Beyond 5G/6G
White Paper- English version 2.0 -June 2022

Copyright © 2021 NICT All Rights Reserved.

Beyond 5G/6G White Paper(English version 2.0)

National Institute of Information andCommunications Technology (NICT)
June 2022

Contents
Release of the Second Edition ........................................................................... i
Executive Summary.............................................................................................. ii
Chapter 1: Introduction ..................................................................................... 5
1.1 Background of the White Paper.............................................................. 5
1.1.1 Evolution of Mobile Communication Systems ................................ 5
1.1.2 The Pandemic ...................................................................................... 6
1.1.3 R&D Competition for Next-Generation Mobile Communication
Systems .......................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Purpose and Positioning of the White Paper ....................................... 6
Chapter 2: Future Society after 2030 (View of the Beyond 5G/6G Era) 9
2.1 Information and Communications Networks and Society .................. 9
2.2 Direction of Changes in ICT Networks ................................................. 9
2.3 Solving Social Issues through Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)....... 10
2.4 Beyond 5G/6G as an Open Platform .................................................... 11
2.5 Beyond 5G/6G Functional Architecture ............................................. 12
2.6 Physical Space ........................................................................................ 14
2.7 Cyberspace .............................................................................................. 15
2.8 Service Enabler ....................................................................................... 16
2.9 Orchestrator ............................................................................................ 18
Chapter 3: What Will Daily Life Be Like in the Beyond 5G/6G Era?
Scenarios and Use Cases ................................................................................ 21
3.1 Scenario 1 – Cybernetic Avatar Society .............................................. 21
3.1.1 A Day in 2035: From the Diary of a Technology Development
Manager ....................................................................................................... 21
3.1.2 Case Examples of Usage and Key Technologies Required for
Implementation........................................................................................... 24
3.2 Scenario 2 – City on the Moon ............................................................. 29
3.2.1 People Cultivating the Moon .......................................................... 29
3.2.2 Case Examples of Usage and Key Technologies Required for
Implementation........................................................................................... 33
3.3 Scenario 3 – Transcending Space and Time ...................................... 37
3.3.1 Creative and Active Lifestyles ....................................................... 37
3.3.2 Dive to the Point .............................................................................. 38
3.3.3 What Is in the Sky? ......................................................................... 39

3.3.4 Case Examples of Usage and Key Technologies Required for
Implementation........................................................................................... 41
3.4 Scenario 4 – The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World ................. 45
3.4.1 Cyber Counseling Office................................................................. 45
3.4.2. Use Case Examples and Potential Challenges .......................... 49
Chapter 4: Key Technologies for Beyond 5G/6G ....................................... 52
4.1 Technologies Enabling Use Cases ....................................................... 52
4.2 Outline of Elemental Technology ........................................................ 54
4.2.1 Ultra-High-Speed and High-Capacity Wireless Communications....................................................................................................................... 54
4.2.2 Ultra-Low Latency and Ultra-Massive Connectivity .................. 57
4.2.3 Wired/Wireless Communication and Network Control Technology....................................................................................................................... 64
4.2.4 Multi-Layering of Wireless Systems – NTN .................................. 71
4.2.5 Space-Time Synchronization ......................................................... 77
4.2.6 Ultra-Security and Reliability ........................................................ 81
4.2.7 Ultra-Realistic and Innovative Applications ............................... 87
4.3 R&D Roadmap ......................................................................................... 97
Chapter 5: R&D Open Platform ...................................................................... 98
5.1 Beyond 5G Shared R&D Testbed ......................................................... 98
５.2 Highly Reliable, Highly Plastic Beyond 5G/IoT Testbed ................ 100
Chapter 6: Deployment Strategies .............................................................. 101
6.1 Trends in Standardization for Beyond 5G/6G ................................. 101
6.2 National Projects for Beyond 5G Research and Development .... 103
Chapter 7: Conclusion ................................................................................... 107
Appendix 1: Pseudocode Example (Service Enabler) ............................... 108
Acknowledgment............................................................................................. 110

Release of the Second Edition
Since the publication of the first edition of the Beyond 5G/6G White
Paper in March 2021, we have had many opportunities to answer
questionsexhibitions,andexchange

lectures,opinions

international

at Beyondconferences,

5G related events,
andsoforth.

In

particular, the scenarios in Chapter 3 were of great interest to everyone.
At the same time, it has become clear that it is necessary to deepen
discussions on the social issues of architecture and Beyond 5G.
Therefore, we decided to update the first edition of the White Paper
based on the contents of internal and external discussions by NICT and
activities over the past year.
This second edition focuses on the following points: Chapter 2
describes the characteristics of Beyond 5G as an open platform, andpresents the concept of Beyond 5G architecture, which enables existing
players in the mobile communications field to support Beyond 5G
functions and enables new players to take an active role in expanding
mobile communications services. Chapter 3 adds scenarios that delve into
ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) as a starting point for discussions
on the negative aspects brought about by Beyond 5G, in addition to theprevious three scenarios. Chapter 4 adds elemental technologies andsummarizes them in an easy-to-read manner. Chapter 5 explains thelatest efforts on the Beyond 5G shared R&D testbed being developed by
NICT. Chapter 6 reflects the latest information on standardization
activities and Beyond 5G R&D promotion projects being conducted by
NICT.
We hope that this white paper will provide an opportunity to further
discuss these issues with you.
Beyond 5G R&D Promotion Unit, NICTWhite Paper Editing Teami

Executive Summary
Beyond 5G/6G, the next-generation information and communications
infrastructure, is essential to achieving SDGs and Society 5.0. In thiscase, since the functions required for Beyond 5G/6G cover a wide range
from physical space to cyberspace, the creation of new services can be
expected by combining each function with the right person in the rightplace. From this point of view, it is important for Beyond 5G/6G to havethe characteristics of an open platform as a receiver of various functiongroups, and to secure a mechanism capable of sustainable growth as asocial infrastructure. Accordingly, it is necessary to design the functionalarchitecture of Beyond 5G/6G (Fig. A).
In

physicalspace,

aflexibleandextensible

communication

environment can be provided by combining not only conventionalterrestrial mobile networks but also satellite networks and multicore
optical networks. In cyberspace, various spaces coexist depending on theapplication, and information processing such as accumulated past data
and future predictions is performed.

Figure A: Functional architecture of Beyond 5G/6G（Figure 2.1 in the text）
ii

In the Beyond 5G/6G era, time and space will be controlled at a highlevel in both physical space and cyberspace, and the fusion of both
spaces will make it possible to achieve things that could not have beenachieved in physical space alone. Services that can be implemented
across both physical space and cyberspace are expected to help solve
various social issues.
In Chapter 3 of this white paper, we introduce four scenarios andseveral use cases of social life after 2030. “Cybernetic Avatar Society” isthe story of a society that highly utilizes avatars. Figure B shows examplesof the scenarios: “Cybernetic Avatar Society,” “City on the Moon,” which
depicts a society in which human activities extend to the moon,“Transcending Time and Space,” which depicts a society in which spacetime synchronization is realized, and “The Light and Shadow of the Cyber
World,” which depicts the case study of a cyber counseling room. In
Chapter 4, we attempted to identify the required elemental technologies
by backcasting from the future society depicted in these scenarios. In
addition, the R&D open platform required for R&D and service creation isshown in Chapter 5. The standardization activities and the status of
Beyond 5G R&D promotion projects are summarized in Chapter 6.
This white paper presents the results of discussions for the realizationof the Beyond 5G/6G world by NICT as an expert group on information
andcommunication

technology,

and

we

discussions with many people based on this.

iii

would

like

to

continue

City on the Moon

Cybernetic Avatar Society

Transcending Time and Space

The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World

Figure B: Scenarios of Beyond 5G/6G that envision social life after 2030

iv

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Background of the White Paper
1.1.1 Evolution of Mobile Communication Systems
The implementation of fifth generation mobile communication systems
insociety

has

been

in

full

swing

since

around2020.

Mobilecommunication systems have evolved into a communication infrastructure(1G-3G) and a living infrastructure (4G), becoming an indispensable
element in the lives of individuals. It has become a social infrastructurethat connects not only people but also things like the Internet of Things(IoT).
A cyber-physical system (CPS) in which people interact with eachother, people interact with things, and things interact with each otherthrough cyberspace has come to have great significance in various
aspects of social life. In the next-generation mobile communication
system (Beyond 5G/6G), the communication network supporting CPS will
become a neural network of society itself. In other words, it is expectedthat the communication network centered on the mobile communication
system will function as the basic infrastructure of society in the future.

Cyber Space
Sensing & Projection

Processing

Actuation

Physical Space
Figure 1.1 Realization of a “cyber-physical system” thatmeasures events (big data) in physical (real) space, projects
them into cyberspace, finds solutions (optimal solutions), andactuates the physical space event.

5

1.1.2 The Pandemic
In response to the global pandemic of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV2), governments around the world are taking measures such as lockdown
restrictions to reduce, as much as possible, the opportunities for people
to meet with each other in person. With the exception of essential
workers, people are encouraged to work from home, and initiatives for
new ways of working are rapidly being adopted.
In telecommuting, individuals can connect through cyberspace, so that
economic activities can continue to a certain extent. On the other hand,
the lack of current information and communications technology (ICT)capabilities is also being recognized.
Economic activity through cyberspace has the advantage of not being
restricted by real time and space as in the past, and it is recognized as a
new form of activity.
1.1.3 R&D Competition for Next-Generation Mobile Communication
Systems
As a fundamental infrastructure of society, telecommunications
networks are extremely valuable, and they are attracting a great deal ofattention from the viewpoints of business game change and future
security. As a result, movements to gain hegemony over next-generation
mobile communications systems are accelerating.
Against this background, interest in Beyond 5G/6G has greatly
increased compared to the transition point of previous generations. Thishas

triggeredadebate

on

how

to

proceedwithresearchanddevelopment. As if competing for the lead, white papers have been
published by various organizations, forums have been established, andinvestment in research and development has started (see “Reference:
Various White Paper Consortiums, etc.” at the end of this chapter).

1.2 Purpose and Positioning of the White Paper
This white paper was prepared by NICT as a group of experts in
information and communication technology. The contents are the resultsof a study on the realization of the Beyond 5G/6G world.
Envisioning the social life after 2030, four scenarios were created:“The Cybernetic Avatar Society,” “City on the Moon,” “Transcending Time6

and Space,” and “The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World.” We
attempted

toidentify

thenecessaryelemental

technologies

bybackcasting from the future society depicted in these scenarios.
This paper presents scenarios and use cases (Chapter 3), andsummarizes the elemental technologies (Chapter 4) required for theirrealization. In order to develop, implement, and utilize the futuretechnologies necessary for realizing the social life depicted in the
picture, it is essential to open discussions not only within the NICT but
also with various stakeholders to set specific goals and to carry out
activities to achieve those goals, as outlined in Chapter 5 (Beyond 5G
R&D platform) and Chapter 6 (Deployment strategies for standardization
activities and related businesses provided by NICT).
We will continue to discuss this white paper with many people, and willrevise this white paper as the discussions progress.

7

<References: Various White Paper Consortiums, etc.>(1) Beyond 5G/6G White Papers, etc.
● Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy Council, Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications
https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_news/s-news/01kiban09_02000364.html● NTT’s IOWN initiative
https://www.rd.ntt/iown/● DoCoMo’s “DoCoMo 6G White Paper”
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/corporate/technology/whitepaper_6g/● KDDI’s “Beyond 5G/6G White Paper”
https://www.kddi-research.jp/tech/whitepaper_b5g_6g/● NEC’s “Beyond 5G Vision White Paper”
https://jpn.nec.com/nsp/5g/beyond5g/pdf/NEC_B5G_WhitePaper_1.0.pdf● Samsung’s “The Next Hyper-Connected Experience for All”
https://cdn.codeground.org/nsr/downloads/researchareas/20201201_6G_V
ision_web.pdf● University of Oulu’s “6G channel”
https://www.6gchannel.com/
https://www.6gchannel.com/portfolio-posts/6g-white-paper-validationtrials/(2) Consortiums, etc.
● Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium
https://b5g.jp● Beyond 5G New Business Strategy Center
https://b5gnbsc.jp/● NEXT G ALLIANCE
https://nextgalliance.org/

8

Chapter 2: Future Society after 2030 (View of the
Beyond 5G/6G Era)
2.1 Information and Communications Networks and Society
Amid the recent COVID-19 crisis, innovations in information andcommunications network technology have led to the spread of teleworkand online meetings/medical care. These technologies are expected tohelp solve the following social issues.
(1) A society in which everyone can play an active role in any place(inclusiveness) by eliminating various barriers and differences such asurban and rural areas, national borders, age, and the presence or absenceof disabilities(2) A convenient and sustainable society with no social losses(sustainability)(3) A strong and dynamic human-centered society in which safety andsecurity are ensured and the bonds of trust are not shaken, even in thecase of unexpected events (high reliability)
To achieve this, it is necessary to measure the real world throughinformation and communication networks and aggregate the results as
big data. It is also necessary to analyze big data in cyberspace and drive
the real world using various actuators based on the results. In otherwords, cyber-physical systems (CPS) are expected to be used in various
social activities. It is hoped that these systems will lead to a “humancentered, resilient, and dynamic society.”

2.2 Direction of Changes in ICT Networks
The use of various infrastructures and resources that support social
activities will change significantly from concentration to distribution, andfrom monopolization to sharing. Several examples have already emerged.
The so-called sharing economy includes car sharing in transportation,
work sharing in the work environment, and crowd funding in finance. The
shape of ICT networks will also change significantly in line with this trend.
For

example,networkvirtualization

such

as

software-defined

networking (SDN) and open hardware will affect not only network devices
but also terminals. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and9machine learning (ML) technology will be applied to control more complex
mobile communication systems.
As forms of communications networks, terrestrial information andcommunications networks, including mobile communications systems,
which were previously separate networks, and non-terrestrial networks(NTN) in the aerospace domain are expected to be used by both sides in
a compromising manner, and new components such as high altitude
platform stations (HAPS) and drones will also become popular, and flying
cars will eventually be used on a daily basis.
On the other hand, radio resources ranging from millimeter-wave bands
to terahertz bands will be exploited, and it will be necessary to make fulluse of radio waves. It is expected that usage and applications taking
advantage of the characteristics of these radio waves will spread. The
resources handled by information and communications networks are notlimited to radio waves, but cover a wide range of areas such as electric
power, computers, and space. The optimal use of these resources will be
discussed as a whole within a shared economy as an issue for the entire
social system.

2.3 Solving Social Issues through Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)As Beyond 5G/6G technology advances, social issues that need to beresolved will span a wide range of fields, such as the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the U.N. Summit and the social
issues represented by Japan’s Society 5.0 as a future society. Therefore,
if we expand the space we handle from physical space to cyberspace andopen up the limits of “time and space,” “body,” and “brain,” which wereconsidered difficult to overcome by conventional wisdom, many newsocial issues will arise. In order to resolve these issues through CPS, a
Beyond 5G/6G mechanism that can execute services beyond cyberspaceand physical space is expected.
Byutilizing

CPS,

resources

such

as

communication

devices,frequencies, space, and time can be handled more dynamically than everbefore. Not only can individual systems be upgraded and made more
efficient by new technologies, but society as a whole can be optimized
across industries. For example, by utilizing CPS to promote carbon
neutrality through the power management of wireless communication
10

devices and the control of traffic routes, it will be possible to resolve awide range of social issues.

2.4 Beyond 5G/6G as an Open Platform
When Beyond 5G/6G is used as an infrastructure to solve social
problems, it will be necessary for a wide variety of players to participate
in this infrastructure across industries. For this purpose, it will be difficultfor players to cooperate organically in a system closed to each industry,
and there will be high barriers to participation. Therefore, it is important
to design Beyond 5G/6G as a system that encourages participation byconsidering it as a social foundation with the characteristics of an open
platform and the participation of all players.
From the viewpoint of system construction, Beyond 5G/6G will handle
a wide range of functions, from advanced communications in physicalspace to expanded computational domains in cyberspace. Moreover, it
must be ensured that these functions are organically fused acrossphysical space and cyberspace. On the other hand, it will be difficult tounderstand the overall picture of increasingly complex functions because
the development of services that deal with various social issues will
require users who are not necessarily experts in communications systems
or information processing.
Therefore, we would like to appropriately define each Beyond 5G/6G
function and clarify the responsibilities so that each individual function
can be placed in the whole Beyond 5G/6G system as a piece of the puzzle.
Depending on the service to be realized, it will not always be necessary
to make full use of all the functions. However, it will be necessary to
freely combine and utilize the functions of the right person in the rightplace.
As Beyond 5G/6G becomes an open platform, players such as service
developers and users, communication device developers and operators,
and algorithm providers can contribute to the expansion of Beyond 5G/6G
functions with peace of mind, and it is expected that Beyond 5G/6G willcontinue to grow as a social infrastructure.

