Semantic Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communications Towards 6G

TL;DR

The paper argues that semantic communication (SEM-COM) can substantially improve Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) performance in 6G by prioritizing meaning and context over raw data. It defines SEM-COM components (Semantic Encoder/Decoder and Background Knowledge), outlines four SEM-COM types (Semantic-Oriented, Goal-Oriented, Semantic-Aware, Context-Aware), and presents a layered V2X architecture with a cooperative semantic-aware core (Co-SC). It introduces key metrics for SEM-COM V2X, including $AoI$, $AoII$, $Ao2I$, and $VoI$, and details their roles in optimizing freshness, correctness, timeliness, and decisional impact. Through four vehicular use cases—Collaborative Driving, VRU Awareness, UAV-assisted V2X, and Semantic Maps—the paper demonstrates potential reductions in data traffic and enhanced decision-making. Finally, it outlines open research challenges in background knowledge, edge computing, resource management, security/privacy, and standardization, framing a roadmap for SEM-COM-enabled intelligent mobility in 6G.

Abstract

Semantic Communication (SEM-COM) has emerged as one of the disruptive technologies facilitating the evolution towards sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks. This article presents the potential of SEM-COM to transform Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, with a particular emphasis on its ability to enhance communication efficiency and intelligence. We discuss the core components and metrics that characterize SEM-COM, providing insights into its operational framework within the context of V2X communications. We illustrate the applicability and practicality of SEM-COM through real-world vehicular use cases, demonstrate the potential of SEM-COM to enhance aspects of intelligent mobility, such as communication efficiency and decision-making. Finally, the article identifies key open research questions for SEM-COM V2X, pointing to areas that require further exploration and thus setting a foundation for future work in this evolving domain.

Figures (4)

• Figure 1: Illustration of data handling in different SEM-COM systems during the same traffic scenario
• Figure 2: Layered Overview of SEM-COM V2X System
• Figure 3: Adaptive Traffic Management Using SEM-COM
• Figure 4: V2X communication use cases demonstrates the applications of SEM- COM in Intelligent Transport System.