6G-ICAS4Mobility

The goal of the project "6G Integrated Communication & Sensing for Mobility (6G-ICAS4Mobility)" is the development of a holistic system architecture that enables the integration of sensor technology and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication via a direct sidelink. The aim is to achieve a closer coupling of communication and sensor-based environment detection (integrated communication and sensing, ICAS) in order to improve the safety and efficiency of transportation systems. Furthermore, particular attention is paid to traffic safety in terms of IT, operational and failure safety. Different levels of ICAS technology are to be implemented and new concepts for imaging based on distributed sensor technology are to be investigated.

In the project, the Wireless Communication and Networks department aims in particular to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts for ICAS and practical applications. To this end, a software-defined-radio (SDR) sidelink platform developed by the HHI is to be extended in order to demonstrate ICAS concepts for the sidelink. As a result, not only sensor information can be used to improve communication, but also environment perception through V2V communication can be achieved.

ICAS implementation typically requires considerable suppression of the so-called self-interference between the radio transmitter and receiver. The principle of self-interference suppression also enables a full-duplex scheme, whereby a single frequency band is used for bidirectional and simultaneous communication via two parallel communication links. Reusing the same frequency band for two information streams -- e.g. uplink and downlink -- doubles the efficiency of electromagnetic spectrum utilization and provides twice the channel capacity.

The project consortium plans to implement the new concepts in the form of four practical demonstration scenarios. These include the application of ICAS for road vehicles as well as for drones.