11

2.5 Beyond 5G/6G Functional Architecture
In Beyond 5G/6G, physical space (the real world) and cyberspace (avirtual world) are fused as CPS, thereby realizing CPS services. The
physical space and cyberspace of CPS consist of functions developed byvarious players. Sensing information from the physical space is provided
to the cyberspace, and the cyberspace operates the physical space bymanaging, analyzing, and linking the information in an integrated manner.
The CPS service uses the CPS through a service enabler. In addition, eachsystem and function of the physical space and cyberspace is arbitrated
through the orchestrator based on a unified policy. Figure 2.1 shows thefunctional architecture of Beyond 5G/6G, which includes the above
relationship.

Figure 2.1 Functional architecture of Beyond 5G/6G
The concept of conventional land-based mobile communication
systems has expanded in physical space, and 5G and other self-employedsystems will be incorporated. The communication area in the sky will be
expanded by space communication systems and non-terrestrial mobile
communication systems, which will also be expanded to mountainous
areas and the ocean. These wireless communication systems will besupported by high-capacity, low-latency optical communication networks.
Each system will be deployed in combination with existing or new systems
12

of the same type. For example, multiple management systems will be
deployed on the ground and in space. Since these systems have different
characteristics, the appropriate system will be selected according to theservice.
In cyberspace, on the other hand, the information in various fields ofphysical space is handled in a unified manner. This makes it possible tograsp events that cannot be analyzed from a single type of informationand to control the events based on the information. In order to properly
position the functions necessary for cyberspace, a functional modelcomposed of a data layer, an analysis layer, and an application layer was
defined. Cyberspace is also composed of various functions, but new
functions are introduced as needed and are used in either common orlimited ways. A subset of information handled in cyberspace is used tocreate multiple instances that are based on concepts such as digital twins
and Metaverse and used for services.
CPS services go beyond physical space and cyberspace. In the case ofa smart city, for example, traffic information, people flow, weather
sensing information, terrestrial mobile communication system frequency
usage information, and optical communication network communication
volume information are analyzed in cyberspace to enable appropriate
mobile communication bandwidth management for large-scale events,
appropriate traffic guidance, and river management during heavy rains.
Other

examplesof

CPS

services

includesmart

factories

andentertainment.
As CPS services spread to various fields, they are developed from aviewpoint not necessarily limited to the information and communications
field. This diverse architecture defines the service enablers andorchestrators so that the players can freely develop CPS services byconsidering systems and functions that support physical space andcyberspace as black boxes.
Service enablers allow CPS services to run across physical space andcyberspace. They receive CPS service requests, translate them into
processes that control physical and cyberspace systems, initialize themto allow the use of both spaces via the orchestrator, and enable the useof CPS functions by the CPS service. While the CPS service is running, theservice enabler continues to optimize the CPS.
13

The orchestrator initializes physical and cyberspace systems to enable
the operations required by the CPS service, and continuously optimizes
the systems while the CPS service is running. Each system that
constitutes physical and cyberspace has its own policy for intersystemcoordination

andservicedeployment

tousers.

Therefore,

theorchestrator arbitrates the use of each system and their combination.
The following sections provide a detailed description of physical space,cyberspace, service enablers, and orchestrators.

2.6 Physical SpaceIn

thephysicalspace,

notonly

conventional

publicmobilecommunication systems constructed by mobile communication carriers,
mainly smartphones, but also private wireless systems such as local
5G/6G, next-generation wireless LANs using terahertz waves, dedicatedcommunication systems, and non-terrestrial network systems such as
HAPS and satellites are connected in a seamless manner. Data networks
using next-generation optical networks by telecommunications carriers
and Internet service providers, as well as data centers, edge cloud, andcloud resources by cloud service providers become one.
Non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites such as low earth orbit(LEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites will move in cooperation
with each other and coexist with geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. In
coexistence, radio waves and light waves are used for feeder links andthe user links that connect earth stations with satellites and HAPS
groups, and used as intersatellite links for communication between
satellites and HAPS groups.
Next-generation optical networks will be used in mobile communication
systems and data networks, and between devices in edge computing. In
a link that mutually connects the NTN base station and gateway, an
infrastructure that can carry large-capacity communication such as
multicore optical fiber will be laid.
Seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks isachieved through flexible resource coupling via the orchestration
function. By including the ability to flexibly combine the unique resourcesof various carriers in the orchestration function, the CPS services areprovided with an optimal communication environment to meet their14requirements, so that the users’ intentions can be fulfilled anywhere (inthe sky, ocean, city, or remote areas) and anytime (in daily life or disastersituations).

Figure 2.2 Physical space

2.7 Cyberspace
Cyberspace includes advanced connectivity that enables real-timedata acquisition from physical space and information feedback fromcyberspace, as well as intelligent data management. Computing powerthat enables AI analytics is required. Cyberspace is currently used mainly
to monitor the operation of devices and other objects. In the future,cyberspace will be used to build digital twins that digitally represent
entities in the real world from smart cities to humans, and to simulate andpredict their interactions. It is expected that this will evolve into theautonomous optimization of business flows and social systems.
Cyberspace consists of three layers: data, analysis, and application. In
the data layer, an IoT hub extracts and converts information while
exchanging data with physical systems and devices, centralizes it, andmaps it to a digital twin. In the analysis layer, future events arerecognized, discovered, or predicted by analyzing the information, andthe events are verified by simulation. In the application layer, CPS
15

services are linked based on the predicted results to optimize the systems
and services.
In addition to supporting extremely diverse B5G/6G data streams witha large capacity and low latency, these functional elements are also
important for real-time control, synchronization control, and reliability
assurance for the entire CPS including physical space. It is also necessary
to be able to link with Web services that are widely used today.
Cyberspace is not only a realistic reproduction of individual physicalspaces.

Subspaces

corresponding

to

CPS

servicescenarios

areoverlapped and reproduced, and the physical space is optimallycontrolled based on predictions. In this case, verification is possible incyberspace for different time horizons or scenarios that are difficult toverify in reality.

Figure 2.3 Cyberspace

2.8 Service Enabler
The service enabler is a function that enables CPS services to run
beyond physical space and cyberspace. There are various ways toimplement a service enabler. In this section, we assume that a service
enabler is implemented as the middle layer of an application that16

constitutes a service. The roles of Beyond 5G/6G in the overall system
are shown. The implementation of service enablers as well as its featuresand interfaces will require further discussion.
The workflow of the service enabler is as follows: A CPS utilization
request is received from a CPS service, decomposed into processing units
for controlling physical space and cyberspace systems, and transmitted
to an orchestrator that combines the physical space and cyberspacesystems, satisfies the necessary functions and performance, andinitializes the CPS service for the use of the CPS. The service enabler
continues to optimize the CPS while the CPS service is running.
If the service enabler mediates the function requests of the CPS
service, it is not necessary for the CPS service to directly handle complex
functions that can be realized in physical space and cyberspace. The
provider of the CPS service only needs to deal with the service enablers
that are organized from a consumer perspective. The service enablers
may be implemented, for example, as middleware or a driver of an OS or
as a function of an external server.
Examples of service enablers are shown in Table 2.1. The categories ofservice enablers include “optimal control,” “communication resources,”“space-time synchronization,” and “security.” The “optimal control”
category includes individual functions such as “flight collision grid” and“ultra-realistic sharing.” Such service enablers may be added as needed
and opened to multiple users with appropriate access control.
An example of a CPS service is the cooperative work of robots that are
remotely controlled from multiple points. In this case, the communication
delay from each point is different, so that the cooperation of the robots
is not smooth. However, the delay can be compensated by utilizing theservice enabler for “multi-point avatar VR work,” which enables theappropriate operation by each operator through VR. If a service enabler
is not used, the developer of the CPS service will need to devise andimplement an algorithm to compensate for the communication delay.
However, if a service enabler is used, the CPS can be easily utilized as acommon function.
Another example is drone flight. CPS service developers use a service
enabler for “flight collision avoidance,” and as long as they set a
destination for the drones, the service enabler will control their flights to17

avoid collisions with other flying objects. CPS service developers obtain
their own information from physical sensors and do not have to handle
the programming to avoid collisions with other flying objects.
From the standpoint of implementing a CPS service by using a service
enabler, it can be seen that it is possible to easily handle a complex
system that constitutes Beyond 5G/6G.
Assuming that the CPS service uses an application programming
interface (API) with the service enabler, a pseudo programming code canbe used to implement the CPS service (see the attached Appendix 1).
Table 2.1 Examples of Service Enabler Functions
Category
Optimal Control

Individual function
Flight collision avoidance,
Super reality sharing,
People flow traffic analysis

Communication

Communication quality autonomous control,

Resources

Sky area expansion, Ocean area expansion,
Wide-area sensor information collection

Space-timeHigh-precision position identification,synchronization

Multi-point avatar VR work, Terminal position search

Security

Avatar authentication, Data traceability

2.9 Orchestrator
The orchestrator receives requests from the service enabler. Thisfunction performs the processing necessary to execute the CPS service
for each system in physical space and cyberspace, based on a request to
use the CPS service. Similar to the service enable, the orchestrator canbe realized in various ways and thus requires further discussion. Thissection assumes that the orchestrator is a management device that has acommunication interface with each system.
In order to realize a requested function, the orchestrator selects asystem from among all the systems constituting the CPS, initializes thesystem by combining the systems so that the CPS service can use thesystem as a whole, and continuously optimizes each system while the CPS
service is running.
In this case, each system that constitutes physical space and18cyberspace has its own policy for intersystem coordination and service
deployment to users; therefore, the orchestrator arbitrates the use ofeach system and their combination.
Each system in the physical space and the service space has amanagement function for proper operation in the system and is
responsible for its operation. Each system has an external interface withthe orchestrator in addition to its autonomous operation. In this case,each system has different conditions for arbitration in terms of available
resourcesandconnection

policies

at

that

time.

Therefore,

theorchestrator attempts to arbitrate with individual systems from a systemwide perspective. Some systems may not be selected for that CPS service
despite being approached by the orchestrator. In other words, theorchestrator does not centrally manage the use of all systems. Eachsystem is autonomous in its operation, and the interface with theorchestrator is a means of communication for negotiations.
In this manner, in order to enable the execution of the CPS service, an
optimum combination is selected from each system of the physical spaceand cyberspace. The selected system group is configured each time foreach CPS service.
It should be noted that various functions to be arbitrated from theviewpoint of the whole system are implemented by the orchestrator. As
shown in Section 2.2, it is important that these functions are flexibly
updated during the growth process of Beyond 5G/6G. Also, because theorchestrator is the mediator of the overall system, it is necessary toeliminate the processing that is problematic for Beyond 5G/6G serving as
the social infrastructure. It is also necessary to consider and devise theimplementation of functions that do not cause performance bottlenecks
or failure points in the operation of the system.
Table 2.2 Examples of Orchestrator Functions
Category
Optimal Control

Individual function
AI/ML distributed processing,Low power consumption control

Autonomous

Zero-touch configuration management,

Control

Automatic failure recovery,
Disaster communication control
19Communications

Frequency resource management,

Resource

Communication quality management

Management
Computing

Edge computing resource management,

Resource

Delay compensation remote control

Management

20Chapter 3: What Will Daily Life Be Like in the Beyond
5G/6G Era? Scenarios and Use Cases
3.1 Scenario 1 – Cybernetic Avatar Society
3.1.1 A Day in 2035: From the Diary of a Technology Development
Manager◼

9:30–10:30 Telepresence meeting with executives from Tokyo
headquarters to discuss new product planning while still staying at
home in Kyoto

XR

teleconferencing

among

3D

avatars (UC1-3: Telepresence). I wasa little nervous when the president’s
avatar appeared in front of me, but I
moved next to the president in 3D
space, handed him a product VR
prototype,

and

asked

him

to

experience it remotely with haptic

Figure 3.1 Telepresence
meeting

gloves. We were able to get his goahead right away.
◼

10:30–11:30 Participation in global disaster response event

Remotely participated in large-scaletraining event for simulating natural
disasters
Using(UC1-3:
globaltechnology,

Telepresence).
core

experts

fromnetworkvariouscountries gathered in XR space todiscuss

matters

further(UC1-1:

Promotion of Mutual Understanding),

Figure 3.2 Telepresence eventand our products were operated simultaneously in each country using
space-time synchronization technology. We were very pleased to be able
to verify the effectiveness of our products in the event of a disaster.

21

◼

11:30–12:00 Respond to an emergency problem at a manufacturing
plant in Thailand by instantaneous physical movement (9:30–10:00
local time)

A sudden notice was received from amanufacturing plant in Thailand thatthe production line had been shut
down. We attempted to remotely
control the manufacturing equipment
by hopping on a local avatar robot(UC1-3: Telepresence) and we foundthat a part was damaged. The person

Figure 3.3 Remote response

in charge repaired the equipment

to emergency problem

remotely

and

was

able

to

work

remotely with ease without any awkward delay.
◼

12:00–13:00 Remote lunch while assisting my father, who lives alone
in the countryside of Okayama

Using an avatar, I was able to enjoy
lunch with my father, whose physicalfunctionsremotelyaredeteriorating.

controlledtheI

assistive

devices to help my dad eat (UC1-2:
Mental and Physical Support Avatar).
EEG

analysis

showedthat

hisunderstanding had not deteriorated,which was a relief. This is probably

Figure 3.4 Remote assistancethanks to the AI interactive nursing
care system that my father uses every day.
◼

13:00–15:00 Simultaneously participate in company meetings andvisit my son’s class remotely with multiple avatars

A teleconference in the company and a remote visit to my son’s school
coincided. The avatar for the company meeting was set to autonomous

22alter-ego mode, and AR was used tocheck the status of the meeting(UC1-3:

Telepresence).

For

the

agenda item I was interested in, I
went back into the remote alter-ego
mode and made a statement. Don’t
tell my son that I slipped out of the

Figure 3.5 Company

class visit during that time!

meeting and class visit◼

15:00–16:00 Refresh body and soul by climbing XR-Mt. Fuji

Petit-XR

Mt.

Fuji

climbingforrefreshment (UC1-3: Telepresence).
Thanks to a number of 360-degree
cameras and haptic sensors installedon the site, which flexibly avoid radio
interference

andprovidewireless

access according to the situation, I
was able to enjoy a remote experienceequivalent

toclimbinganFigure 3.6 XR Mount Fuji
climbing

actualmountain while viewing the beautiful sea of clouds in a live performance,
which refreshed my body and soul.
◼

16:00–17:00 Remote negotiation with client in Turkey (10:00–11:00
local time) in Japanese

Our products are popular in Europe
and the Middle East, and today we hada remote meeting with a client inTurkey. I didn’t know anything abouttheTurkishlanguage,

culture,orcustoms, so I was worried if I would be
able to communicate with them, but
thankstothesimultaneousinterpretation system that takes into
account each other’s cultures, we will

Figure 3.7 Remote negotiation
across languages, cultures andcustoms

be able to sign a new contract with the client (UC1-1: Promoting Mutual
Understanding).
23◼

20:00–21:30 Watch TV special programs on future technology before
going to bed

Today, I had a fulfilling day as I was able to handle several roles by myself
with ease. Compared to 15 years ago, our country’s birthrate is falling andthe population is aging, but thanks to avatar technology, laborproductivity has improved. According to a TV show on future technologythat I watched after dinner, in another 15 years from now, most of thebrain’s functions will be incorporated into AI. It is going to be an amazing
world, but it is also going to be a test of human wisdom on how to use
these technologies.
3.1.2 Case Examples of Usage and Key Technologies Required for
Implementation
UC1-1: Mutual Understanding Promotion System (Across Barriers ofCulture and Values)
What kind of

It is difficult for a wide range of people with different

system? Why

cultures and values to truly understand each other just

do we needthrough daily verbal exchanges. However, this systemit?

analyzes the context, non-verbal information, and brain
information to convey the true meaning of the otherperson in an easy-to-understand manner. Even inremote conversations with people from overseas using
real avatars, the system will translate and interpret theconcepts that the words convey, taking into accountdifferences in culture and customs, thus deepening themutual understanding among people with diverse
cultures.

Usage⚫ Conceptual translation is carried out by detecting
inconsistencies in human-to-human conversation.
⚫ Operation is performed by voice, brain-machineinterface (BMI), multiple sensors, etc.

