Special Issue on Artificial Intelligence for Future 6G Systems Submission Date: 2025-06-30 The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into 6G networks is shaping the future of telecommunications. Recent advancements in AI methodologies, including embedded and Tiny ML, Large Language Models, Generative AI, and Graph Neural Networks, combined with the rollout of experimental testbeds by telecom operators, highlight both opportunities and challenges unique to 6G. This Special Issue (SI) addresses critical gaps by presenting innovative frameworks and methodologies for AI-native and AI-enabled solutions. Topics include network slicing, closed-control loops for orchestration, zero-touch operations, dynamic resource management, security, and net-zero carbon emissions. The SI explores how AI can redefine the design, management, and operation of 6G networks, offering insights that improve efficiency, reliability, and security, making it essential reading for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers shaping next-generation connectivity.

The advent of sixth-generation (6G) wireless systems promises to dramatically outpace 5G networks in speed and capacity, heralding a transformative leap in connectivity, intelligence, and application capabilities. Central to this revolution will be the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI), which will play a crucial role in navigating the complex challenges and unlocking the immense opportunities of 6G technology. As 6G networks emerge, characterized by ultra-high speeds, ubiquitous connectivity, and groundbreaking applications such as immersive extended reality, autonomous driving, and ultra-dense connectivity, AI will be essential in optimizing spectrum management, enhancing network architecture, providing real-time analytics, and advancing user experiences. This Special Issue, titled "Artificial Intelligence for Future 6G Systems," aims to highlight the pivotal role of AI in shaping the next era of Next Generation Internet. We seek to explore cutting-edge research and innovations in AI methodologies designed for 6G environments. By bridging theoretical advancements with practical applications, this Special Issue will serve as a comprehensive resource, propelling the synergy between AI and 6G.

Topics of interest include generative AI, predictive models, intelligent RANs, and other advancements that will drive the convergence of AI and 6G, paving the way for intelligent, adaptive, and future-proof communication infrastructures. These infrastructures will support the dynamic landscape of IoT, immersive technologies, and autonomous systems. We invite contributions that present groundbreaking research and visionary ideas, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of AI's integration with 6G. Submissions are welcome on, but not limited to, the following topics:

Graph Neural Network, Generative AI, Large Language Models for 6G

AI-Driven Digital twin design, Ontologies, Data Management, and Simulation for 6G.

Intelligent DevOps, GraphOps, Data Knowledge Modeling for Sustainable 6G

Knowledge Graph-Enhanced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for 6G

AI for Enhanced Models Forecasting and Spectrum Management for 6G system

AI-Enhanced Model Driven Network Management and Orchestration for future 6G

AI-Driven 6G RAN/Core Network Architecture Design

AI-Enhanced Network Slicing and Orchestration of 6G RAN/Core

AI for Real-Time Analytics and Decision-Making for 6G Network Operations

AI-Enhanced User Experience, Semantic and Quality of Service (QoS) for 6G

6G Non-Terrestrial Networks and 3D Communication

AI-Enhanced Virtual and Extended Reality and Metaverse for 6G

AI for Energy Efficiency in 6G, Network greening, and Net-Zero carbon footprint

AI and Quantum Computing for 6G

TinyML, EdgeAI and AI Integration in 6G wireless systems

AI for Security, Privacy, and Resiliency in 6G Networks

Ethical Considerations and Governance of AI in 6G

Guest editors:

Akram Hakiri, PhD

University of Pau & Pays de l’Adour, Pau, France

Email: akram.hakiri@gmail.com

Aniruddha S Gokhale, PhD

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Email: a.gokhale@vanderbilt.edu

Raouf Boutaba, PhD

University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada

Email: rboutaba@uwaterloo.ca

Thierry Gayraud, PhD

CNRS, LAAS, University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France

Email: gayraud@laas.fr

Merouane Debbah, PhD

Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Email: merouane.debbah@ku.ac.ae

Manuscript submission information:

The journal's submission platform (Editorial Manager®) will be available for receiving submissions to this Special Issue from December 08, 2024. Please refer to the Guide for Authors to prepare your manuscript, and select the article type of “VSI: AI-for-6G” when submitting your manuscript online. Both the Guide for Authors and the submission portal could be found on the Journal Homepage: Computer Networks | Journal | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier.

Timeline:

Submission Open Date *08/12/2024

Final Manuscript Submission Deadline *30/06/2025

Editorial Acceptance Deadline *30/10/2025

Keywords:

6G, Artificial Intelligence, Network Management and Orchestration, Network greening, Security, Ethical Considerations and Governance