KT develops 5G antennas for UAM

South Korea's KT Corp. announced on Monday it has developed and validated specialized antennas that can efficiently establish a fifth-generation (5G) aerial network for urban air mobility (UAM).

KT confirmed the beam patterns and performance of these specialized antennas for UAM flight paths within urban areas, operating at altitudes ranging from 300 to 600 meters and covering a width of 100 meters. A Company source explained that this development is expected to result in cost savings during the network deployment when compared to conventional ground antennas.

The company utilized a mobile integrated control environment that enables real-time validation of the aerial network's communications quality during the verification process. It has also developed patented technology to minimize handovers and interferences between cells.

Furthermore, the company plans to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and standalone 5G technology to UAM control systems and aerial communications networks, continuing preparations for the technology required for full-fledged commercialization.

The field verification took place in Goheung County, South Jeolla Province, as part of the first stage of the Korean UAM Grand Challenge, an urban air mobility verification project.

Write to Ji-Eun Jeong at jeong@hankyung.com