Below, we explore two of the most promising directions: Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) and Artificial Intelligence in Wireless Networks.
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)
ISAC brings together communication and sensing into a single system, enabling them to share real-time data. This integration improves both the efficiency of communication networks and the usefulness of sensor information. Some key opportunities include:
Smart Cities and IoT
By combining IoT sensors with advanced communication systems, cities can more effectively manage infrastructure, traffic, air quality, and energy use. ISAC also enables distributed sensing and edge computing, reducing dependence on massive centralized data centers and making cities more responsive and scalable.
Health Care and Wearables
Wearable health devices and remote monitoring systems could share real-time vital signs directly with medical professionals. ISAC can make continuous health monitoring and telemedicine more reliable — particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to health care is limited.
Military and Defense
In defense, ISAC can strengthen situational awareness by improving how drones, vehicles, and soldiers share data. It supports resilient communication, better spectrum management, and richer insights into mobility patterns and user density — essential for surveillance and target identification in contested environments.
Industrial IoT and Automation
Smart factories rely on both sensors and connectivity. ISAC allows sensor data and communication systems to be optimized together, leading to predictive maintenance, less downtime, and greater operational efficiency.
Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving cars depend on sensor inputs (LiDAR, radar, cameras) as well as communication systems (like V2X). ISAC enables safer navigation and faster real-time decision-making by improving how data is exchanged between vehicles, traffic systems, and infrastructure.
Environmental Monitoring and Disaster Response
Environmental sensors tracking air, water, or seismic activity can use ISAC to relay information immediately to emergency systems. This rapid data-sharing could transform disaster response, enabling faster action during earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires.
Smart Agriculture
Farms equipped with soil, crop, and weather sensors can use ISAC-enabled networks to send data directly to farmers. This makes precision agriculture more effective, helping optimize crop yields and use of water, fertilizer, and other resources.
Artificial Intelligence in Wireless Networks
AI is increasingly critical for the future of wireless systems, especially as we move into 5G, 6G, and beyond. It can make networks smarter, more reliable, and more energy-efficient. Three major translation opportunities stand out:
AI for Filling Missing Information
Wireless networks are prone to gaps caused by packet loss, interference, or congestion. AI can “fill in the blanks” by predicting missing data or reconstructing lost packets. Applications include:
- Channel upsampling
- Digital twins for more accurate channel modeling
AI for Network Optimization
Optimizing performance is central to next-generation networks. AI can improve spectrum use, reduce energy consumption, and balance network traffic. Potential applications include:
- Channel prediction and estimation (physical layer)
- Multi-user scheduling and link adaptation (MAC layer)
- Intelligent power-saving strategies
AI for Network Automation
AI can help networks manage and optimize themselves, reducing operational costs and enabling real-time adaptation to changing conditions. Examples include:
- Automated parameter tuning for better performance
- Advanced network analytics