Samsung and LG Uplus to Test 6G Sensing that Replaces Radar
Two South Korean companies, Samsung and LG Uplus, are joining forces to revolutionize wireless communication with Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology. They aim to turn existing 5G networks and the 7 GHz band into sensing platforms, replacing dedicated LiDAR and radar systems.
Details of the Collaboration:
- Memorandum of Understanding: On May 27, 2026, both companies signed an agreement at LG Science Park in Seoul, with Samsung Research leading the development efforts.
- ISAC Technology: This technology harnesses wireless signals reflected off objects to gather data on speed, distance, and movement. It effectively converts cell towers into environmental sensors, monitoring drones, vehicles, and foot traffic without additional hardware.
- Advantages: ISAC eliminates the need for separate sensing equipment by utilizing existing communication infrastructure, simplifying deployment and maintenance.
- 6G Implications: The International Telecommunication Union recognizes ISAC as one of six key usage scenarios for IMT-2030 (6G), emphasizing its potential to integrate physical world sensing into future networks.
Testing and Applications:
- Initial Focus: The collaboration will initially test human detection for safety purposes and network efficiency improvements using LG Uplus’ 5G networks, followed by the 7 GHz band, a promising frequency for 6G.
- Long-term Goals: By combining ISAC data with camera imagery, they aim to enhance detection accuracy through multimodal AI models that process diverse sensing data.
- Spectrum Considerations: The 7 GHz band is seen as the "golden band" for 6G due to its balance between coverage and high bandwidth potential.