Researchers from Carleton University, including Wen Shang, Yuan Liao, Vasilis Friderikos, and Halim Yanikomeroglu, have proposed a novel concept aimed at enhancing the future of wireless communication infrastructure, particularly for 6G networks. Their work, titled “Anchor-and-Connect: Robotic Aerial Base Stations Transforming 6G Infrastructure,” addresses the limitations of current aerial base stations (ABSs) and introduces a more sustainable and efficient alternative.
The team identifies a significant hurdle in the widespread adoption of ABSs: their limited operational time due to battery constraints. Traditional drones used as ABSs can only hover for minutes before needing to recharge, which severely restricts their practical applications. To overcome this issue, the researchers propose the concept of Robotic Aerial Base Stations (RABSs). These RABSs are equipped with energy-neutral anchoring end-effectors that allow them to autonomously grasp or perch on tall urban structures. This anchoring capability enables RABSs to provide seamless wireless connectivity for multiple hours, a substantial improvement over the minutes offered by hovering-based ABSs.
The researchers discuss the key components of the RABS concept, including hardware, workflow, communication considerations, and regulatory issues. They highlight the advantages of RABSs, such as their prolonged service capabilities, which allow them to integrate into the radio access network and augment network capacity where and when needed. The study also presents case studies comparing RABSs with terrestrial micro base stations and other types of non-terrestrial communication infrastructure, such as hovering-based, tethered, and laser-powered ABSs.
For the energy sector, this research offers practical applications in enhancing wireless connectivity for smart grids, remote monitoring, and other energy infrastructure that relies on robust and flexible communication networks. The prolonged service capabilities of RABSs could be particularly beneficial in remote or hard-to-reach areas, ensuring reliable communication for energy management and monitoring systems. This innovation could contribute to the development of more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure, supporting the transition to a smarter and more sustainable energy future.
The research was published in the IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, a reputable source for advancements in communication technology.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.