From Turbulence to Tranquility: AI-Driven Low-Altitude Network

Abstract--The Low Altitude Economy (LAE) network, with its transformative capabilities, is a candidate to become one of the major technological developments of the next decade for air mobility. However, the expected unprecedented density, mobility, and heterogeneity pose challenges and require new approaches, as it renders traditional rule-based approaches inadequate. T o address these challenges, this study introduces artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches and validation frameworks for transitioning AI-enabled technologies from simulation-based studies to practical and deployable systems. First, AI-based spectrum sensing and coexistence utilizing the distributed nature of LAE nodes is introduced. Then, joint resource allocation and trajectory optimization driven by reinforcement learning is discussed. Bridging the gap between simulation and deployment through experimental platforms such as Aerial Experiments and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless (AERPA W), which are critical for validating models under realistic and non-stationary airspace conditions, is also addressed. The study concludes by highlighting open issues and outlining a forward-looking roadmap for the development of efficient, interoperable, and scalable AI-driven LAE ecosystems. The Low Altitude Economy (LAE) network is poised to become one of the defining technological trends of the next decade. Encompassing the use of the airspace below 3000 metres for economic, social, and operational activities, LAE covers various applications: urban air mobility (e.g., air taxis, emergency medical deliveries), precision agriculture, environmental sensing, surveillance, and logistics, as illustrated ixn Figure 1. M. Chen is with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA (email: mingzhe.chen@miami.edu). This work is supported by the NSERC award ALLRP 579869-22 in Canada and the NSF awards CNS-2332834 and CNS-2332835 in the United States.