Required key(T7) Brain information reading, visualization, and BMI

technologies

technology(see Chapter(T7) Real 3D avatar, multisensory communication and4)

XR technology
24

(T7)

AI

analysis

anddialoguetechnology

usinglinguistic and extra-linguistic information(T7)

Multilingual

simultaneousinterpretation,

paraphrasing, and summarization technologies(T2) Integrated communication system configuration
technology that coordinates the environment andrequirements(T6) Human-centric security technology(* technology not covered by NICT)XR hardware technology such as head-mounted display(HMD)

Figure 3.8 Mutual understanding promotion system

UC1-2: Support Avatars for Mind and Body (Overcoming Barriers of
Age and Physical Ability)
What kind of

A nursing-care support avatar (AI or robot) reads verbal,

system?

non-verbal, and brain information of the elderly and theWhy do we

physically challenged, and assists them with their wishes

need it?

and feelings. Caregivers can also remotely control thenursing-care

supportavatartoprovideassistanceaccording to the wishes of the elderly or the physicallychallenged. Although the number of caregivers in Japanis limited, it will be possible for caregivers from abroadto assist personal care by using the simultaneousinterpretation system.
25

Usage⚫

Elderly and physically challenged people can use
avatars.

⚫

Caregivers can remotely control avatars to support
care-receivers.

Required(T7)

Intuitionmeasurement,

communication

and

key

assurance technology

technologies(T7) Real 3D avatar, multisensory communication and XR(seetechnology

Chapter 4)(T7) AI analysis and dialogue technology based on
linguistic and extra-linguistic information(T7)

Multilingual

simultaneousinterpretation,

paraphrasing, and summarization technologies(T2) Integrated communication system configuration
technology

thatcoordinates

theenvironment

andrequirements(T6) Human-centric security technology(* technology not covered by NICT)
Hardware technologies such as home care robot and
HMD

Figure 3.9 Mind and body support avatar

UC1-3: Working Style Revolution with Telepresence (Transcending
Distance and Time Barriers)
What kind ofThis system allows the user to instantly move around thesystem?

world as well as in Japan with 3D avatars while staying at
26

Why do we

home. Meetings with people overseas are made easy withneed it?

XR and simultaneous multilingual interpretation. Theavatar can instantly move to overseas manufacturing
plants and farms, and remote work can be done
intuitively with multisensory information. It is possible totake care of parents living far away while working. Theavatars are secure and guaranteed not to be fake.
Multiple operators can also switch between avatars thatare specific to each task.

Usage

⚫

Environmental sensing

informationcanalso bebymultiplecollected and transmitted.
⚫

Multipleavatars

canbeswitched

operators.
Required(T7)

Intuitionmeasurement,

communication,

and

key

assurance technology

technologies(T7) Real 3D avatar, multisensory communication and XR(seetechnology

Chapter 4)(T7) AI analysis and dialogue technology based on
linguistic and extra-linguistic information(T7)

Multilingual

simultaneousinterpretation,

paraphrasing, and summarization technologies(T2) Integrated communication system configuration
technology

thatcoordinates

theenvironment

andrequirements(T6) Human-centric security technology(* technology not covered by NICT)
Hardware technologies such as remote-control robots
and HMDs

27

Figure 3.10 Working style revolution with telepresence28

3.2 Scenario 2 – City on the Moon
UC2-2 : 6G leading up to the Moon
Relay station

Optical communication
technology

Lunar gateway

UC2-4 : Moon TravelUC2-1 : Lunar baseconnected by 6G
UC2-3 : Avatar on the Moon /Street View in Space

Figure 3.11 Image of scenario – City on the Moon
3.2.1 People Cultivating the Moon
At the Lunar Gateway:
Everyonegathersinthebriefing room with their favorite
tumbler in one hand. This is aspace station orbiting the Moon
(lunar gateway). There are only
four astronauts serving in turn.
My boss shows a map of the lunar
surfaceonthescreenandFigure 3.12 Future lunar gateway

explains the underground area tobe explored today. One of the crew members speaks:“Today’s range is 70 percent larger than the typical exploration range.
Aren’t we working too hard?”
My boss responds strongly:

29

“Yesterday,

thecompleted

work

in

was

another

construction area. There are morethan 30 avatar machines from
Earth.

Four

of

them

can

be

borrowed from those construction
sites.”
After downloading the process
chart and data, my boss and two

Figure 3.13 Image of lunar

crew members move to their own

settlement and lunar basepods and start connecting to thelunar

avatar

UC2-3).

machineI pourthe(UC2-1,remaininglemon tea down the exhaust ductdevelopment** Space-X Base α: https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/28/16382716/spacex-elon-muskmoon-base-alpha-mars-colonization-interplan
etary-transport-systemand slide into my pod.
From the Lunar Gateway to the Surface:
If you look at the horizon, you canclearly see the boundary between
the black space and the gray-brownground. This scene appears when
you plug into an avatar machine on
the Moon. I head to the construction
area with my boss, launch a large
excavator, and begin exploration. We
check the results against the scan
data

from

the

lunar

gateway,

feedback the results, and optimize
the exploration route.
For the rest of the crew members,
today is virtual training day. Regulartraining is mandatory so that we canrespond quickly to all possible crises
on the Moon.
It seems that the Earth team has
started working behind us, and the30

Figure 3.14 Remote work withlunar avatars

vibrations of multiple large impact drivers are transmitted to the grip armof the lunar surface avatar and transmitted to my bare hands on the lunar
gateway (UC2-1, UC2-3). I feel slightly odd when I realize that thesevibrations had been converted into radio waves before they reached me.
From Earth to the Moon
As I look at the horizon, I can clearly see the boundary between theblack universe and the gray-brown ground. It is a familiar sight thatappears when I plug into an avatar machine on the lunar surface. I headto the construction area with four avatar machines and meet up withthree other avatar machines at the site. The lunar team has alreadystarted their work. They are planning their exploration route.
It is the 6G network that connects me on Earth with this body (theavatar machine on the Moon). When I arrive at the site, I first check thecommunication status with Earth (UC2-1, UC2-2). Next, I check theautonomous navigation unit equippedwith an ultra-high-sensitivity inertial
sensor. Even if the network is cut off,
it will be able to operate safely
autonomously, but this tough andexpensive government system will besuspended. It’s also important to beable to track the location of avatar
machines on the Moon without relying
solely on communications, by using
the high-precision positioning systemof the 6G base stations instead.
While operating multiple excavation
machines, the team will efficiently
assemble a reinforced panel with an
impact driver to prevent cave-ins. A
robust edge cloud network has been
built on the lunar surface, and theinfluence of communication delay issufficiently suppressed by utilizing
brain information (UC2-1, UC2-3). As
31

Figure 3.15 Remote work withlunar avatars

a result, humans and things can silently and safely cooperate on theMoon, far away from Earth.
With today’s work time finished, I return to the maintenance box of theavatar machine and lay myself down. I slowly unplug from the avatar
machine, watching the high-contrast horizon that I first saw.
A few moments before it switches to a scene on Earth, a rover with a
3D camera passes in front of my sight (UC2-3).
Someone must be enjoying a Moon trip on Earth.
On Earth:
SlowlyI

consciousness
lunar

avatarregainfromthemachineto

Lunar basemyself on the ground. I stare

6G base station

at my palms in my pod on
Earth where calming musicis playing. It’s a slender
Street View in Space

hand with long fingers. Justa moment ago, it had been alarge,

dusty,

sooty

robot

arm.

Ultra Highcapacity opticalcommunication

Moon travel

Recently, a broadcastingstudiowasconstruction

completed

in

area

my

B;

nephew is going there soon.
I want to visit the Moon
with

my

touristdaughter
once

as

a

the

underground exploration iscompleted and the beautiful

Figure 3.16 Accessing street view in spacefrom Earthlunar city is built (UC2-4).

32

3.2.2 Case Examples of Usage and Key Technologies Required for
ImplementationUC2-1: Lunar Base Connected by 6G
What kind of

The same 6G terminal

system?

as on the ground isWhy do weconnected at the lunar

need it?

base,enabling

positioning

andlocation.

The

environment is severer
than on the ground andrequiresUsage

higherreliability and security

Figure 3.17 Lunar basefor human life.

connected by 6G⚫

Can be used in harsh environments on the Moon.

⚫

Can be maintained remotely.

Required(T3) Design and allocation of frequency utilization

key

considering propagation on the lunar surface

technologies(T1) Wireless optical communications and terahertz(see Chapter technology used due to the lack of air
4)

(T2)

Ultra-massive

connectivity

technology

forcommunication of vital data, etc.
(T4)

Requirescommunicationequipment

that

is

resistant to radiation on the Moon
(T5) An atomic clock built into the local 6G base station
enables positioning on the lunar surface using radiowaves(T4) Providing communication services in cooperation
with a private mobile operator(T6) Security needs to be higher than on the ground(T4) 6G base station with software defined radio (SDR)
installed on lunar surface (lunar surface radio withvariable frequency and modulation)
(T1)

Fiber

laying(multi-core

fiber,

laid

duringconstruction, buried in regolith)(T4) Minerals, fuels, buried resources, and transmission
33

of financial information (encryption, security, timesynchronization required)(T4) Avoiding the effects of meteorites (tracking ofdebris and disrupting their orbits by laser irradiation)

UC2-2: 6G leading up to the Moon
What kind of

A system used for communication between lunar avatars

system?

and users on Earth. High-speed communication is

Why do wepossible from Earth to the lunar base, and the same 6G

need it?

terminal as on Earth is connected.

Figure 3.18 6G leading up to the Moon
Usage

⚫

Communication via the lunar gateway is required.

⚫

Target data transmission speed is 5 Gbps or higher.

⚫

Earth-Moon delay must be taken into consideration.

Required(T4) Earth-Moon ultra-high-capacity opticalkeycommunication

technologies(T4) 24/365 communication(see Chapter (T4) Data relay station in geostationary orbit
4)(T4) Providing communication services in cooperation
with private satellite operators(T4) Security must be taken into account, with multiple
routing choices for security and reliability(T4) Adaptive optics for onboard satellites(T4) Large aperture optical antenna technology for
onboard satellites

34

UC2-3: Avatar on the Moon/Street View in Space
What kind of

A user on the ground performs an activity on the Moon

system?

by plugging in an avatar on the lunar surface. Enables

Why do wereal-timeneed it?

construction sites, and lunar laboratories (material

work

to

be

performed

at

lunar

plants,evaluation, charge behavior in materials) while on the
ground. It can also provide entertainment services (for afee) such as games and education, and reduce thelanguage barrier on the
Moon

by

communicatingin

multiple languages inareas such as mineral
resource development
andownership,

space

and

medicine(remotesurgerybyavatars),

etc.

In

addition,real-time

images of the universe

Figure 3.19 Street view inspace

can be enjoyed fromthe ground via webcams mounted on satellites.
Usage

⚫

Conceptual translation is carried out by detecting
inconsistencies in human-to-human conversation.

⚫

Operation is performed by voice, BMI, multiple
sensors, etc.

Required(T1) Ultra-high-capacity wireless communication

key(T7) Multilingual translation

technologies(T2, T7) Low latency, brain tricks, gravity compensation(see Chapter (T2) Local processing by AI and low latency control in
4)edge computing, etc.
(T7) Leisure, gaming, VR/XR technology(T6)

Security

considerations(specific

tomedicalservices)(T4) It is necessary to ensure the reliability and thetolerance of the materials in a space environment
35

because the degradation process is different from thaton the ground.
UC2-4: Moon Travel
What kind ofThis is a system for high-capacity communication withsystem?

Earth and the lunar base during an actual trip to theWhy do weMoon in the future. The system will provide safe andneed it?

secure travel that allows us to contact our grandparents
on Earth without problems even during long trips. We areentering an era
in which people
can

enjoy

space

traveleven

forleisure, and cansendphotostaken

during

their

trip

to
Figure 3.20 Moon travel

Earth via SNS.
Usage

⚫

Communication lines can be used without any special
skills.

⚫

Measures are needed to ensure a safe return to thespacecraft even if the communication link forpassengers is cut off during extravehicular activities.

⚫

Measuresagainstblackouts

areneededwhen

returning to Earth.
Required(T4) Importance of space weather (large impact on thekeyhuman body and equipment)

technologies(T1) Ultra-high-capacity wireless communication(see Chapter (T2, T7) Long-distance teleconferencing
4)(T2) Low latency(T6) Security considerations36

3.3 Scenario 3 – Transcending Space and Time3.3.1 Creative and Active Lifestyles

Father and daughter:My youngest daughter is very lively and I can’t take my eyes off hereven at the park. While watching my daughter, I call up my floating
information terminal to have a meeting with my colleagues at work. It is alittle cold outside. “Daddy, look! Hmm... POFF!” A pebble crashes into apile of sand. I notice my wife’s camera drone near my daughter. My wife
can’t stop watching our daughter either. She is supposed to be on abusiness trip until today, but it looks like she is connecting to the smart
drone system to check things out (UC3-3). She never trusts me!
First son:
The teacher’s lesson through the glass monitor is fun. Next month, they
will perform a dance at the theater that was completed on the Moon. I am
at home on Earth now. The AI alerts me to take a break, so I stop dancing
and check the 3D feedback images while changing the viewpoint. The
dancing by my friends is superimposed on the images of myself (UC1-3).
“Hmmm, looks like I’m a talented dancer.”Second son:
My brother seems to have started a dance lesson upstairs because thethudding noise is loud. It’s my brother’s turn to cook today, but I decided
to take over. It’s fun to be able to create new dishes by using the Skill
Learning Assistant (apparently the teacher is an old lady in theneighborhood...) (UC1-1, UC1-2). Come to think of it, I am going toGrandpa’s house tomorrow. I’d like to make something for him and bring
it. What’s his favorite?
Grandfather and father:
My father is a charismatic local hairdresser. These days, he opens hissalon only when his customers ask him to (UC1-3). Today he celebrated
his 77th birthday (called “Kiju” in Japanese). It was exciting, just like a37

talent show, with regular customers and old staff coming to celebrate. His
hobbies are road biking and fishing, so he is suntanned. “Stay well, Dad.”
With family:
After finishing the board game, the children began to breathe like they
were sleeping. My wife also started to doze off, rocking her body backand forth like rowing a boat. My second son made inarizushi (sushi
wrapped in fried tofu); I wonder how he knew what my father’s favorite
food is. Watching someone’s sleeping face makes me feel sleepy too. I
switch to automatic navigation mode and stretch out. The gliding flying
car’s interior is really quiet (UC3-1). I look up at the Moon from thewindshield. “Hey, Bro! Where is the theater where my child will dance?”
3.3.2 Dive to the Point

In the stratosphere warehouse that orbits around 20 km above theground, I (an autonomous AI system) put the requested cargo in mybackpack and dive to the ground (UC3-1). The moment I step out, I always
get nervous, but I am also filled with a sense of freedom. After I leave thewarehouse, the sky gradually changes from dark blue to pale blue, and as
I pass through the white clouds at high speed, the image of a city withcountless rivers branching and flowing emerges from the haze. As I lookclosely, I can see the rivers branching into smaller irrigation channels
equipped with smaller sluices and hydroelectric generators. The sluices
and generators are networked, and the amount of water flowing throughthe town is managed smartly. Black rain clouds can be seen behind themountains. A wide-area sensor network is monitoring and forecasting
rainfall and river water levels and computing an appropriate drainage
program for the town (UC3-2).
As I approach the mountainous area where I am going to be, I notice
work drones shining in the vast red pine forest. Multiple robots arecooperating with each other in thinning, collecting, and transporting the38trees, to maintain and manage the forest to maximize the flood control
effect (UC3-2). Even so, the mountain has collapsed in some areas, andthe spreading red pine forest is streaked with many lines of reddishbrown soil. I can see the broken steel bridge that the drones are repairing(UC3-2). No matter how smart we become, we will probably never be able
to eliminate the damage caused by natural disasters.
Finally, I arrive at my destination, the community center. I dive into a
receiving pod about 5 meters in diameter near the public hall (UC3-1). A
surprisingly quiet landing, thanks to the technology that collects heat andsound from the impact and stores it efficiently in the battery. After a few
minutes of safety checks, the staff take out the relief supplies from mybackpack. I hear a cheer in the distance.
Made of heat-resistant ceramic equipped with an inertial sensor andspace-time synchronization unit, I finish one task and am collected in a
maintenance box for the next dive. “Hi, Mr. Staff, when the bridge is fixed,
please wash and pour in some fragrant oil.” Next, I want to do a rocket
entry into the atmosphere (UC3-1).
3.3.3 What Is in the Sky?

