Reconfigurable Airspace: Synergizing Movable Antenna and Intelligent Surface for Low-Altitude ISAC Networks

TL;DR

This work proposes a movable-antenna (MA) and intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) based framework to realize reconfigurable, low-altitude UAV-ISAC networks. By integrating active transceiver reconfiguration (MA) with passive environment shaping (IRS), the approach tackles high mobility, complex propagation, and the sensing-communication trade-offs. It develops architectures for UAVs as ISAC users and as aerial nodes, detailing design challenges such as predictive tracking, Doppler compensation, spoofing resilience, and robust joint optimization. Simulation and theoretical analysis show significant gains in both data rate and sensing accuracy, highlighting the practical potential of MA-IRS co-design for future 6G ISAC deployments.

Abstract

Low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networks are integral to future 6G integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems. However, their deployment is hindered by challenges stemming from high mobility of UAVs, complex propagation environments, and the inherent trade-offs between coexisting sensing and communication functions. This article proposes a novel framework that leverages movable antennas (MAs) and intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs) as dual enablers to overcome these limitations. MAs, through active transceiver reconfiguration, and IRSs, via passive channel reconstruction, can work in synergy to significantly enhance system performance. Our analysis first elaborates on the fundamental gains offered by MAs and IRSs, and provides simulation results that validate the immense potential of the MA-IRS-enabled ISAC architecture. Two core UAV deployment scenarios are then investigated: (i) UAVs as ISAC users, where we focus on achieving high-precision tracking and aerial safety, and (ii) UAVs as aerial network nodes, where we address robust design and complex coupled resource optimization. Finally, key technical challenges and research opportunities are identified and analyzed for each scenario, charting a clear course for the future design of advanced low-altitude ISAC networks.

Figures (4)

• Figure 1: Conceptual vision of MA-IRS empowered low-altitude UAV-ISAC networks.
• Figure 2: Signal coverage strength enhanced by MA and IRS.
• Figure 4: UAV as ISAC user: high-precision tracking and aerial safety.
• Figure 5: UAV as aerial node: robust design and resource optimization.