Integrated SEnsing, Energy and communication for 6G networks

Project Information

iSEE-6G

Grant agreement ID: 101139291

DOI

10.3030/101139291

EC signature date 8 December 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 4 221 373,75

EU contribution

€ 3 999 523,76

Coordinated by

IMST GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - iSEE-6G (Integrated SEnsing, Energy and communication for 6G networks)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The transition towards 6G is fueled by the demand for wireless systems that go beyond speed and reliability to become context-aware, energy-efficient, secure, and resilient. This vision is tightly aligned with EU priorities on digital sovereignty, sustainability, and robust infrastructures, while addressing global challenges such as disaster response, autonomous mobility, and large-scale IoE deployments.
The iSEE-6G project is the first to propose and validate a holistic layered architecture for Joint Communication, Computation, Sensing and Power Transfer (JCCSP), bridging the physical radio channel with UAV-supported applications. Its objective is to design and demonstrate enabling technologies that merge sensing, communication, computation, and power transfer in next-generation platforms. This is achieved by combining RISs, novel waveforms, hybrid beamforming, AI/ML-enhanced PHY, wireless edge caching, all within a cell-free paradigm. UAV corridors are chosen as a demanding use case, where flying nodes extend coverage, deliver energy and computing resources, and provide situational awareness for both everyday urban services and critical missions.
iSEE-6G proposes a holistic layered architecture that investigates, for the first time, JCCSP from the radio channel and the reconfigurable, intelligent antenna to the UAV-supported applications, focusing on accurate localization, PPDR and IoE. Following a bottom-up methodological approach with continuous verification, iSEE-6G validates the developed technologies through simulation, laboratory and clean-room experiments, and two large-scale PoCs in testbed facilities. This is achieved through the following objectives:
• Definition of key use-cases with focus on UAVs and Aerial Corridors
• Waveform design analysis and optimization for JCCSP systems
• Development of novel precoding and beam management techniques for the new emerging paradigm
• Channel modelling and performance analysis for UAV JCCSP Implementation
• Intelligent surfaces and antenna array designs enabling MIMO techniques
• Performance evaluation of RIS and antenna arrays in the iSEE-6G environment
• Synergy of communications, sensing, and power transfer
• Integration of computing and AI/ML into JCCSP frameworks
• Multi-access and scheduling for JCCSP systems
• Implementation of JCCSP services in UAV corridors and PPDR applications
• Validation and evaluation of iSEE-6G solutions through simulation campaigns, laboratory tests, and PoC experiments

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first 18 months, the iSEE-6G consortium achieved substantial progress across all technical work packages, laying the foundation for advancing JCCSP.
Six UAV-enabled 6G use cases were defined, covering PPDR, aerial corridors, agriculture/IoT, cooperative mobility, energy harvesting, and cell-free ISAC. A layered system model and architecture were developed. Optimization problems were formulated a plethora of constraints and KPIs. This work established the technical base and experimentation plan.
UAV-based channel measurements were initiated using a Massive MIMO drone testbed, complemented by two channel sounder configuration development for mmWave. Measurements for ISAC-based mmWave channel sounding for the aerial channel are about to be executed. Novel UAV and ground-station antenna arrays were designed to support hemispherical coverage. RIS prototypes were designed and simulated, targeting UAV and ground deployments.
New PHY schemes are developed with new JCCSP-supporting waveforms, balancing communication, sensing, and energy harvesting.
Initial studies on hybrid beamforming, precoding, and RIS-assisted schemes were performed, alongside low-complexity methods for integrating JCCSP into UAV networks. Work on multiple access (RSMA) was prepared, supported by QuaDRiGa channel model modifications for UAV/JCCSP scenarios.
Advanced positioning methods were implemented (TDOA and AoA UAV tracking for FR2 with UAV-mounted URA arrays). Simulation for realistic UAV mobility scenarios, demonstrating accurate tracking and sensing capabilities were performed. Moreover, a MEC-enabled QoS monitor and prediction tool, the Enricher was integrated.
Building on WP2–WP5 results, PoC planning and integration activities were initiated. Designs for UAVs, RIS panels, SDR-based programmable transceivers, and MEC platforms were specified.
Over 25 high-quality publications were produced.
Key achievements: Complete definition of UAV-enabled 6G use cases and architecture; design, simulation and implementation of novel UAV and RIS-based antenna arrays; development of JCCSP-supporting waveforms; adaptation of channel models for UAV/JCCSP; first experimental UAV–MIMO CSI campaigns and channel sounder prototyping; implementation of positioning algorithms tailored for UAV corridors, strong scientific impact with 25+ publications bridging theory and practice.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

iSEE-6G has already delivered important scientific and technical outcomes. It defined six UAV-enabled use cases with KPIs for JCCSP networks, a layered architecture integrating UAVs, RIS, MEC, and cell-free RAN, and adapted channel models to capture mobility, near-field effects, and joint communication-sensing-power transfer. Novel waveforms, hybrid beamforming, RIS-based antenna designs, and SWIPT integration have been proposed, while UAV-assisted channel measurements, SDR-based prototypes, and positioning/tracking algorithms for UAV corridors are under development. More than 25 peer-reviewed publications in journals and flagship conferences highlight its leadership in 6G research.
Technically, iSEE-6G advances spectral efficiency, sensing accuracy, positioning reliability, and energy efficiency, enabling RIS/UAV/JCCSP integration. Societally, it enhances safety, resilience, and greener operation, while strategically it supports SNS JU goals and EU strategies on sovereignty and sustainability. To maximize impact, the project pursues large-scale PoCs integrating UAVs, RIS, and MEC, international collaboration with global 6G initiatives, and contributions to standards. By delivering new models, architectures, and technologies—from SWIPT receivers and novel waveforms to quantum-assisted MIMO and AI-powered spectrum sensing—validated by realistic measurements and UAV corridor scenarios, iSEE-6G decisively pushes beyond the state of the art and sets solid foundations for 6G deployment.
The project goes beyond SotA by delivering new models, architectures, and technologies that unify communications, sensing, and energy transfer in future networks. It develops stochastic geometry, copula-based, and geometry-aware frameworks for UAV, RIS, and fluid antenna systems in near-field and urban settings, surpassing classical far-field models. Breakthroughs include integrated SWIPT receivers with memory effects, index-modulated waveforms, and quantum-annealing optimization for 1-bit MIMO, redefining physical-layer design. Validated 3D channel measurements, new path-loss and LoS models, and mmWave scattering models provide realism for aerial, vehicular, and indoor scenarios. Additional advances such as AI-powered spectrum sensing, UAV corridor designs, and dual-beam mmWave VR enhance resilience, mobility, and joint communication–sensing–powering integration, setting solid foundations for 6G.