[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] SamsungElectronics(005930)has unveiled technology that uses 6G communication networks to detect the movements of large crowds in real time without the need for separate dedicated cameras or sensors. This technology enables communication base stations to act as high-precision sensors that independently track the locations of people and objects, and is expected to be of great help in preventing safety accidents at large-scale sporting events and concert venues.

SamsungElectronics announced on the 15th that, in collaboration with U.S. mobile carrier Verizon, it had become the first in the industry to successfully conduct a field demonstration of “ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communication),” a core 6G technology, using a virtualized network solution.

Last July, at a global sports event held in Texas, the two companies demonstrated AI-based ISAC technology in a real-world event environment using SamsungElectronics’ virtualized network solution. A virtualized network solution is a method of implementing network functions—which were previously executed on dedicated hardware—as software using general-purpose servers. It facilitates the use of CPUs and GPUs for AI, enabling the rapid adoption and expansion of new AI services and AI-based network functions.

ISAC is a core 6G technology that utilizes communication equipment as high-precision sensors. By analyzing the reflected wireless signals collected from base stations using existing communication infrastructure—without the need for separate equipment—it can determine the location, speed, and direction of objects. In particular, since it can be used even in blind spots or dark environments where conventional sensing methods are difficult to apply, it is applicable to various fields such as safety and security, transportation, and industrial sites.

◇ Visualizing ‘Heat Maps’ Using Base Station Reflected Signals… Guiding Crowd Dispersal

The two companies successfully utilized ISAC technology in a real-world event environment with large crowds to detect people’s movements and crowd density. They then analyzed the collected data in real time using AI and visualized the crowd density as a heat map (a visualization that represents the size or intensity of data using color).

This technology enables real-time monitoring of crowd density at venues with large gatherings, such as sports events and concerts. Based on this data, event organizers can manage congested areas and prevent safety incidents, while also guiding attendees toward relatively less crowded facilities or routes.

SamsungElectronics’ latest AI wireless network (AI RAN) solution, “NIS (Network in a Server),” was utilized in this pilot. NIS serves as an edge AI platform that implements network functions—such as AI, base stations, and the core network—as software and integrates high-performance computing power from CPUs and GPUs into a single platform.

In particular, NIS is characterized by its ability to implement various network functions via software on a single hardware platform, enabling the deployment of new technologies—such as ISAC—without modifying existing network equipment or adding separate devices.

◇Implementing Next-Generation 6G Technology Through Software Alone, Without Hardware Replacement

Seol Ji-yoon, Vice President and Head of the Product Strategy Team at SamsungElectronics’ Network Business Division, stated, “SamsungElectronics and Verizon have succeeded in bringing about a paradigm shift by breaking the 150-year-old mold that telecommunications must be hardware-centric and leading the transition to software-based next-generation networks.” “Amid fierce global competition to secure leadership in network AI, Samsung will use its cutting-edge technological capabilities to open up new horizons for the era that AI and 6G will usher in,” she added.

Charlie Zhang, Vice President and Head of the 6G Research Team at Samsung Research, who participated in this demonstration, said, “By demonstrating ISAC—a technology garnering attention as a core technology for the 6G era—at a global event, we have accelerated the commercialization of this technology by a significant step.” He added, “As the U.S. prepares for the creation and expansion of new AI and 6G services, including the expansion of frequency bands, SamsungElectronics will mobilize its cutting-edge research capabilities to lead the way in next-generation technologies.”

Yago Tenorio, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Senior Vice President of Technology Development at Verizon, emphasized, “The successful AI-based ISAC demonstration with SamsungElectronics is a meaningful achievement that brings the blueprint for the 6G era into sharper focus.” He added, “We will continue to validate and drive future technologies integrated with AI across various domains, from daily life infrastructure to industrial ecosystems.”