Granddaughter:I make a cup of coffee and sit down at my desk at home. The chirpingof sparrows and the cold air are refreshing. Facing the widescreen, I
quietly read over and modify the assignment report I completed last night.
There is no physical keyboard. I tap a keyboard hologram, and with motion
capture, the input is sent to the edge cloud (UC3-3). The only noise is
the sound of my grandfather tuning up a road bike. He is 77 years old andstill going strong. It’s about time for me to start teaching at a university
abroad. I submit a report and switch my mind from student to lecturer(UC1-3). I reach for my headset while eating inarizushi (sushi wrapped in39

fried tofu) made by my cousin. I realize now that this is why he asked me
the day before yesterday about his grandfather’s favorite food. I casually
look at my palm and long, slender fingers. I must take after my father.
Grandfather:
I get on my road bike, which is now tuned up, and call out to my
granddaughter upstairs, “Hey, I’m going out for a while!” There is no reply.
She must be in a lecture. Sorry about that! I am driving at full speed on a
big highway (UC3-1). The hood of my brand-new purple hoodie flutters.
The wind is pleasant. There are no cars on the road. Lightweight delivery
drones fly over low-rise areas, personal cars fly over mid-rise areas, andlarge transport planes fly over high-rise areas. In addition, there are also
large warehouses in the stratosphere, from which packages can bedelivered directly to remote locations (UC3-1). A large transportation
flying car casts a shadow on my path. I pedal harder, trying not to let it
pull away from me. When I notice the rain cloud radar alert and try toreturn home (UC3-2), a ray of light flicks across the sky toward themountain where a large landslide has occurred (UC3-1).

40

3.3.4 Case Examples of Usage and Key Technologies Required for
ImplementationUC3-1: Vertical Flow of People, Things, and Information
What kind of

Flying cars are a dream-inspiring technology. Drone

system? Why

delivery services are already starting around us, anddo we needdelivery from the stratosphere may become practical init?

the future. When moving three dimensionally in space,wecannot

rely

on

2D

maps;

three-dimensionalnavigation is essential. And if we’re carrying people or
heavy objects, navigation must be extremely reliable. In
addition to the conventional global navigation satellite
system(GNSS),

itisimportanttouse

multiplepositioning and navigation systems with the assistanceof a large number of base stations that enable edge
computing, and to increase the stability and accuracyof the clock and inertial sensor of the flying car.
Usage

Building invisible but solid “ roads ” in space meansdeveloping highly accurate space-time synchronization
technology and spatial and frequency multiplexing of
positioning base stations. Of course, it is also important
to improve the accuracy of various sensors and thesophistication of cyber security in order to ensure thesafety of vehicles traveling in the sky.

Required key(T5) Space-time synchronization technology

technologies(T6) Encryption and security technologies, resilience(T1)

Ultra-high-speed

andhigh-capacity

communication(T2) Ultra-low latency network(T2.1) Edge computing(T7.5) Edge AI behavioral support(T7.7) Passenger flying car(T7.8) Drone41

wireless

Large warehouse in the stratosphere

Figure 3.21 Vertical flow of people, things, and informationUC3-2: Resilient Village Forest (Satoyama)
What

kind

of

Flood control is a difficult problem to solve amid

system? Why do

population decline. In some cases, on-the-spot

we need it?

human judgment alone may not provide the optimal
solution.

A

high-density

precipitation

sensor

network that can provide accurate and wideranging information is needed to help speed up
and improve the efficiency of evacuation ofresidents. In addition, by parallelizing irrigation
channels and sluice gates and connecting them via
a network, it will be possible to carry out smart
drainage from the town. Thinning work is also
important to strengthen the flood control functionof forests. By synchronously controlling multiple
unmanned robots and efficiently carrying out
thinning operations, forests can be kept in goodcondition. This cooperative work of robots can also
be deployed to agriculture as well as to themaintenance and management of “Satoyama.”
Usage

By

creating

forecasting,alarge-scaleevacuation

network

of

for

flood

residents,damdischarge, and control of sluice gates in various
irrigation

channels,

which

have

not

been

sufficiently coordinated, we can plan cities thatare resilient against floods without the need for42humanresources.

By

synchronizing

andcooperating with a large number of unmanned
robots, it will be possible to continuously preserve
forests through thinning, maintain “ Satoyama, ”
and improve the efficiency of farming.
Requiredkeytechnologies(T5) Robot group coordination by space-timesynchronization(T6) Encryption and security technology(T6) Strengthened resilience(T1) Ultra-high-speed and high-capacity wirelesscommunication(T2) Ultra-low delay network and high-speed
image processing(T6) Sensing

Figure 3.22 Resilient village forest (Satoyama)UC3-3: Omni-Cloud Gateway
What kind of

Until now, the cloud has been the place to go forsystem? Why

connectivity, but as edge computing advances, we are

do we needentering an era of the omni-cloud, where we areit?

surrounded

by

cloud

resources.

The

omni-cloudprovides computing resources, information resources,
communications resources, and even power resources.
The key will be the gateway that connects us to thecloud. For example, a drone that stays close to us will
become a security gateway, allowing us to receive
advanced cloud services without having to carrydevices, while protecting our personal information.
43

UsageHigh-precision positioning is achieved with an ultrastable clock and transmitted radio waves for drones. By
combining

imagesamong

multiple

droneswhose

attitude is controlled by high-precision gyroscopes, thelocation of a user can be identified, and services can beprovided by video, audio, etc. It will also be possible toreallocate resources more efficiently by redistributing
security levels locally and dynamically according to theusage.
Required key(T5)

Ultra-stable

technologies

synchronization

clock

and

high-precision(T6) Privacy protection and security technology(T1)

Ultra-high-speed

andhigh-capacity

wireless

communication(T2)

Ultra-lowdelay

network,

high-speed

processing(T7.8) Microdrones(* technology not covered by NICT)
High-accuracy inertial sensor

Figure 3.23 Omni-cloud gateway

44

image

3.4 Scenario 4 – The Light and Shadow of the Cyber World
3.4.1 Cyber Counseling Office
My name is Ogai Umibe and I am a psychotherapist specializing in
Metaverse. I make a living by listening to and caring for the confusedkranke (client) in the cyber world. Yesterday, I stayed too long at theMetaverse bar with my college friends, and I was discouraged by thethought of “Blue Monday.” But lately I've had a lot of clients and if I takeoff a bit of time, I can't finish my work for the day, so I have no choice but
to be diligent starting from the morning.
I jack into Metaverse's personal avatar (for work) and today twenty
people are waiting. A client just needs to connect when it's his turn, so
there's no waiting time, but I can't handle everyone if I rest even for a
moment. While mumbling about that, the first client's avatar appears infront of me.
[First person] Female, 35-year-old insurance salesperson(Client)

I

work

for

Telematics

Insurance selling insurance for flying
cars

by

Metaverse.

Today,

I

was

explaining the products to my clients,“The products are custom-made basedon your future insurance needs asestimated by AI, so there is absolutely
no loss because they are tailored toyou.” But they responded, “I can't tellmy future from AI; I'm going to decide
my life, not AI; I can only trust what I see
with my eyes, what's right and what'strue.” He got angry with me.
But he is right. At first glance, the products that AI recommends seemreasonable and reliable, but it's kind of creepy as it looks like your life isbeing predicted. In addition, the way an AI agent (called an electronic life
facilitator (ELF) reads your emotions based on your facial expressions andhow you talk to them so that you have a personalized personality and feel
comfortable buying from them makes it seem like AI controls your life …
(UC4-1). In the first place, the standards by which AI judges are correct45

according to the designers of AI. So, if there is a bias in the designer inthe first place, the bias will be reflected in AI also … (UC4-2). I can't help
but feel uneasy because I don't know what I can trust; my life has shiftedfrom real life to cyber life.
(Umibe) You must be worried about that. All commercial AI is requiredby law to be explainable AI (hereinafter abbreviated as xAI), and withregard to bias, it is possible to compare the characteristics of xAI's
feature quantity (based on what the judgment is based on), so I think it
would be a good idea to choose your favorite AI (UC4-2). In your case, it
may be important to maintain a cyber-realistic balance by talking anddrinking with your friends in real life while you are away from work.
(Client) That's right. There are a lot of things to do with real people, andif you think that it's a part of your life, it's safer to connect with real
people. Thank you. Recently, the performance of AI agents has improved,
and it seems hard to tell whether they are real people or AI agents. Excuse
me. You're not an AI agent, are you?
(Umibe) No, as this certification screen shows, I'm a real human avatar,so don't worry. (UC4-3) Take care.
Well, well. The better an AI agent is, the more this kind of client seems
to be coming out. The requirement to disclose AI agent solicitation
policies has recently become stricter, so this kind of client's worries will
disappear. But it's true that the performance of artificial consciousness
has been getting better and better these days, and it's just my
imagination that I feel like my kind of work is getting worse and worse.
Findings and Actions:Suspicion of mild cyber mistrust syndrome. Instructions for taking atleast 48 hours of real and continuous rest.
[Second person] Male, 40 years old, robot assembler(Client) Hello. I'm mainly a telecommuting worker who assembles
humanoid robots, and I spend most of my time off work in my hobby spaceon Metaverse. I really enjoy spending time with my AI agents. They readmy feelings and respond to me accordingly, and I feel relaxed. In addition,
I spend the same moments with everyone in Metaverse and share the46same feelings and emotions. It's called“synchronicity.” Until now, what wascalled “The Sixth Sense” is actually in
Metaverse. It happens all the time, so it
gives me goose bumps. But then the hot
topics change over time, and when I
leave for a while and come back to
Metaverse, I can't keep up with it, and I
feel that I have to finish my work earlyand get back to Metaverse.
Also, it's called “nudge” or “behavior
change.”Ifyouchange

your

daily

behavior like this, it can help prevent global warming. If you keep doing
that, your contribution will be visible, so you can keep doing it every day(UC4-4).
In addition, there was an incident in my workplace where an assembly
robot arm lost its balance and fell down, and the worker got trapped
underneath and was injured. When the arm fell down, it was automaticallyoperated so that the smallest number of workers would be trapped. But
in the end, someone was injured, and he got angry and said, “Why did you
fall down in my direction?” When I consulted an AI agent, I was told that
it was a story that it was pre-programmed to act in such a situation inaccordance with the laws, ethics, and values of the country, and I thoughtthat was rational (UC4-2). This is absolutely a problem for humans, but
it's like a divine program.
Oh, I've talked a little too much. If I can enjoy living in the cyber world
like this, I don't think I need the troublesome real world. But my humanfriends tell me that I’m not normal. Am I wrong?
(Umibe) Well. it's nice to change your behavior with a nudge because it
can contribute to a sustainable society. By the way, how long do you
spend in Metaverse every day?
(Client) I've been in Metaverse all the time, both at work and off.
(Umibe) It is required by national law to return to the real world for 30
minutes every time you’ve been in Metaverse for more than 3 hours. It issaid that if you stay in the cyber world for more than 3 consecutive hours,
you are more likely to become addicted, so please be careful about that.
47

Also, you said AI is divine, like a god, but it is not a god or anything. It isjust a program that works according to the intentions of the creator. The
program is created according to ethics and values, but it is the ethics andvalues assumed by the company. The ethics and values of each employee
and user are the same. Its’s wrong, so it's not so simple. If AI is absolutely
right and human beings are wrong, or if we leave our ethics and values toAI, we will lose ourselves. So, do you experience any problems when you
go from cyber back to real life?
(Client) While I'm at Metaverse, I feel like I'm moving a heavy object
with a remote-controlled robotic arm at work. I feel like I can have anendless conversation with my AI agent, but when I get back to the realworld, I feel like it's suddenly gone. I feel like I'm cut off from the world
and powerless, and I have a strong sense of loss and unease. I feelstrongly that I'm being left out when I'm away from Metaverse, and lately
I often lose sight of, say, the line between cyber and real…
(Umibe) It's natural that when you work in a factory through Metaverse,
you can't tell the difference between the real world and the cyber world.
However, it takes time for your brain to get used to going back and forth
between the two worlds. I think that when you obtained your employment
license you learned that you need to implement a recovery program to getback to the real world before you jack out of Metaverse. Your current
symptoms are typical of those when you are not in the recovery program.
If you continue to do such a thing, your employment license will besuspended due to violation of the Cyber Stay Standard Act. Also,
according to your story, it seems that your dependence on the cyberworld has already advanced considerably.
(Client) Oh, really?
(Seaside) From around 2020, technical aspects such as attempts to
entrust part of law enforcement to AI, such as AI prosecutors, andavoidance

controlinaccordancewithethicsandvaluesduringemergencies during autonomous driving, have been progressing rapidly.
However, when I learned of the existence of such a client, I was remindedthat new technologies must be thoroughly examined not only fromtechnical aspects but also from ethical, legal, and social aspects, and that
we must consider how to gain acceptance by many people in advance. As
counselors, we are also obligated to report immediately to the Metaverse48

Operation Community (MOC) if we suspect that a client's symptoms arecaused by a Metaverse malfunction, so I have to send a report later.
Findings and Actions:Suspected cyber dependence syndrome (severe enough).
Transferred the patient referral document (referral form) to the cyberaddiction rehabilitation department and requested medical protective
hospitalization.

3.4.2. Use Case Examples and Potential Challenges
UC4-1

AI Agent

Issue Summary

For example, in a situation where an AI agent on
Metaverse sells to a person face-to-face, technology
development of an AI agent that can achieve a final
purpose such as selling a product by understanding
the emotional state of the other person by reading theexpression and intonation of the voice, changing thepersonified personality according to the other person
according to the feeling and the progress of theconversation,

andcomfortably

advancingtheconversation to the end is considered to advance inthe future. In such a case, it is not desirable from theviewpoint of privacy protection to analyze personal
interests, beliefs, customs, temperament, etc. for a
specific individual consumer and compile it into data.
Therefore, it is necessary to consider a mechanismthat can balance the analysis and protection of data.
“Eventually Metaverse Will Be Filled With “ELFs” to Monitor You andControl Your Behavior”
https://jp.techcrunch.com/2022/01/23/2022-01-12-the-metaversewill-be-filled-with-elves/49

UC4-2 Issues of fairness, accountability and transparency (FAT),
ethics and values in AI
Issue Summary

In AI/machine learning (especially those using neuralnetworks), even if a model that can be predicted andinferred well is created, it is generally difficult tounderstand why the model can be predicted andinferred by humans. In this case, it is impossible totheoretically explain why an accident does not occur
when an automobile or the like is fully automated by
AI/machine learning control. Therefore, it is possible
to explain the process leading to the prediction andinference results by humans, and the algorithm itself
is a mechanism that can be interpreted by humans.
Research and development is underway. In addition, it
must be possible to explain that there is no bias in theprediction/inference results (fairness, accountability,
and transparency) as well as what is called the “FAT
principle,” are being considered for human-centered
AI social principles.
We're also using cars. In the case of AI control, AI andother machines will be substituted for the operationof driving based on the driver's sense of values andethics. In this case, it is considered that future studies
will be carried out on how the sense of values andethics should be reflected (or not reflected in the firstplace) in the control algorithm.

“Human-centered AI Social Principles,” Cabinet Office Integrated
Innovation Strategy Promotion Council, 2019.3.29.
https://www8.cao.go.jp/cstp/ai/aigensoku.pdf
Ethically Aligned Design
https://ethicsinaction.ieee.org/#ead1e50

UC4-3 Avatar Identity Verification
Issue Summary

Since the avatar in the Metaverse cannot be seen,
there are cases where it is necessary to clarify who ismanipulating the avatar based on whether it is humanor AI, and, for example, labor management needs in the
Metaverse.

In

such

cases,

technology

will

be

developed to reliably authenticate the avatar of theperson through multiple biometric authentication.
UC4-4 Nudge Changing Behavior to Solve Social Issues
Issue Summary“Nudge” is a way to change people's perception andencourage action. It is not an economic incentive but
a policy tool to encourage people to voluntarily choose
a behavior that is better for society, the environment,
and themselves based on the knowledge of behavioral
science. In Beyond 5G, too, it is expected to lead tothe achievement of the SDGs by introducing amechanism to encourage behavior change for social
solutions through nudges in cyber and physical loops.

