NANJING, China — In a groundbreaking development, Purple Mountain Laboratories in Nanjing has unveiled the world’s first field test network for 6G communication, integrating advanced intelligence and perception capabilities. The announcement was made at a recent conference dedicated to 6G technology.
At the cutting-edge testing facility, engineers showcased the network’s impressive perception abilities using three different types of drones. These demonstrations highlighted how 6G technology can revolutionize communication and object detection.
“In the scenario we presented, a communication base station transmits a wireless signal. When this signal reaches a drone, it reflects back to the station, forming a reflected wave. The base station then analyzes this wave to accurately determine the drone’s position,” explained Huang Yongming, Director of the Pervasive Communication Research Center at Purple Mountain Laboratories.
The facility is equipped to conduct tests across six major application scenarios of 6G technology. It’s the first in the world to achieve connectivity speeds over ten times faster than 5G, along with newfound high-precision target perception capabilities.
“Everyone knows that radar can sense objects. Our goal is to equip base stations with both radar and communication functions. This means that while communicating, the radio waves they emit can also detect objects located a kilometer or even farther away. This is the basic concept of ‘integrated communication and perception,’” said You Xiaohu, Director of Purple Mountain Laboratories.
The 6G network isn’t just about faster speeds—it’s about smarter connectivity. With radar-like perception capabilities, the network can accurately locate objects within its range, opening up a world of possibilities.
This technology holds significant promise for applications like low-altitude logistics and security, providing robust support for 6G innovation and the future of connected industries.
“The potential applications in emerging fields such as drone technology are immense. When a drone is in flight, base stations need to communicate with it and sense its presence. This is especially crucial when unauthorized drones enter restricted areas—base stations must detect and locate them. With integrated communication and sensing capabilities, base stations can effectively handle both tasks,” added You.
