Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHRAs wireless networks evolve towards 6G, the convergence of communication and sensing functionalities within a shared hardware and spectral infrastructure is emerging as one of the most promising research directions of the decade. Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS) enables devices and networks to simultaneously transmit data and extract rich environmental information from the same signal, opening new possibilities for situational awareness, automation, and safety-critical applications.
Our JCAS research follows two directions:
In high-mobility scenarios such as rail, aviation, automotive, and satellite communications, conventional waveforms struggle to maintain reliable links due to the rapidly time-varying nature of the channel. We study advanced signal processing techniques and next-generation waveforms to not only cope with these challenging conditions but to turn them into a sensing opportunity, extracting velocity and position information that is inherently valuable in precisely these applications.
At the other end of the spectrum, we explore how existing and planned 6G communication infrastructure can be repurposed for environmental sensing in urban and industrial settings. Leveraging the higher frequency bands foreseen for 6G, and the flexibility of campus-style private networks deployed at industrial sites, we explore sensing capabilities for applications such as drone detection and site automation. This achieves greater security without needing to install additional sensor systems.
Our work covers the entire spectrum – from signal processing and algorithm development to prototyping for testing with real hardware. This way we bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical demonstration. Contact us for your future solution