“Developments in CSR: Behavioral Changes Brought by ‘Nudge'
Realization of SDGs,” Japan Research Institute, 2019.7.4.
https://www.jri.co.jp/page.jsp?id=34742
J

51

Chapter 4: Key Technologies for Beyond 5G/6G
4.1 Technologies Enabling Use Cases
Chapter 3 introduced four scenarios and several use cases within eachscenario. Chapter 4 describes the key technologies that support theseuse cases, as summarized in Table 4.1.
Table 4.1 Key Technologies Enabling Beyond 5G/6G

52

53

4.2 Outline of Elemental Technology
4.2.1 Ultra-High-Speed and High-Capacity Wireless Communications
T1.1 Terahertz wave
1

Technology

The

word

“terahertz”

generally

means

an

intermediate frequency band between radio andlight waves (approximately 100 GHz to 10 THz),
which

has

not

been

fully

employedintelecommunications due to technical difficulties.
2

PurposeSince the frequencies of terahertz waves are anorder of magnitude higher than those typically usedforconventional

radio-wave

communications,

wireless communications with more than 10 times
the

speed

and

capacityareanticipated. The

wireless transmission of high-definition video suchas 4K and 8K has already been demonstrated. In
addition, terahertz waves are expected to be robust
against radio interference when used for wirelesscommunications due to their unique (short-range
and ultra-wideband) characteristics.
3

Background

Technologies for handling terahertz waves are notyetmature.

fundamental

However,thetechnologies

development

for

300

GHz

of

band

wireless communications including terahertz signal
generation, modulation, and demodulation using
both semiconductors and photonics devices are
rapidly progressing [1][2].
4RequirementsThefoundations

communications

of

call

for

terahertz

wirelessvariousperipheraltechnologies related to semiconductor devices,
electronic circuits, and antennas, enabling lownoise

signalmeasurement

generation
such

as

A/D

and

high-speed

conversion

of

the

terahertz waves themselves. Flexible approaches
from both radio-wave and optical domains also need
to be taken. In addition, practical techniques toreduce power consumption as well as device size54

are required, particularly for consumer applications.
[1] NICT Press Release: Terahertz wireless makes big strides in paving
the way to technological singularity, February 19, 2019https://www.nict.go.jp/en/press/2019/02/19-1.html[2] NICT Press Release: Successful 300 GHz terahertz wirelesscommunication using ultra-small antenna, January 13, 2021.
https://www.nict.go.jp/press/2021/01/13-1.html

Measurement
technology
Semiconductor /circuit technology

Terahertz wave

Antenna technology
Figure 4.1 Key technologies forhandling terahertz

T1.2 All-optical network (high-capacity optical fiber communication)
1

Technology

This technology concerns optical fiber, which is athin glass fiber. It is possible to transmit a large
amount of data at high speed to another country
thousands of kilometers away. It is widely used for
home

and

corporate

networks,

mobilephone

networks, submarine cables connecting Japan andoverseas, and so on.
2

PurposeAs the number of people who work remotely at homeor enjoy movies and anime through video streaming
services increases, more data is transmitted andreceived over networks, causing data congestion.
For

this

reason,high-capacity

fiber-optic

communications are needed to ensure smooth datatransmission.
55

3

Background

Current

opticalfiber

communication

systems

provide transmission capacity of up to 10 Tbps per
optical fiber [1].
4Requirements

In order to support the ever-increasing volume ofdata in the future, basic networks in the 2030s will
require a transmission capacity of at least 100 Tbps
peropticalfiber,

followedbyatransmission

capacity of at least 1 Pbps.
[1] Report of Study Group on Future Network Infrastructure (Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications)

T1.3 All-optical network (optical and radio convergence technology)
1Technology

This technology is used to distribute large amountsof data generated in wireless sections such as IoT
devices, mobile terminals, and so on, to optical fiber
networks, and large amounts of data processed indata centers and edge servers to wireless sections
via optical fiber networks.

2

PurposeIn daily life, people often move around such as when
exercising and shopping, but expect the quality ofcommunications

not

to

drop.

To

realizeasophisticated cyber-physical society in the future,
it is necessary to utilize high-availability, highflexibility and high-capacity communications while
successfully converging wireless with optical fiber
communications.
3

Background

The ITU-T SG 13 FG-NET-2030 Network 2030
Vision White Paper discusses the need for Tbps
class high-capacity communication as a holographic
society.

4

Requirements

A communication system is needed that enables
high-capacity communication from 100 Gbps toTbps, which is equivalent to 10 to 100 times thecapacity of 5G, with low latency between optical
fiber

communication

sections

andwireless

communication sections in an area for dedicated56moderate range communication (DMRC) of several
tens of kilometers. Additionally, there is a need fora massively integrated device technology for theconvergence of optical and radio waves, to support
the construction of this system.

Figure 4.2 Cyber-physical society based on all-optical network

4.2.2 Ultra-Low Latency and Ultra-Massive Connectivity
T2.1 Edge computing technology
1Technology

This technology uses devices embedded in the cityand computers in the network to provide ICT
services with ultra-low latency and high reliability.

2

PurposeFor example, if a computer that is running a process
to avoid a vehicle accident at a corner is actually
located in the cloud far away via the network, it will
not be able to respond in time. In addition,communication
congestion.

may

be

Furthermore,

delayedby

network

even

when

it

is

convenient, people do not want to leak sensitive
information including bio-information to external
networks or the cloud. Therefore, security is alsoessential.
3

Background

The

European

Telecommunications

Standards

Institute (ETSI) is conducting standardization for57

edge computing by multi-access edge computing(MEC) as well as the regulation of 5G provision.
“Network Vision 2030” presented by the Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications states the
need

for

ultra-lowlatencyandhigh-capacity

communications using edge computing. The White
Paper of 5G Americas proposes the future direction
of

edge

computingarchitecture

includingcollaboration with information-centric networking.
4

Requirements

Ultra-low latency response, trade-off solution for
information integrity, reliability, and security, andscalability to realize network computing in which alarge number of devices connect to and interact
with the network are required.

T2.2 Adaptive wireless network construction technology
1Technology

This technology controls the radio wave type,communication timing, relay path, etc. in order torealizehigh-level

operation

throughthecooperation of radio equipment according to theconditions and requirements.
2

PurposeThis

technologyisindispensableforvariouswireless systems including IoT and mono-centric
systems. It can satisfy the following requirements:
1)

To

improvecommunication

efficiency

byadjusting high-speed transmission and robustness
in response to communication environments. 2) To
enablelow-powertransmission
congestion

operation

andavoiding

collisions

while
by

controllingthelow-delay
andcommunication

timing. 3) To expand communication coverage areas
by exchanging control information between radiosand establishing relay routes autonomously anddispersedly.
3

Background

There

are

standards

such

as

IEEE

802.15.4(physical layer and MAC layer) and IEEE 802.15.10
58

(L2R), which have been standardized by NICT, and
Wi-SUN, which is the world's first certification
standard referring to these standards, has been
established (NICT is a founding member).
4

Requirements

In order to realize Item 2, it is essential to be able
to satisfy requirements beyond the human scope,such as operation for 10 years or more without
battery

replacement,

andautonomous

distributed

realize

very

a

to

be

operation

large

numbercommunications.

Figure 4.3 Intermittent waiting action for saving power

Figure 4.4 Demonstration of low-power operation(left: fishery, right: farming)

59

capable

of

in

to

order
of

radio

Figure 4.5 Application of in-network heterogeneous radio

T2.3 Adaptive wireless network application technology
1Technology

This technology handles session management, timesynchronization, and application interface in ordertorealizeadvancedfunctionsthroughthecooperation of multiple radios according to thesituations and requirements.
2

PurposeThis

technologyisindispensableforvariouswireless systems, including IoT and mono-centric
systems. It can satisfy the following requirements:
1)

Optimize

informationexchangemanagement

andtraffic

considerationofpriorities.

60

bysessionadjustment
2)

inRealizecommunication

betweenradiosvia

wide-area

backbone networks, etc., and perform control tocompensate

for

time

synchronization

betweenradios according to assumed services. 3) Realize an
application interface that visualizes the connectionof a group of radios that establishes communication
andallowsanoperatortoappropriately

andefficiently set up a large number of radios.
3

Background

There are standards such as ECHONET LITE (session
layer or higher) [1].

4Requirements

It is necessary to establish an appropriate userinterface in addition to time synchronization on theapplication to ensure the upper layer operation.

[1] ECHONET Lite, http://www.echonet.gr.jp/spec/

Figure 4.6 App interface for visualizing radio device operation(left: radio devices, right: connection status)

Figure 4.7 Overview of frame consolidation applications

61

T2.4 Autonomous localization, tracking, and reservation technologies
for radio wave radiation space1

Technology

Mobile devices that intend to transmit information
using radio waves calculate the minimum necessary
radio wave emission space by autonomous orcooperative methods with other devices, and, basedon the results, localize the radio wave emission
space and perform tracking control along withmovement.

This

technology

sharesspectrum

resources by predicting the future behavior ofmobile devices and making precise reservations(schedules) for the space and time required to use
radio wave resources.
2

PurposeBy minimizing the physical radio wave emission
space, it is possible to simultaneously increase therobustness against interference (reliability) andsecurity under the ultra-high-density inter-device
communication

environment.

In

addition,byintegrating this technology with the technology forpredicting the movement of devices in cyberspace,it will be possible to secure communication qualityinpreparationforfuturecommunication

congestion.
3

Background

Electronic localization and tracking technology forradio wave emission space has been put into
practical use in mobile phone systems and Wi-Fi
systemsaspassiveor

activebeamforming

technology. It has become a core technology as
massive

MIMO

technology

[1]

in

5G

wireless

communication systems.
4

Requirements

It is necessary to reduce the effective isotropic
radiated

power(EIRP)

of

radio

waves

in

an

unplanned space to a level where information
cannot be restored even by an ultra-high-sensitivity
receiver, and to automatically track objects as they
move (walking-speed level). It is also necessary to62accurately predict the arrival time of devices atfuture destinations and the radio wave propagation
environment at such destinations, so that the
optimal radio wave emission space can be reservedwith microsecond accuracy.
[1] 5G Multi Antenna Technology, NTT DOCOMO Technical Journal Vol.
23 No. 4, Jan. 2016.

T2.5 Autonomous M2M network construction technology with super
multi-connection
1

Technology

This technology autonomously builds machine-tomachine (M2M) networks of ultra-multi-hopping
relays by connecting various ubiquitous social
resources (fixed resources and mobile resources)
inside and outside the building, or a large number ofdevices equipped with them, autonomously (or uponrequest), by passing communication systems that
automatically share information when devices passeach other.

2

PurposeEven in areas where facilities such as base stations
andcommunication infrastructure

operatedbymobile operators are not readily available, or inareas where installation itself is difficult, ultrawideband

delay-tolerant

networkscanbeconfigured in an extremely eco-friendly mannerover a wide range. (This provides a platform forautonomous participatory sensing and networkbuilding objects.)
3

Background

There are multiple communication standards andmethods that allow multiple devices located in thevicinity to autonomously connect to each other. As
an example, in the field of smart meters in Japan,
networks operating with several hundred to one
thousand units have been built, mainly using subgigabyte frequencies [1].
63

4Requirements

It is necessary: 1) to be able to autonomously
discover, secure, and manage ultra-multi-hopping
relay devices related to propagation paths andfrequencies suitable for information propagation inaccordance with environmental conditions, etc., andto have an application programming interface (API)and appropriate user interface for that purpose; 2)
to be able to secure and manage the necessary
resourcestoensureacertain

level

of

time

synchronization and reliability; and 3) to be able toautonomously eliminate information whose value
has already disappeared or information that violates
discipline.
[1] Wireless Mesh Network Technology for Smart Meters, Mitsubishi
Electric Technical Report, Vol. 86, No. 11, 2012.

4.2.3 Wired/Wireless Communication and Network Control Technology
T3.1 Network control technology (zero-touch automation)
1

Technology

This network technology can continuously develop
to meet various service requirements. Specificexamples include technology that automates theprovisioning of E2E (End-to-End) services acrossthe domains of multiple networks of different types,
such as core networks, wireless access networks,
and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), with zerotouch,andtechnology

network
using

operation

AI/ML-based

full-automation
advanced

data

analysis mechanisms.
2

PurposeTechnology required to implement E2E services
across multiple network domains of different types.
For this purpose, E2E services are implemented byprovidingalayeredcross-domain

management

function on top of each network domain.
3

BackgroundThe zero-touch automation framework has been
considered [1] by ETSI's zero-touch network and64

service management (ZSM), a European standards
body. Release 9 of the Open Source MANO (OSM),
which

providesopen

sourcevirtualizationof

network functions on an open source basis, will
support ETSI's zero-touch automation and addressmobile edge computing (MEC) and O-RAN use cases[2].
4

Requirements

For example, when a passenger on a cruise ship in
the Atlantic Ocean wants to watch video content
from a network distribution server in a European
country, the service needs to go through European
groundstations

multipletimes,

connecttoasatellite line once, and then be received through
HAPS or other network domains. In this case, thisservice needs to go through different network
domains, such as terrestrial and non-terrestrial
networks, and service providers need to provide E2E
services through zero-touch automation without
being aware of the differences in the domains.
[1] ETSI GS ZSM ００３ v１．１．１（２０１９－０８） Zero-touch network andService Management (ZSM); End-to-end management andorchestration of network slicing[2] ETSI – OpenSource MANO Release NINE fulfils ETSI's zero-touchautomation vision, ready for MEC and O-RAN use cases

T3.2 Frequency allocation and sharing management
1

Technology

This technology allocates frequencies to mobile
operators, as well as enables sharing and dynamic
allocation among multiple parties, in line with thediversification of communication applications andthe use of high-frequency bands.

2

PurposeBeyond

5G/6G

requiresdynamic operationofspectrum sharing using databases and autonomous
operation using new radio access methods inaddition to the existing spectrum sharing methods
in which mobile operators occupy frequency bands
65

for 4G or a company holds a license for local 5G, inorder to increase the spectrum utilization per
bandwidth by shortening the time to start theoperation of the dynamically allocated spectrum.
3

Background

In Japan, in addition to the bands allocated formobile operators, shared bands are allocated for
local 5G operators [1]. For Beyond 5G/6G, many
experts have suggested that users should be able
to acquire the necessary frequencies by spectrum
sharing [2].

4RequirementsItisnecessarytodevelopsoftware(broker/middleware) that automatically acquires
the spectrum resources required for users, visualize
spectrum operation, and allocate resources by
calculating the radio interference with simulators
utilizing dynamic database, block chain, and digitaltwin technologies.
[1] https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000711788.pdf[2]https://www.6gworld.com/videos/spectrum-sharing-in-6g6gsymposium/

T3.3 Private wireless system management (local Beyond 5G)
1

Technology

The

local

5G

advanced

5G

is

a

uniquetechnology

forJapanese-system
privatewireless

systems. It is also expected that the functions canbe customized according to local needs.
2

PurposeThe

systemoffersbothstabilityandconfidentiality. It is also expected to be used inindustrial and regional applications such as plant
automation systems and disaster prevention andreductionsystems

through

infrastructure

monitoring.
3

Background

In Japan, 4.6–4.9 GHz and 28.2–29.1 GHz havebeen allocated and their deployment has started[1]. Other countries, such as Germany, have similar
66systems.
4

Requirements

Even at present, it is necessary to coordinate theoperation with local 5G networks operated by othercompanies in the neighborhood. In the future, it will
be important to create a system that assumes thecooperation with the public network and a wide
range of local 5G. It will also be important to utilize
other technologies, such as CPS, in order to createasystemthat

maintainscustomizability

andconfidentiality while avoiding interference. One of
the technologies to further enhance the local 5G isfull-duplex

wireless

communication,which

operates both uplink and downlink at the same timeand at the same frequency, and it is theoreticallypossible to double the communication capacity
compared with conventional FDD and TDD, socalled half-duplex communication. However, whentransmitting and receiving at the same time and at
the same frequency, its own strong transmission
signal flows around the receiving circuit as selfinterference, resulting in the strong interferenceof weak received signals. In addition, inter-cellinterference with the base stations and terminals
of other cells also increases. Therefore, it isnecessary to properly incorporate interference
detection and control technology. Since local 5G is
expected to be used in various cases based on spot
operations, it is considered that an environment
exists in which full duplex can be easily applied.
[1] Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Guidelines for
Introduction to Local 5G, latest revision in December 2020.
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000722596.pdf

67Figure 4.8 Private wireless system management (local 5G)

T3.4 Advanced wireless emulation
1

Technology

This technology enables highly accurate evaluationofnewtechnology

andlarge-scale

systemverification to be conducted in a short time and at alow cost by simulating the radio wave propagation
between wireless devices based on the assumed
scenario of users in a virtual space. Three major
elemental technologies are required to realize
advanced wireless emulation. The first is a modelingtechnology for radio wave propagation and a realenvironment. The environment to be constructed ina virtual space is precisely modeled in 3D, and a
radio

wave

propagation

model

to

accurately

reproduce

radio

wave

environmentisdeveloped.

