ActInf GuestStream 108.1 ~ Next-Generation AI for Emergent Semantic Communications (Christo Thomas)

Christo Kurisummoottil Thomas
"Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence for Emergent Semantic Communications"

Creating artificial intelligence (AI)-native next-generation wireless networks (e.g., 6G) faces technical hurdles due to data-driven, training-intensive AI limitations, such as black-box models, limited reasoning and adaptability, data dependency, and energy inefficiency. To overcome these challenges, we propose that next-generation wireless systems must embrace advanced AI models that mimic human-like reasoning and planning capabilities. Along this direction, in this talk, we present a forward-looking framework grounded in causal machine learning, which is founded on the principles of causal (cause and effect relations) discovery, representation learning, and inference. Such causal inference frameworks are poised to facilitate dynamic adaptability, resilience, cognition, and time-sensitive operations in future-generation networks, thanks to explainability, generalizability and sustainability induced by causality. Further, we illustrate the potential of causal reasoning AI frameworks through its application in an emerging paradigm known as semantic communications. In particular, we introduce a pioneering approach called "emergent semantic communication," by leveraging signaling games, and causal machine learning to craft a nuanced semantic language between the communicating nodes that mimics human-like communication. This language aims to optimize semantic representation, that reduces transmission by incorporating reasoning components at both ends of the communication process. Moreover, we present an example illustrating how semantic abstractions facilitate planning-defined as a sequence of network and control actions-to enhance the quality of experience for a remote autonomous agent controlled by a base station. Finally, we will also look at future directions, including designing emergent language for multiuser semantic communications using active inference framework.

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