PL5: Integrated Sensing & Communications for Future Connected and Autonomous Transportation Systems

Presentation Abstract
This panel will explore advancements in Integrated Sensing & Communications (ISAC) technologies that unify sensing with wireless connectivity across automotive and aerospace domains. Speakers will outline how tight co‑design of sensing and communication stacks can potentially enable dual use of RF hardware (Wi‑Fi, UWB, cellular, radar) to cut BOM cost, conserve spectrum, reduce power, and simplify architectural complexity for future software‑defined vehicles and aircraft. The discussion is organized around three complementary domains: (1) short‑range ISAC repurposing commodity wireless technologies (e.g., Wi‑Fi and UWB) for in‑cabin, near‑vehicle, and in‑flight sensing applications including intrusion detection, child presence / occupant vital sign monitoring, occupant localization, and classification; (2) long‑range ISAC leveraging cellular infrastructure and high‑definition maps for non‑line‑of‑sight detection of occluded road users (e.g., to mitigate crashes at intersections and highway merges), and evolution of dual‑purpose radar sensors supporting both high‑resolution perception and high‑bandwidth links to the network edge; (3) aerospace ISAC applications encompassing UAV/drone traffic management with integrated sensing and communication, aircraft collision avoidance systems combining radar sensing with air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground data links, airport surface surveillance, and satellite‑based ISAC for simultaneous Earth observation and communication services.