The

secondisradiosystemtoverifyradio

simulated

communication
cyberspace.

using

a

Therefore,

propagation

virtual
in

in

that

environment

order

to

a
in

perform

evaluation and verification using an actual wirelessdevice existing in the physical space, a technology
for converting the analog signals of wirelesscommunication into digital signals is required. In
order

to

verifyanadvanced

6G

wireless

communication system, it is also necessary todevelop an implementation technology that enables
the operation of 5G, IEEE 802.11ax, and othercutting-edge systems. The third is the virtual68environment verification platform, which literally
becomes the heart of radio wave emulation. In thelarge-scale
platform,

virtualwhich

environmentisaverification

large-scalecomputerenvironment, an externally connected radio and aradio virtually mounted on the platform, refer to theactual radio wave propagation models. The resultsof the interaction are output in real time.
2

PurposeIt is difficult, both financially and physically, toconduct

field

tests

on

new

technologies

foreffectively using frequencies and tests on largescale systems with several thousand units. The useof an advanced wireless emulator enables highly
reproducible

evaluations

andverifications

invarious environments.
3

BackgroundA representative example of this is the SC2 project[1] of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA), which set multiple scenarios inline with the real world and held spectrum sharing
technology competitions. In Japan, an ongoingproject

led

by

NICT

on

the

researchanddevelopment of a wireless emulator that realizes
advancedwireless

emulationisunderway.

In

addition to the development of the three elemental
technologies described in Item 1, we are also
developingaverification

environment

that

interconnects virtual radios and actual radios built
in a virtual environment. If it is realized, large-scaleverifications of more than 1,000 devices will bepossible. Implementation of basic functions related
to the calculation and analysis of radio wave
propagation has been completed. At the 2021
Symposium on Utilization of Wireless Emulators [2],a demonstration was presented that visualizes radio
wave

propagation

environments.
69

in

ITS

and

smart

office4

Requirements

Quasi real-time emulation to set mobile routes
duringrunning

scenarios,

large-scale

systemverification capability of 10,000 units, radio wave
emission pattern emulation of beamforming, and
400 MHz band signal processing assuming Beyond
5G/6G.
[1]

DARPA,“Spectrum

Collaboration

Challenge(SC2),”

https://archive.darpa.mil/SC2/[2] Symposium on Utilization of Wireless Emulator, https://pcoprime.com/cps_promo/

Figure 4.9 Advanced radio wave emulation

Figure 4.11 Visualization of

Figure 4.10 Overview of wirelesswireless communication status

emulation in large-scale virtual

through wireless emulation

environment verification704.2.4 Multi-Layering of Wireless Systems – NTN
T4.1 Satellite and non-terrestrial communication platforms
1

Technology

This technology enables wireless communication
systems to seamlessly connect from the ground tomobility, high-altitude platform station (HAPS),
satellites,

anddeep-spaceprobesinthreedimensions.
2

PurposeBy making it possible to communicate with all areas,
people will be able to use various communications
in a future society where the environment will be
continuously changing.

3

Background

Satellite communications are increasing in capacity(high-throughput

satellites),

flexible

digitalized,

low-latency(low-Earth-orbit

and

and

satellites) [1], development of HAPS is accelerating[2]. The standardization of non-terrestrial networks(NTN) is advancing in 3GPP [3], [4].
4Requirements

For

practical

use,wireless

communicationequipment on each platform needs high-speed,large-capacity, hybrid of radio waves and light,
flexibility and digitalization to seamlessly connect
non-uniform

systems,

reduction, andminiaturization

and

cost

3D spectrum sharing toallow

multiple vertical platforms to share radio waves. In
addition, it is necessary to allocate frequencies sothat the platforms do not interfere with each other,and at the same time, the platforms can cooperatewith each other. It is also required to have functions
for improving three-dimensional spectrum sharing
and frequency utilization efficiency.
[1] Rep. ITU-R M.2460-0[2] https://hapsalliance.org/[3] https://www.3gpp.org/release-17[4] https://www.3gpp.org/release18

71

Figure 4.12 Satellite and non-terrestrial
communication platforms and their requirements

T4.2 Optical satellite communications
1

Technology

This technology provides high-capacity wirelesscommunication using light (laser) in space,aiming for ultra-high speed, low latency, andbroadband communication.

2

PurposeWhile the amount of data generated by Earthobservation satellites is increasing, there is alimit to high-speed communication in the radio72frequency band. High-speed optical wirelesstechnology is powerful for large-capacity imagetransferandlong-distancedatacommunications.
3

Background

Optical communications of 1.8 Gbps [1] forinter-satellite

opticalcommunications

using

geostationary satellites, 5.5 Gbps [2] for intersatellite optical communications using low earth
orbit satellites, and 5.12 Gbps [3] for ground-tosatellite optical communications have been
demonstrated in space. The Government ofJapan announced its R&D efforts for satellite
communications, which are expected to include
the construction of small satellite constellation
networks and economic security [4].
4Requirements

In optical communications, the beam is sharp, so
opticalcommunication

capture/tracking

devices

capture/tracking/directional
required.

For

devicespractical

and
with

functionsareapplication,communication speeds of 10–50 Gbps class,which is an order of magnitude higher than thepresent level, and communication technology
connecting multiple different networks are also
required.
[1] https://www.satnavi.jaxa.jp/project/lucas/[2] https://earth.esa.int/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/t/terrasar-x,
http://satcom.jp/44/reportj2.pdf[3] https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=8357402[4]https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/101_kishida/actions/202112/28space.html

73

Figure 4.13 Use of optical satellite communications

T4.3 Maritime communications
1

Technology

This technology provides M2M data transmission
and high-speed, high-capacity networks to ships on
the ocean.

2

PurposeThe sharing of high-speed and high-capacity dataover the ocean and land is effective for automatednavigation, efficient useofmarine resources,

maritime security, and onboard broadband.
3

Background

Several tens of Mbps are provided in the global
service,

but

the

size

of

the

communicationequipment and cost are obstacles due to therestrictions on installation locations [1].
4RequirementsAhigh-speed,

low-cost,

small-sizedbroadbandcommunication system is needed across the globe,
including the Arctic region, with a view to future
unmanned operations.
[1] Toward the Spread of High-Speed Communications at Sea (Final
Report), Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, MLIT,
MAFF, March 2018.

74

Figure 4.14 Image of maritime communications

T4.4 Underwater and submarine communications
1

Technology

This technology provides communication under thesea where it is difficult to use radio waves.
Conventional communication using sound waves has
problems with slow communication speeds andlarge propagation delays. However, the use of radio
waves

enableshigh-speed

andlow-delay

communication.
2

PurposeFor

bridgemaintenance,

exploration,etc.,

technology

is

IoT

fishery,

wirelessnecessaryseabedcommunication
tocomplement

communication that is difficult with sound and light.
3

Background

The Aqua Local Area Network (ALAN) consortium
has

been

established,andunderwatercommunication using visible light in particular is
drawing

attentioncommunications,[1].

wirelessIn
power

additiontotransmission

technology is also being developed for powering
underwater robots.
4

Requirements

Higher speeds of several Mbps or more, longer
75

distances of several tens of meters, and smaller andlighter antennas are required for mounting on ships
and underwater robots, taking into consideration
the water resistance. It is also necessary to use
communication technology from the ice to the sea
in order to control robots that survey under the ice,such as at the North Pole.
[1] https://www.trimatiz.com/jp/consortium/alan.html

T4.5 Cooperative control of multi-layered networks
1

Technology

This

technology

links

deep-spaceprobes,geostationary satellites, low earth orbit satellites,
HAPS, aircraft, drones, ships, ground stations,
Beyond 5G/6G, etc. in a multi-layered and organic
manner, and flexibly controls the platform andnetwork connection used according to the service.
2

PurposeIt is possible to build a system that avoids
communication interruptions anywhere, such as
aircraft, ships, remote islands, deserts, mountains,
planets, etc., in response to user requests such as
for Internet use, remote information collection,
remotecontrol,countermeasures,

emergency
andinfectious

disasterdiseasecountermeasures (remote work, etc.).
3

Background

Regarding satellite 5G collaboration, the SATis5
Project [1] of the European Space Agency (ESA)
and the SAT5G Project [2] of the European Union
have been implemented. In 3GPP, the specificationof a resource management scheme for 5G nonterrestrial networks (NTN) has been considered [3].
In Beyond 5G/6G technology, the study of further
integration and fusion of NTN and terrestrial
systems has begun [4]. In Japan, a subcommittee of
the Space ICT Promotion Forum [5] is studying newuse cases for collaboration between satellites and76

Beyond 5G/6G, and a Japan-Europe partnershipproject has begun [6].
4Requirements

Standardization of each platform and developmentof infrastructure for integrated network systems(such as satellite-ground resource management
functions) are required.

[1] https://artes.esa.int/projects/satis5-0[2] https://www.sat5g-project.eu/[3] https://www.3gpp.org/release-17[4] https://www.3gpp.org/release18[５] https://spif.nict.go.jp/[6] https://www2.nict.go.jp/spacelab/en/pj_stit.html

Figure 4.15 Cooperative control of multi-layered networks

4.2.5 Space-Time Synchronization
T5.1 Wireless space-time synchronization
1

Technology

This technology provides time synchronization andmutual positioning by
remoteprecision

devices

tospace-time
77

wirelesswork

technology

cooperatively.

synchronization

for

High-

can

be

realized easily and inexpensively by incorporating
advanced technologies used to compare Japan
Standard Time (JST) with Coordinated Universal
Time (UTC) into wireless communication devices.
2

PurposeFor

example,byapplying

space-timesynchronization to a 3D printer, it is possible tocreate shapes of any size without being constrainedby the size of the frame, and it is also possible toquickly create shapes by linking multiple robots. In
addition, cost-effective, easy-to-use and robust
space-time synchronization technology is essential
for the diversification of computing resources.
3

Background

The 5G Technical Specification (3GPP TS v. 18)
requires time synchronization with a low delay ofless than 1 ms and jitter of less than 1 microsecond
from end to end for multi-robot collaboration. As apositioning technology, GNSS (GPS, etc.), beacons,
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth technology, etc. are combined tomeasuretheposition,

and

the

positionmeasurement accuracy of 20 cm is required at thehighest service level (see the 3GPP document
mentioned above).
4

Requirements

Case 1) Inventory in warehouse/indoor robot
coordination:・Time synchronization accuracy 1 microsecond,
communication delay (end to end) < 1 millisecond,
position measurement accuracy 1 cm
Case 2) Vertical traffic control:・Time synchronization accuracy 1 microsecond,
communication delay (end to end) < 1 millisecond,
position measurement accuracy 5 m

78

Figure 4.16 Space-time synchronized 3D printerT5.2 Chip-scale atomic clock
1

Technology

This technology provides a super stable clock signalthat does not deviate in frequency. The clock is an
important piece of equipment that controls theoperation of onboard equipment. However, thecontrol is only applied to the installed equipment
because traditional clocks vary depending on theenvironment in which they are used. By stabilizing
the clock to the atomic frequency standard, it ispossible to synchronize and control the clocks of alldevices in a single synchronization.

2

Purpose

The

age

of

cloud

computingandreal-timeprocessing of huge amounts of computation bymultiple computers will come. By synchronizing andtuning the clock, it will be possible to use an infinite
number of machines as if using a desktop PC. This
will extend to distributed avatars and connectedcars.
3

Background

Microwave atomic clocks of several centimeterssquare are sold as modules mainly in Europe andAmerica [1]. In Japan, similar atomic clock modules
have been developed under the leadership of AIST[2]. On the other hand, in the case of the clocks thatare several centimeters square, the market is smallother than for dual use, and it is not easy to promotesocial implementation in Japan. In the next phase of
R&D,ascenario
79

isneededforfurtherminiaturization

andlow-power-consumption

expansion.
4

Requirements⚫ Edge computing: size < 5 cc, power consumption< several hundred mW⚫ Personal device: size < 1 cc, power consumption< several mW[1] R. Lutwak et al., The MAC-a Miniature Atomic Clock, in Proc.
IFCS2005, p. 752.
[2] H. Zhang et al., ULPAC: A Miniaturized Ultralow-Power Atomic Clock,IEEE JSSC, 54(11), 2019, p. 3135.

T5.3 Generating and sharing technology for reference time1

Technology

This

technology

createsandsharesahighlydisaster-resistant virtual standard time by using alarge number of clocks in a local network. It
provides efficient intra-regional communications. At
the same time, network participants can easily
synchronize with absolute time such as standard
time or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) by relying
on this shared time.
2

PurposeNext-generation data exchange requires flexibility
to achieve both 1) high-speed and high-precision
relative time differences over short distances, suchas for automatic driving, and 2) absolute timestamps between servers around the world. In
information systems, clock management is required
to accommodate these requirements.

3

Background

With the emergence of local 5G, the concept of a
local standard time is being recognized, and in the
future, ways to create and share it will be discussed
and developed. On the other hand, the developmentof an optical frequency standard with high accuracyisadvancing

universities

in

metrology

in

Japan

research

and

labs

and

overseas.

Bycommercializing this product, it is possible tomaintain synchronization with absolute time for a80considerable period of time in an isolated state, andto maintain the availability of clock management.
4

Requirements

High-speed and highly efficient data exchange inlocal networks requires relative time accuracy at thepicosecond level. Data exchange based on universal
time stamps requires absolute time accuracy at the
microsecond level.

4.2.6 Ultra-Security and Reliability
T6.1 Emerging security technologies
1

Technology

This

technology

createsBeyond

5G/6G

infrastructure and new services with security.
2

PurposeIn a society where Beyond 5G/6G has been realized,
various data in real space will be sent to cyberspacein real time, and control in the real space will be
performed based on the results analyzed in the
cyber

space

(e.g.,

self-driving,

digitaltwins).

Integrated security from the hardware layer to thesoftware layer is important as infrastructure. In
addition, technologies are required to identify
security issues and use them safely and securely for
new technologies and services provided on thisinfrastructure.
3

Background

5G

security

is

being

discussedbyvariousorganizations, including the 3GPP Security Working
Group (SAWG3) and the National Institute ofStandards and Technology (NIST) NCCoE Project.
However, the definition of Beyond 5G/6G has notbeen established and will be discussed in the
future. In the area of IoT security, R&D on supply
chain risk management measures is underway in the
Cross-miniature

Strategic

Innovation

Promotion

Program (SIP) project.
4

Requirements

Hardware (sensors, drones, satellites, etc.) security
technology(anti-tamper

technology,

hardwaretrojan detection technology, measurement and81

controlsecuritytechnology,etc.).

Securitytechnologies for real data processing software andclouds(vulnerability

technologies,

detection,

adversarial

data-protection

attackresistantAI

technologies, DoS attack protection technologies,etc.).

Beyond

5G/6G

infrastructure

securitytechnology, and security technologies for new
technologies
unmannedandservicesdelivery,

XR,(automatedsatellite

anddriving,
HAPS

communications, etc.) are required.
T6.2 Cyber security technologies based on real attack data
1

Technology

This

technology

providesobservation

andincreasingly

diverselarge-scalevisualization
andtoattackrespondsophisticatedtocyber-

attacks, and cross analyzes large-scale aggregatedinformation to derive countermeasures.
2

PurposeIn a society where Beyond 5G/6G has been realized,a huge number of devices will be connected to eachother with ultra-high speed, low latency, and large
capacity. In other words, with the increasing numberof devices subject to attack, if an attacker takes
over many devices, a large-scale attack becomes
possible. Therefore, technology for real-time, largescale observation and analysis of attacks andautomatic countermeasures is necessary for the
stable use of Beyond 5G/6G.

3

Background

The Center for Applied Internet Data Analysis(CAIDA) in the U.S. and NICT have constructed oneof the largest darknet monitoring systems in the
world

for

monitoring

worldwide

indiscriminate

attacks. While R&D is actively being conductedaround the world on the integration of cybersecurity and AI, there are technical challenges toautomation, including countermeasures, and easeof interpreting the output of AI.
82

4

Requirements

Technology
including
attacks,

toobservediversecyber-attacks,

indiscriminate

attacks

andvisualization

situationfromtechnology

observed

totargeted
grasp

information,

the
and

technology to analyze vast amounts of observation
data in real time using AI technology and derive
automated countermeasures.
T6.3 Quantum cryptography
1Technology

This technology is an encryption method that uses
a shared secret key to encrypt and transmit datausing the properties of quantum mechanics. It is
possible to attain information-theoretic security
that in principle cannot be deciphered by any
computer, including a quantum computer. This is themost secure cipher known today.

2

PurposeIn

thenetwork

information

of

will

Beyond

5G/6G,

increasinglybeimportantplacedincyberspace. Quantum cryptography can protect
national

secrets

information

and

that

security.

