Beyond Connectivity: Unified Sensing, Localization, and Communication Using 6G IoT

The 6G era will revolutionize IoT connectivity by unifying cellular, wide-area, and non-terrestrial networks to enable massive, reliable, and low-latency communication for billions of smart devices. A key differentiator from 5G will be the deep integration of sensing and localization capabilities with traditional communication functions, creating intelligent networks that simultaneously map environments, track objects, and transmit data with unprecedented efficiency. This paradigm shift will leverage advanced technologies like AI-native signal processing, joint communication and sensing waveforms, and federated learning to optimize resource allocation across terrestrial and satellite networks while addressing critical challenges in energy efficiency, security, and scalability. Emerging solutions such as grant-free access, non-orthogonal multiple access, and sub-THz spectrum utilization will support diverse IoT applications—from autonomous systems to smart cities—while integrated sensing functionalities enable real-time environmental awareness and centimeter-level positioning.