White paper: Towards Human-centric and Sustainable 6G Services -- the fortiss Research Perspective

2025-07-15

AI Summary

Addressing the core challenge of aligning 6G technological evolution with societal needs and sustainability imperatives toward 2030. Method: We propose a human-centric, green, and low-carbon 6G vision integrating AI-native networking, semantic communication, distributed AI, and edge–cloud collaborative architectures. Innovatively, we design an energy-aware data framework, a green intelligent orchestration mechanism, and a software-defined semantic communication paradigm to enable cognition-driven, decentralized collaboration. Contribution/Results: The study establishes a systematic 6G strategic research framework that bridges technical innovation with socio-ecological objectives. It delivers concrete methodological foundations and key enablers—including energy-efficient AI deployment, semantics-aware resource allocation, and sustainable network automation—to inform global standardization, industrial R&D roadmaps, and interdisciplinary policy formulation for sustainable digital infrastructure.

Technology Category

• Machine Learning: Efficient ML / Green AI
• Computer Vision: Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for Vision
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Sustainability and carbon-aware systems for Web, mobile, and WoT
• Social Networks and Social Media: Generative AI / large language models and their impact on social systems
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Economic ramifications for generative AI infrastructure and applications

Abstract

As a leading research institute in software-intensive systems, fortiss is actively shaping the vision of Sixth Generation Mobile Communication (6G). Our mission is to ensure that 6G technologies go beyond technical advancements and are aligned with societal needs. fortiss plays a key role in 6G initiatives worldwide, including contributions to standardization bodies and collaborative Research and Development programs. We focus on software-defined, AI-enabled, and sustainable communication services that prioritize human values and long-term impact. 6G will redefine digital connectivity through cognitive intelligence, decentralized orchestration, and sustainability-oriented architectures. As expectations rise for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and personalized digital services, 6G must outperform prior generations. It will rely on AI-native networking, Edge-Cloud resource orchestration, and energy-aware data frameworks, ensuring both technical performance and societal relevance. This white paper presents the fortiss vision for a human-centric, sustainable, and AI-integrated 6G network. It outlines key research domains such as semantic communication, green orchestration, and distributed AI, all linked to societal and technological challenges. The white paper is aimed at researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and developers. It articulates the strategic direction and contributions of fortiss to 6G, emphasizing responsible innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration toward a meaningful 2030 vision.

Problem

• Ensuring 6G aligns with societal needs beyond technical advancements
• Developing sustainable, AI-integrated 6G networks prioritizing human values
• Addressing challenges in semantic communication and green orchestration for 6G

Innovation

• AI-native networking for 6G
• Edge-Cloud resource orchestration
• Energy-aware data frameworks