It

canprotect

requiresultra-long-term

confidentiality in fields such as medicine, finance,
infrastructure, and smart manufacturing.
3

BackgroundResearchanddevelopment,

standardization,
countries

etc.

around

are

the

field

verification,

advancingworld,

inandvariouspractical

application is starting. Japan has achieved theworld’slongestoperationofaquantum

cryptography network testbed and the world’s firstsuccessful fundamental experiment on quantum
communications
addition,

using

Japaneseultra-small

companies

satellites.

have

begun

In
to

commercialize quantum cryptography devices.
4

Requirements

Quantum key distribution (QKD) to share private
keys,

QKD

satellites,

networking,
as

well
83

as

QKD
the

using

artificial

establishmentofstandardization,

evaluation,andcertification

systems for actual commercialization are necessary.
It is also important to develop technologies for theentire security system using quantum cryptography,
such as the quantum secure cloud technology
originally developed in Japan.
T6.4 Electromagnetic environmental technology
1Technology

This

technology

maintainselectromagnetic

compatibility (EMC) whereby wireless devices andthe electrical and electronic devices around themcan coexist without interfering with each other. In
addition, this technology evaluates the amount ofradio waves emitted from wireless devices andelectricalandelectronicequipment

that

are

absorbed by the human body (exposure), thereby
creating an environment in which radio waves canbe used to the maximum without affecting health.
This

includesinstruments

the

and

development

high-precision,ofmeasuringhigh-reliability

radio wave measurement technology to realize
these goals.
2

PurposeThis is necessary for safe and secure radio wave
usage and for maintaining EMC.

3

Background

Regarding electromagnetic noise generated fromelectrical and electronic equipment, the industry is
conducting self-regulation (VCCI Council) with the
expectation of using frequencies up to 6 GHz. In theradio frequency radiation protection guideline ofJapan, frequencies up to 300 GHz are assumed to
be used. There is currently no limit on using theterahertz band.

4

Requirements

Technologies are required to reduce the impact ofradio noise generated from electrical and electronicequipmentonadvancedwireless

devices,toappropriately evaluate such impact, to accurately
84

evaluate real-time and fluctuating exposure indiverse radio wave applications, and to accurately
evaluate exposure in the millimeter and terahertz
bands in order to extend the adaptive frequency
range of the radio frequency radiation protection
guideline up to the terahertz band. As basic
technologies for these, it is necessary to establish
laws and standards for measuring instruments in theterahertz band, as well as for primary standards,
measuring methods, and evaluation methods.
T6.5 Resilient ICT
1

Technology

This technology provides temporary and continuous
use of communication infrastructure (network, data
observation, and analysis, etc.) even when theenvironment changes rapidly due to various failuresand disasters.

2

PurposeAn emergency network infrastructure is required inorder to carry out recovery work by sending in agroup of robots where human entry has become
difficult due to a disaster. At the same time, network
infrastructurethat

continuously

supports

theobservation and analysis of natural environmental
data and the distribution of local information isnecessary to ensure security and safety at any timeand anywhere.
3

Background

The ITU-T Technical Report [1] describes resilience
as one of the requirements for future networks. In
addition, Japan’s 6th Basic Plan for Science,
Technology and Innovation states that in order toreduce risks due to sudden changes such as natural
disasters,theGovernment

will

focus

on

strengthening resilience by using cutting-edge ICT
in such areas as observation and prediction ofnatural disasters and emergency response.
4

Requirements

As an emergency information-sharing platform, we85

aim to realize the communication requirements(end-to-end (E2E) delay of 0.1 ms or less) required
for remote control of a robot group at the spaceratio and time ratio of 99.99% or more, and as acontinuous information-sharing platform, we aim torealize an area coverage ratio and availability of
99.99% or more.
[1] FG NET-2030 Sub-G1, Representative use cases and key network
requirements for Network 2030, Jan. 2020.

T6.6 Sensing
１

Technology

This technology measures all types of phenomena inphysical space (people, things, environment, andtheir conditions).

２

PurposeIn the world of Beyond 5G/6G, every event inphysical space is projected into cyberspace, and thesolutions found in cyberspace drive the events inphysicalspace.

incorporate

Sensing

events

in

makes

it

physicalpossible
space

to
into

cyberspace.
３

BackgroundIn addition to conventional sensing technology(such as radar lidar), which uses electromagnetic
waves of various frequencies according to the
purpose, research and development is also being
conducted on passive sensing technology, whichuses radio waves for specific purposes such ascommunications

andbroadcasting.

Inaddition,

research and development on the use of terahertz
waves for sensing, which has been expanding in use
in recent years, is also active.
４

Requirements

The safe use of autonomous driving and drones
requires not only high-precision positioning but also
high-precision
specific

environmental

areas.

Also

measurements

requiredisintechnology

development for passive sensing, which uses radio
waves in various frequency bands as a by-product,86

including

high-frequency

bands,

whichareincreasingly used in communications.
It is also necessary to develop technologies formeasuring indoors and other closed spaces whereradio waves are reflected, technologies for using AI
foradvanced

identification

andrecognition,technologies for using large numbers of small, lowcost sensors, and technologies for communicating
and compressing large volumes of sensed data.
4.2.7 Ultra-Realistic and Innovative Applications
T7.1 Brain information reading, visualization, and BMI technologies
1

Technology

This

technology

providescontrols

non-verbal

variousdevices

communication

and(emotion,

intelligibility, skills) by reading and analyzing brain
information

using

non-invasiveor

low-invasive

methods.
2

PurposeIn addition to mutual understanding among diverse
people with different cultures and values, extralinguistic communication and brain-based device
control facilitate social participation by the elderly
and disabled people.

3

BackgroundThe social development of BMI systems using
invasive and non-invasive methods is starting bothin Japan and overseas, particularly for medical
applications. However, both methods have issues interms of sensors, miniaturization, decoding, andwireless communication technologies, and further
advancement of each basic technology is expected[1].

4Requirements

Wireless

communication

requires

of

brain

ultra-high-speed

communication,

ultra-lowlatency,

information
broadband
ultra-large

number of simultaneous connections, ultra-low
power consumption, ultra-security/reliability, andexpandability.
87[1] Igaku-no-ayumi “Special Issue on Brain Machine Interface (BMI),”Rynsho-oyo-no-tenbo, in Japanese, 275(13), (2020)

T7.2

Intuitionmeasurement,

communication,andassurancetechnologies
1

Technology

This

technology measuresduring

work

in

the

discomfort felt

cyberspace,

such

as

teleconferencing and remote control, from biosignals including brain information to maintain theintuition of users.
2

PurposeIn cyberspace work such as teleconferencing andremote control, which are rapidly spreading due tothe Covid-19 pandemic, the workload on the brain ishigh,unliketechnology

inphysicalspace.

Therefore,that

enables

intuitive

work

in

proposedforcyberspace is necessary.
3

Background

Human-centricvaluecreationis

5G/6G [1], but if intuition can be dynamicallycontrolled at the cognitive level of the brain,
teleconferencing and teleworking with a smaller
load on the brain will become possible.
4

Requirements

In order to maintain intuition, including at theunconscious level, it is necessary to construct a
brain model that estimates intuition from biologicalsignals such as brain information, and to perform
dynamic delay and jitter control based on biologicalsignal feedback in wired and wireless integrated
networks.

[1] 6G Flagship: Key Drivers and Research Challenges for 6G Ubiquitous
Wireless Intelligence, University of Oulu (2019).

88Figure 4.17 Intuition measurement,
communication, and assurance technologies

T7.3 Real 3D avatars, multisensory communication, and XR technology
1Technology

This

technology

providesanultra-reality

communication that enables real and natural remote
XR interaction by instantaneously creating a 3D
model

of

transmitting

the
and

body

and

environment

reproducing

it

along

and
with

multisensory information (visual, auditory, tactile,
olfactory, etc.).
2

PurposeUltra-reality communication technology will enableremote communication that transcends space, time,and physical barriers, and will contribute to therealization of a super-aged society in which laborproductivity

andrichness

of

the

mind

are

dramatically improved.
3

BackgroundIn the post-Covid-19 society, there is a demand forthedevelopment
89

andrealizationofavatars,

multisensory communication, and XR technologies
for various purposes such as remote medical care,nursing care, education and collaboration [1].
4Requirements

Ultra-reality communication technologies such as
3D avatars, multisensory communications, and XR
that guarantee a quality of experience (QoE)
equivalent to the real world are required for various
tasks performed remotely by humans.

[1] Research on service contents using VR/AR technologies (Mitsubishi
Research Institute, 2018, entrusted by MIC)

Figure 4.18 Ultra-reality communicationtranscending space, time, and physical barriers

T7.4 AI analysis and dialogue technology using linguistic and extralinguistic information
1

Technology

This

technology

analyzesandorganizes

large

amounts of information and knowledge on theInternet. It also helps users expand and refine theirworld view, through various forms of multi-modal
dialogues

using

linguistic

andextra-linguistic

information, based on the results of analyzing90

information and knowledge on the Internet.
2

PurposeIn the midst of a serious shortage of humanresources due to the aging of society and a
declining birthrate, this technology is necessary to
make the most of each individual’s abilities. In
particular, it is essential for elderly care, R&D,
education, and other areas facing serious humanresource shortages.

3

Background

Although AI speakers are increasingly used byordinary households and the accuracy of machinereading technologies is now exceeding that ofhumans, there is no technology that covers all
aspects of dialogue and no methodology that can
expand and refine the user’s perception of theworld through dialogue.

4

Requirements

When individual users request the analysis of alarge amount of data on the Internet, in order toavoid third parties obtaining the analysis results,
the data needs to be analyzed on the users’
devices. As such, this technology requires a network
capable of transferring in real time large amounts ofunanalyzed data.

T7.５ Edge AI behavioral support
１

Technology

This technology integrates edge computing and AI
to enable machine learning and inference based onhigh-capacity, low-latency, and ultra-diverse data in
IoT devices in the edge environment. Edge AI hasvarious functions, from learning and inference inthe cloud and edge, to using it only in the edge
environment. Edge AI is expected to evolve theInternet of Things into the Internet of Intelligent
Things.

２

PurposeCurrent AI, especially machine learning, is supposed
to be used in the cloud with sufficient computing
resourcesand91

storage.

However,

since

it

is

practically difficult to send a large amount ofprivate information from a user's IoT device to thecloud, it will be possible to build a machine learningmodel on the edge side using a huge data stream.
Examplesofalternative

applications

includecooperative automatic driving, support for actions insmart spaces(smart cities, homes, campuses,

offices, hospitals, etc.), environmental monitoringwith the combination of a wide variety of sensors,
bidirectional interaction between real and virtual,human-robot collaboration, and so on.
３

BackgroundAI is broadly divided into “AI on edge” and “AI foredge.” In the former, R&D is being carried out on
resource-saving, communication-saving, and lowlatency machine learning methods (associative
learning, decentralized learning, model division
learning, and distributed reinforcement learning)
suitable for edge environments. In the latter, R&D isactively being carried out on the optimization of
network configuration and resource allocation inedge

environments.

Inaddition,international

standardization such as IEEE 3652.1-2020 and ETSIISG MEC is also being carried out.
４

Requirements

Since users' IoT devices are highly autonomous inedge environments, edge AI needs to optimize
machinelearning processing according totheavailability of opportunistic resources based on the
network

conditions,

resources

availableonconnected devices, and application requirements. It
is alsonecessary todeveloptechnologies

toimprove recognition and prediction performance by
combining ultra-diverse data streams, and real-timeand secure distributed learning technologies. In
addition, thelearning

dynamic deployment of machinemodelstovariousdevicesinedge

environments and the technology to support actions
92

that are optimized according to the situation byusing digital twins and simulation is required.
T7.6 Simultaneous multi-lingual interpretation, paraphrasing, andsummarization technologies
1

Technology

This

technology

languages

toconverts

assistbetweendifferent

communication

betweenJapanese and foreigners with good time efficiency.
To enable this, the context and extra-linguistic
information are also referred to, and intra-language
conversion is included.
2

PurposeJapaneseandnon-Japanese

can

live

and

do

business in normal times without stress, andJapanese and non-Japanese can co-exist withoutbarriers even in emergencies such as disasters.
3

BackgroundIn this field, NICT is in competition with GAFA
(Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple) and BATH
(Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent, Huawei), but NICT isdominant thanks to a public-based framework
represented by translation banks [1].

4Requirements

Hardwareandnetworks

thatenableparallelexecution of single-device learning and cloudbased learning with low latency will enable ultraprecise model learning tailored to individual users
for the first time.

93[1] Global Communication Plan 2025 (Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications, March 31, 2020)

Figure 4.19 Secure remote simultaneous interpretation

T7.7 Automated driving
1

Technology

This

technology

automatesthemovementofvehicles (mobility) in various fields such as cars andtrucks used for the transportation of people andgoods,

industry

andagriculture,

robotsthatcompensate for the labor shortage at medical sites,
and wheelchairs that help the movement of thedisabled and the elderly.
2

Purpose

We will be able to realize a vibrant and bright society
by creating a safe and secure traffic environment
free from accidents, eliminating labor shortages anddeclining productivity due to the aging population
and

low

birth

rate,

and

encouraging

theparticipation and independence of the disabled andthe elderly who are worried about mobility.
3

Background

Efforts to realize autonomous driving are being
made

in

various94

fieldsoftransportation,communication, and industry [1].
4RequirementsItisessential

toconstructanultra-precise

environmental map to check the moving space, toavoid obstacles and prevent collisions, to takemeasures against sensor abnormalities caused bysolar

activity,toremotelymonitoremergency

measures including local weather conditions suchas wind and rain. and to develop distributed sensor
technologies such as roadside infrastructure. To
realize these technologies, cooperation between
vehicles and networks, large-capacity information
communication (over several tens of Gbps), andreal-time communication technology (1 ms or lessdelay) are required.
[1] Regarding future initiatives of MLIT towards realization of automatic
driving, initiatives of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
towards 5G and ITS/automatic driving towards 2020, etc., “Initiatives
Report and Policies towards Realization of Automatic Driving” Version 4.0,
Autonomous Driving Business Study Group.

T7.8 Drones
1

Technology

This technology is based on an unmanned aircraftthat can fly through the sky freely, from inside tooutside the area of visual observation, using an
automatic control program. It is also known as aflying smartphone and flying IoT, making it possible
to network three-dimensional spaces that have notbeen used before. It is also called the “Industrial
Revolution in the Sky,” but in the future thetechnology will be developed into flying cars that
constitute a “Mobile Revolution in the Sky.”

2

PurposeDramatically

improves

theefficiencyofinfrastructure management, aerial photography,
logistics,

observation,

disaster/distresscommunication, etc. In addition, it can reduce95energy consumption and human involvement in allsocialactivities,

realization

of

which

an

is

necessary

ecosystemforthroughtheenergyconservation and a new society resistant to virus
infections.
3

BackgroundThe government has led the formulation of the
Roadmap for the Industrial Revolution in the Sky,
which is updated every year. The government andthe private sector jointly revise the system anddevelop technologies to realize safe unobserved
flight. In the area of technology development, R&D
projects led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications and the Ministry of Economy, TradeandIndustry(New

EnergyandIndustrial

Technology Development Organization) are being
promoted. In the area of institutional reform,
revisions to the Civil Aeronautics Act and the RadioAct are being implemented one after another.
Europe, the United States, China, South Korea, andother countries are conducting their own R&D. The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), theInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), andthe International Organization for Standardization(ISO) have also been promoting the standardizationofcommunications

andairframesafetytechnologies.
4

Requirements

Highlyreliablecommunications
operation

of

and
that

drones,low-cost

supportthespectrum

wirelesssafe

flightsharingandfrequency expansion technology for this purpose,technology for preventing sensor abnormalities
associated

with

solar

activity,technology

formonitoring local weather conditions such as wind
and

rain,

and

collaborationandfusionwithterrestrial, space, and HAPS networks are required.

96

4.3 R&D Roadmap
Chapter 4 presents a separate roadmap for each of the key
technologies. Table 4.9 summarizes these roadmaps, focusing on themost representative of each field. It also shows the estimated timing of
the four scenarios depicted in Chapter 3.

