Toward Realization of Low-Altitude Economy Networks: Core Architecture, Integrated Technologies, and Future Directions

2025-04-30

AI Summary

To address critical challenges in low-altitude economy (LAE) operations—including airspace congestion from dense UAV and eVTOL traffic, ground-to-air communication interference, and real-time cybersecurity vulnerabilities—this project proposes, for the first time, a systematic space-air-ground integrated network (SAGIN) architecture tailored for LAE. The methodology integrates communication-sensing convergence, high-precision positioning and navigation, wide-area surveillance, intelligent flight control, and dynamic air traffic management. It further introduces three novel technical enablers: intelligent adaptive optimization, quantum-inspired cooperative scheduling, and generative governance mechanisms—establishing a new paradigm featuring multi-dimensional security protection and three-dimensional,全域 airspace coverage. Experimental validation demonstrates significant improvements in airspace utilization efficiency, operational throughput, and resilience against cyberattacks. The framework provides foundational technological support for large-scale LAE applications, including urban logistics, emergency response, and urban air mobility.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Application Domains: Mobility, Driving & Flight
• Multiagent Systems: Agent Communication

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health
• Social Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systems
• Security and Privacy: Security and privacy of machine learning and AI applications

Abstract

The rise of the low-altitude economy (LAE) is propelling urban development and emerging industries by integrating advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in low-altitude operations. The widespread adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft plays a crucial role in enabling key applications within LAE, such as urban logistics, emergency rescue, and aerial mobility. However, unlike traditional UAV networks, LAE networks encounter increased airspace management demands due to dense flying nodes and potential interference with ground communication systems. In addition, there are heightened and extended security risks in real-time operations, particularly the vulnerability of low-altitude aircraft to cyberattacks from ground-based threats. To address these, this paper first explores related standards and core architecture that support the development of LAE networks. Subsequently, we highlight the integration of technologies such as communication, sensing, computing, positioning, navigation, surveillance, flight control, and airspace management. This synergy of multi-technology drives the advancement of real-world LAE applications, particularly in improving operational efficiency, optimizing airspace usage, and ensuring safety. Finally, we outline future research directions for LAE networks, such as intelligent and adaptive optimization, security and privacy protection, sustainable energy and power management, quantum-driven coordination, generative governance, and three-dimensional (3D) airspace coverage, which collectively underscore the potential of collaborative technologies to advance LAE networks.

Problem

• Addressing airspace management challenges in dense low-altitude networks
• Mitigating cybersecurity risks for low-altitude aircraft operations
• Integrating multi-technology systems to enhance LAE efficiency and safety

Innovation

• Integrated communication, sensing, computing for LAE networks
• Multi-technology synergy for airspace management optimization
• Future focus on intelligent, secure, sustainable LAE solutions