Enabling the Low-Altitude Economy with AI and 6G Integrated Networks
A special issue of Big Data and Cognitive Computing (ISSN 2504-2289). This special issue belongs to the section "Artificial Intelligence and Multi-Agent Systems".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 826
Editors
Interests: intelligent signal processing; machine learning for wireless communication; physical-layer security
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: cognitive communications; wireless positioning; covert communications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
AI-Empowered cognitive autonomous networks for low-altitude economy (LAE) represent a paradigm-shifting integration of advanced artificial intelligence, next-generation 6G wireless systems, and intelligent aerial platforms (e.g., UAVs, eVTOLs). This field focuses on developing self-organizing, adaptive, and secure communication and control infrastructures tailored to the dense, dynamic, and three-dimensional operational characteristics of the LAE. By leveraging AI, these networks aim to autonomously manage ultra-reliable, low-latency communications (URLLC), integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), dynamic three-dimensional resource allocation, and mission-critical coordination among massive numbers of heterogeneous aerial nodes. Emerging 6G technologies, such as intelligent reflective surfaces (IRS), terahertz (THz) bands, and native AI architectures, provide the foundational fabric for this integration. However, significant challenges remain in achieving harmonization between the computational intensity of sophisticated AI models and the stringent green, real-time, safety, and security requirements of LAE operations. This Special Issue aims to consolidate cutting-edge research on AI algorithms, 6G network architectures, and cross-layer optimization strategies that enable intelligent, efficient, and trustworthy autonomous networks for the burgeoning low-altitude ecosystem.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- AI-native air interface and waveform design for heterogeneous networks;
- Deep learning for dynamic 3D network topology and resource management;
- Semantic and goal-oriented communications for multi-modal data streams;
- Digital twin-enabled optimization for air-ground network orchestration;
- AI for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) in mobile scenarios;
- Cross-layer optimization using machine learning;
- AI-enabled energy-efficient green communications;
- Intelligent reflective surface (IRS) optimization with machine learning;
- Network automation and self-organizing networks (SON) via AI;
- Open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture with embedded AI.
Dr. Zhuo Sun
Prof. Dr. Wenbin Guo
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Big Data and Cognitive Computing is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- 6G networks
- integrated air–ground networks
- machine learning
- network automation
- edge intelligence
- low-altitude economy
- semantic communications
- resource management
- digital twin
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
