Enhancing public safety in increasingly complex environments has become a top priority in the digital era. With the evolution of mobile communication technologies and edge computing, there is growing potential to develop intelligent systems that proactively support safety-critical operations in real time. Modern public safety infrastructures include a broad array of components—emergency response units, surveillance systems, communication networks, and real-time monitoring platforms—that must work seamlessly together. One of the key challenges lies in reducing response times and increasing situational awareness during incidents such as natural disasters, large public gatherings, and traffic collisions.
Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) for 6G and beyond is set to evolve dramatically in the era of 6G, unlocking a new paradigm of public safety through a blend of advanced features. 6G systems will be capable of handling diverse tasks simultaneously within a unified infrastructure. They are expected to support ultra-dense networks of interconnected devices—from sensors and wearables to drones and autonomous systems—enabling real-time data exchange across dynamic environments. Artificial intelligence will play a central role in orchestrating these complex networks, making it possible to detect emerging threats and optimize emergency response strategies with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Immersive technologies like extended reality and holographic communications will provide first responders with enhanced situational awareness. Ubiquitous coverage across diverse terrains will ensure that critical infrastructure remains accessible, even in remote or challenging areas. In addition, 6G networks are being designed to offer near-perfect reliability and ultra-low latency, key to managing time-sensitive operations. They also prioritize energy efficiency, security, and resilience, supporting a sustainable and secure foundation for future public safety systems in smart cities.
In this keynote speech, we will address how cutting-edge communication technologies—specifically those envisioned for 6G—can be leveraged to reshape the future of public safety. We will explore how the integration of sensing, AI-driven analytics, and sustainable network design can deliver robust, low-latency, and reliable solutions to some of the most pressing safety challenges in smart cities and emergency response systems.