6G is expected to trigger a total rethink of network architecture design, adopting the new Network of Networks vision which promotes the integration of multi-stakeholder, multi-technology infrastructures. To this end, future 6G systems will tightly integrate upcoming satellite systems and Low-Earth Orbit constellations (e.g., OneWeb) as well as High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a concept termed as integrated Terrestrial and Non-terrestrial Networking (TNTN). However, the sheer scale and heterogeneity of future TNTN infrastructures is expected to create a unique set of challenges. To this end, 6G-TERRAIN adopts Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) as a key enabler of TNTNs, allowing to perceive the complex and dynamic TNTNs through sensing the physical environment. Moreover, 6G-TERRAIN aims to propose, design, and validate a novel Native AI automation architecture and its associated enabling technologies and theoretical frameworks, aiming for an intent 6G System with seamlessly integrated multi-stakeholder & multitechnology (e.g., terrestrial and non-terrestrial) nodes. Natural Language intents are adopted, exploiting the breakthrough capabilities of emerging LLMs to automatically plan the optimal decompositions of intents into tasks and prioritise their downstream execution.

In this technical context, 6G-TERRAIN will build a training network, consisted of 10 Doctoral Candidates who will conduct top-notch research towards the realisation of the 6G “Network of Networks” vision.