quantities of data and optimizing wireless communication systems.
4. Massive Antenna Arrays: As in 5G, massive antenna arrays will continue to evolve, supporting high precision localization and novel applications like THz imaging and spectroscopy.

Challenges and Considerations:

Several challenges are outlined regarding the adoption and integration of these technologies:

• Implementation Complexity: With the high potential of these technologies comes significant complexity in system design, especially in terms of hardware integration and achieving the necessary economies of scale for widespread deployment.
• Novel Channel Models: Accurate channel models are required to describe the signal propagation at higher frequency bands accurately, considering the unique reflection, diffraction, and scattering properties.
• Interdisciplinary Research Needs: Addressing these challenges will necessitate a concerted effort from diverse scientific domains to create robust, integrated solutions.

Applications and Implications:

The paper explores several transformative applications and the implications of 6G localization and sensing capabilities:

• Digital Health Technologies: THz imaging promises to enable real-time, contactless physiological measurements, greatly enhancing digital health solutions.
• Autonomous Navigation and XR: Incorporating simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) will bolster navigation capabilities for autonomous systems and XR applications.
• Enhanced Context-Aware Systems: Intelligent, context-aware networks will optimize deployment, operation, and energy usage.
• Radar and Communication Synergy: Joint radar and communication systems will advance, capitalizing on the shared spectral resources to improve sensing and service provision.

Future Directions:

The paper concludes by presenting open research challenges and future questions. The development of high-accuracy positioning, efficient waveform designs for convergent communication and sensing, energy efficiency with strong AI/ML integration, and the advancement from passive to active sensing paradigms are among the highlighted areas for future exploration.

Overall, the white paper positions 6G as a pivot toward intelligent, resource-efficient wireless systems that deeply integrate localization, sensing, and communication for transformative societal impacts. The research community is called to address the outlined challenges, capitalizing on the vast opportunities these technologies present.