[Paper Review] 6G White Paper on Localization and Sensing

André Bourdoux, André Noll Barreto+18 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jun 2, 2020

Indoor and Outdoor Localization Technologies52 references158 citations

TL;DR

This white paper analyzes future localization and sensing opportunities for beyond-5G (6G), outlining key enablers, challenges, and potential AI-driven solutions for cm-level localization and high-resolution sensing integrated with ubiquitous communication.

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.

Motivation & Objective

• Identify the main technology enablers for 6G localization and sensing.
• Discuss implementation challenges and potential solutions for integrated localization, sensing, and communication.
• Highlight novel opportunities and applications enabled by high-resolution sensing and precise localization.
• Address privacy, security, and trust issues in 6G localization and sensing.
• Advocate for interdisciplinary research to tackle foundational challenges.

Proposed method

• Review anticipated 6G technologies such as higher frequency bands, wider bandwidths, and massive antenna arrays as enablers.
• Discuss the use of reconfigurable surfaces and new materials to control electromagnetic environments.
• Propose the integration of machine learning and AI to leverage data and computing resources for localization and sensing tasks.
• Analyze how localization and sensing will coexist with communication and share resources in time, frequency, and space.
• Identify research challenges and potential architectural and protocol solutions for sensing-enabled networks.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What technological enablers will drive cm-level localization and high-resolution sensing in 6G?
• RQ2 What are the main implementation and integration challenges when merging localization, sensing, and communication in 6G?
• RQ3 How can machine learning and AI be used to enhance localization and sensing performance in 6G?
• RQ4 What privacy, security, and trust considerations arise with 6G localization and sensing, and how can they be mitigated?
• RQ5 What interdisciplinary research directions are most critical to realize 6G localization and sensing?

Key findings

• 6G will use higher frequencies, wider bandwidths, and massive MIMO to achieve fine range, Doppler, and angular resolutions.
• Reconfigurable surfaces and new materials will allow operators to shape the electromagnetic environment for improved sensing and localization.
• AI/ML will leverage abundant data and compute resources to tackle major localization and sensing challenges.
• Localization and sensing will coexist with communication, sharing resources across time, frequency, and space.
• Foundational research challenges include privacy, security, and trust considerations requiring interdisciplinary collaboration.