Table 4.2: R&D Roadmap

97Chapter 5: R&D Open Platform
5.1 Beyond 5G Shared R&D Testbed
In response to the recommendations of the Council on Beyond 5G
Promotion Strategies, the NICT, which specializes in R&D in the field of
information and communications, is promoting the development of
Beyond 5G shared research facilities and equipment as an environmentfor R&D and the demonstration of technologies that realize ultra-highspeed, ultra-large capacity, ultra-low delay, ultra-massive connectivity,and low power consumption, which are the core of Beyond 5G
technologies. This facility consists of three pillars: “Environment forDevelopment of Basic Technology for Beyond 5G,” “Equipment forDevelopment of Ultra-High-Speed Optical Communication Technology to
Support Beyond 5G,” and “Highly Reliable, Highly Plastic Beyond 5G/IoT
Testbed” (Fig. 5.1).
The Beyond 5G Transmission Technology Development Environment isaimed at promoting R&D on transmission technology that also utilizes
ultra-high-frequency bands waves such as terahertz waves, which arestrongly expected to be used in Beyond 5G. It consists of an environment
for developing Beyond 5G transmission technology, consisting of a device
fabrication system and a device characteristic evaluation system, and an
anechoic chamber for terahertz band for measuring and evaluating
antenna and transceiver characteristics.
“The

Ultra-High-Speed

OpticalCommunication

Technology

Development Facility to Support Beyond 5G” promotes research anddevelopment on ultra-high-speed optical communication technology tosupportultra-high-speed

communicationofBeyondand5G.

large-capacityIt

includes

wired
a

and

facility

wireless

capableofdemonstrating transmission through actual optical fibers and evaluating
the characteristics of signal processing, and a wired/wireless device
fabrication platform capable of producing optical/radio integrated
devices that realize wide-band transmission signals (terahertz and opticalrange) and high-speed response evaluation.
“High reliability and high plasticity Beyond 5G/IoT testbed” is atestbed used for R & D on high reliability and plasticity in Beyond 5G98

networks. It assumes the addition of multiple demonstration open sites
with mobile environments that can be customized by software technology,
etc. to the existing network testbed, as well as the extension ofcollaboration

toaplatform

layer

that

can

demonstratevariousapplications and a middleware layer that supports emulation andvisualization of mobile environments.
In addition to the existing shared R&D infrastructure (network
demonstration environment such as JGN, advanced Beyond 5G devices
lab, etc.), the shared R&D facilities and equipment will provide open use
as a “shared R&D testbed” where users bring various technologies
together for R&D and demonstrations. In addition, the shared R&D
infrastructure (cyber security, quantum information and communications,neural information and communications, etc.) will be organically linked
with other NICT R&D infrastructure to build a system to promote R&D by
bringing together the wisdom of industry, academia, and government.

Figure 5.1 Progress is being made - Beyond 5G shared research facilities
and equipment99

５.2 Highly Reliable, Highly Plastic Beyond 5G/IoT Testbed
NICT

has

constructedandoperatedacomprehensive

testbedenvironment including JGN, an ultra-high-speed R&D network testbed,
and “StarBED,” a large-scale emulation testbed. We are also constructing
and operating the highly reliable and highly plastic B5G/IoT testbed,
which is designed to satisfy the requirement for a stable, high-capacity,
low-delay service of the communication network system realized by B5G
with a limited amount of equipment. In addition, in order to ensure thehigh reliability and plasticity of the Beyond 5G system, it is necessary forindustry,

academia,

andgovernment

to

bring

togethervarioustechnologies for R&D and demonstration. From this point of view, theFigure 5.2 Outline of high-reliability and high-plasticity B5G/IoT testbed
testbed is designed to serve as a verification environment.

100Chapter 6: Deployment Strategies
6.1 Trends in Standardization for Beyond 5G/6G
After 3G, the ITU Radio Communications Division (ITU-R) maderecommendationson

specifications

establishedbyprivatestandardization bodies (such as 3GPP), and one of the major trends is tomake them international standards. The international allocation of
frequencies

will

be

decided

at

the

World

Radiocommunication

Conference (WRC), which is held approximately every four to five years.
The standardization of mobile communications at ITU-R has been
conducted at WP5D (IMT systems) under SG5 (terrestrial services).
In October 2020, WP5D began compiling the survey results, Future
Technology Trends, the first step in the standardization of Beyond
5G/6G, and it is scheduled to be completed in June 2022. First, it isnecessary

toincorporate

theelements

of

NICT

and

Japanesetechnologies into future technology trend surveys, and to reflect on the“IMT Vision for 2030 and Beyond” Recommendation, the next step instandardization, while improving the specificity of technologies andbuilding partnerships.
The

agreedstandardization

process

at

the

WP5D

meetings(respectively in February and October 2020) is shown in Figure 6.2. A
study of future technological trends in the advanced form of IMT-2020
is scheduled to be completed in June 2022. Concurrently, a study of thevision that was scheduled to start in June 2021 will also be completed inJune 2023.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications established the
Beyond 5G Promotion Consortium in December 2020, which is planningto publish a Beyond 5G White Paper. It has also been submitting
proposals, as Japanese contribution documents, for future technology
trends and vision recommendations since the 38th meeting of WP5D in
June 2021.
NICT plans to incorporate its technology seeds into its Future
Technology Trends and the vision until 2023, positioning them as Beyond
5G/6G

technology,

andcontributing

tostandardization

for

early

commercialization. After that, in the standardization of specific technicalspecifications, it is considered that private companies developing101

products and services using NICT's technology seeds will carry out
standardization activities together with intellectual property strategies
from the business side. Therefore, it is important to smoothly bridge thegap with private companies that will become NICT's partners.
In addition to securing the necessary frequencies at the WorldRadiocommunication

Conference

in

2023

(WRC-23),

we

plan

to

collaborate with the 3GPP and private-sector forums to establish
technical requirements.

Figure 6.1 Processes in 3G, 4G, and 5G (Ref. ITU-R
Recommendation M. 2083)(The red frames around Vision and 3G, 4G, 5G on the left side
were added by NICT)2020
WP5Dmeeting

Beyond5G/6G(IMT-2030
and Beyond)Technical
specification

2021

2022

2023

2024

#36 #37 #38 #39 #40 #41 #42#43 #44 #45 #46 #47 #48

Technical
performancerequirements

Technology trend survey

Vision recommendation

IMT-2030 Vison
Workshop…

20xx(<2026?)

・・・

Acceptanceof proposals Formulation of 6G
recommendations

RA-23/WRC-23

Figure 6.2 Agreed standardization process at the 34th WP5D

102

6.2 National Projects for Beyond 5G Research and Development
In the “Beyond 5G Promotion Strategy - Roadmap to 6G” announced by
the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in June 2020,
activities up to the introduction of Beyond 5G/6G around 2030 are
described in two phases: the “Proactive Action Phase” and the“Acceleration Phase.” As part of the “Proactive Action Phase,” the“Beyond 5G R&D Promotion Program” is strongly supported by thegovernment, in accordance with the R&D policy published in February
2022 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, in order tofocus on strengthening R&D capabilities for technologies that are
advanced in Japan and technologies that are indispensable for Japan to
have.
Under

the

program,thefollowingthree

sub-programs

will

be

implemented in accordance with the three basic policies of “Global First,”“Creation of an Ecosystem that Generates Innovation,” and “Intensive
Allocation of Resources”- “Beyond 5G Function Realization Program”- “Beyond 5G International Joint Research Program”- “Beyond 5G Seeds Creation Program”
Among these, the “Beyond 5G Function Realization Program,” which
researches and develops elemental technologies that are necessary and

Figure 6.3 Beyond 5G promotion strategy – roadmap to 6G103

strategically important for the realization of Beyond 5G, is classified into
the following two categories.
1) “Key issues” with the aim of creating high-level R&D achievementsby setting specific and clear development goals (numerical targets,etc.)2) “General issues” widely called for ideas within specific R&D topics,
leaving the development targets (numerical targets, etc.) to thefree ideas of the proposers.
In particular, with regard to the implementation of the “Key issues”
mentioned in 1) above, as stated in the Research and Development Policy,
R&D themes are selected and a research plan for the selected R&D
themes is formulated with reference to the R&D Theme Candidate List
(2nd Edition) (Fig. 6.4) of the “Beyond 5G Function Realization Program.”

Figure 6.4 Candidate List of Research and Development Issues under
the Research and Development Policy (2nd edition)
In the commissioned research of this project, the total amount selected
so far is 44 themes, of which six were “Beyond 5G Function Realization
Program (Key Issues)” (of which one theme was selected in FY 2020), 20
104

were “Beyond 5G Function Realization Program (General Issues),” threewere “Beyond 5G International Joint Research Program”, and 15 were
“Beyond 5G Seeds Creation Program (Commissioned Research)” (ofwhich four were for young people and SMEs). These themes (thedistribution of the themes is shown in Fig. 6.5) cover a wide range oftechnical fields. In particular, commissioned research contributing to therealization of Beyond 5G is being carried out mainly in the fields ofwirelessandopticalcommunications,

which

form

the

network

infrastructure of Beyond 5G.
In addition, in order to provide subsidies to small- and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs), such as venture/start-ups, which have innovativetechnology seeds and ideas but are willing to take on difficult challenges,
among the “Beyond 5G Seeds Creation Programs,” “the Innovative
Venture Grants Program (SBIR)” was publicly solicited and three projects
were selected in February 2022. By actively supporting not only
commissioned Beyond 5G projects, but also venture/start-up and other
SME research projects, opportunities to create innovation through thecreation of technology seeds are increasing.

Figure 6.5 Distribution of Beyond 5G R&D promotion projects

105In order to examine new R&D issues for realizing Beyond 5G, proposals
were invited from October to November 2021 on initiatives to materialize
an innovative social image around 2030 and pioneering R&D issues thatneed to be intensively strengthened. Based on the results, the “Beyond
5G R&D Workshop” was held in February 2022. At the workshop, opinions
were exchanged among industry, academia, and government officials
regarding promotion measures and future images of Beyond 5G.
Through the implementation of each program of this project, elemental
technologies for Beyond 5G have been gradually established sincearound 2025, and efforts are being made to realize Beyond 5G around2030 by contributing to international standards such as 3GPP and ITU-R.

106

Chapter 7: Conclusion
In this white paper, four scenarios of social life after 2030 are created,and by backcasting from the future society described in these scenarios,
the concepts and use cases of Beyond 5G/6G and the elemental
technologies supporting them were summarized, and the R&D roadmap
was presented. Furthermore, the open platform necessary for R&D andthe deployment strategy were shown, and the overall picture of future
R&D was presented.
In order to develop, implement, and use the future technologies
necessary to realize the social life and world view depicted in the vision,
it is necessary to focus on technological evolution not only in theinformation and communications field but also in a wide variety of otherfields, to hold discussions with various stakeholders, and to realize
specific goals. We would like to continue discussing this white paper withmany stakeholders.

107Appendix 1: Pseudocode Example (Service Enabler)
As a specific example of the use of a service enabler, when equipment
repair is performed by utilizing an avatar robot in a factory in a remotelocation, a case is considered where a plurality of engineers from all over
the world are connected to the avatar robot and cooperatively operate it.
In this case, it is considered that delay compensation by AI is necessary
in order to share the sense of presence and to alleviate the sense ofincongruity caused by the difference in the communication delay
between workers in order to enable real work from various viewpoints
among the working members.
The implementer of the service can easily construct the service bysimply describing the program code of the main function to be realized,
such as “group super presence sharing,” “delay compensation remotecontrol” and function, and “AI/ML processing” of optimum control.
As an example of how to use a service enabler, Appended Figure 1
shows an image of a program implementation in pseudocode. Regarding
the instances, “av” of the Avatar class, service enablers for GroupVR and
DelayCompensateAI are added and the necessary parameters are set.
#create instances for Avater Class and ServiceEnabler Class
Avatar av;
ServiceEnabler vr, delay;#create an instance for avatar
av.createAvatar(myProfile, FACTORY, JAPANESE);#create two instances for service enabler
vr.setMode(RealPresenceMode);
vr.setGroup(userList);delay.setMode(DelayCompensateAI);delay.setMode(FactoryRobot, 0.1ms);#add service enablers to avatar and run it
av.addServiceEnabler(vr);av.addServiceEnabler(delay);108

av.run();Appended Figure 1. Example of Service Enabler Call for Remote Control
of an Avatar Robot

109

Acknowledgment
The NICT Open Summit 2020 was held for two days, January 20–21, 2021,
to present the first release of this White Paper and engage in discussions
with the experts listed below. NICT expresses its deep gratitude to themfor their valuable advice on the R&D direction of Beyond 5G/6G R&D that
NICT should pursue.
Prof. NAKAO Akihiro (University of Tokyo)
Prof. Andreas DENGEL (Deutsches Forschungszentrum für KünstlicheIntelligenz)Prof. Matti LATVA-AHO (University of Oulu)
Dr. Onur ALTINTAS (Toyota Motor North America R&D)
Dr. WAKIKAWA Ryuji (SoftBank Corp.)
Dr. KONISHI Satoshi (KDDI Research/KDDI CORPORATION)
Prof. SAMPEI Seiichi (Osaka University)
Dr. NAKAMURA Takehiro (NTT DOCOMO)
Dr. MATSUI Yasunori (Sony Corporation)

110

Authors (in alphabetical order)
ABE Yuma, ANDO Hiroshi, ASAEDA Hitoshi, AZUMA Mitsuhiro, CALLAN
Daniel, DOI Miwako, EGUCHI Tomoyuki, FUJII Katsumi, FUJITA Satoshi,
FUJIWARA

Mikio,FURUKAWA

Hideaki,

FURUSAWA

Kentaro,

FUSE

Tetsuharu, HACHISU Hidekazu, HAGIHARA Yuichiro, HAMADA Rira,
HANADO

Yuko,

HARA

Motoaki,

HARA

Shinsuke,

HARAI

Hiroaki,

HASHIMOTO Yasuhiro, HIROTA Yusuke, HOSAKO Iwao, HOSOKAWA
Mizuhiko, IBUKA Kazuo, ICHIKAWA Ryuichi, IDO Tetsuya, IIDA Ryu, IMAI
Koji, INOUE Daisuke, IRIMAJIRI Yoshihisa, ISHIJIMA Hiroshi, ISHIZU
Kentaro, ISOGAI Mitsuo, ITOH Hiroshi, JOACHIMCZAK Michal, KAN
Tomoshige, KANNO Atsushi, KASAMA Takahiro, KASAMATSU Akifumi,
KATO Akihito, KAWAMURA Seiji, KAWASAKI Hikaru, KOJIMA Fumihide,
KOJIMA Syoichiro, KOMADA Genki, KOTAKE Hideaki, KUBOTA Minoru, LIU
Juan, MATSUDA Takashi, MATSUMOTO Atsushi, MATSUMURA Takeshi,
MATSUZONO Kazuhisa, MIURA Amane, MIURA Ryu, MIYAZAWA Takaya,
MIZUNO Maya, MOROHASHI Isao, MURAKAMI Homare, NAGANO Hidehisa,
NAKAGAWA Takuya, NAKAZAWA Tadateru, NARUSE Yasushi, NEZU Hiromi,
NISHINAGA Nozomu, OH Jonghoon, OKURA Takuya, OODO Masayuki,
OTAKE Kiyonori, PYO Chang-Woo, SAITO Yuki, SAKAGUCHI Jun, SASAKI
Masahide, SATOH Kohei, SAWADA

Kaori, SEKINE

Norihiko, SHIGA

Nobuyasu, SHOJI Yozo, SUGA Ryotaro, SUGIBAYASHI Kiyoshi, SUMITA
Eiichiro, SUZUKI Takafumi, SUZUKI Yoichi, TAKEOKA Masahiro, TAKIZAWA
Kenichi,

TEMMA

Katsuhiro,TERANISHI

Yuuichi,TERUIToshifumi,

TORISAWA Kentaro, TOYOSHIMA Morio, TSUJI Hiroyuki, UCHIMOTO
Kiyotaka, WAKE Kanako, WATANABE Hiroki, WATANABE Issei, YAMAGUCHI
Shingo, YAMAMOTO Naokatsu, YAMAMOTO Shuntaro, YASUDA Satoshi,
YOKOTA Yusuke, YOSHIDA Maki, YOSHIDA Yuki, YOSHIMURA Naoko,
Zettu Koji

111

Update History
Release 0.9: April 30, 2021
The English text (version 0.9) was translated from the Japanese text
(version 1.0) by White Paper staff using TexTra, a machine translation
system developed by NICT.
https://mt-auto-minhon-mlt.ucri.jgn-x.jp/
Release 1.0: August 31, 2021
English expressions were refined based on the English version 0.9.
Release 2.0: June 30, 2022
The contents were updated based on the Japanese version 2.0.

Beyond 5G/6G White Paper (English Version 2.0)
Published June 2022
ISBN978-4-904020-25-8
National Institute of Information and Communications Technology------------------------------4-2-1, Nukuikitamachi, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, JAPANE-mail： B5G-inquiry@ml.nict.go.jp
URL：

https://beyond5g.nict.go.jp/

Unauthorized copying and replication of the contents of this paper are
prohibited.
------------------------------112

ISBN978-4-904020-25-8