Low-power Ubiquitous NTN for Ambient IoT

Objective

The Internet of Things (IoT) is experiencing unprecedented growth, with connected devices expected to rise from 13.2 billion in 2022 to over 34.7 billion by 2028. Yet, this expansion is constrained by a heavy reliance on batteries, which limits scalability and generates significant environmental concerns. Ambient IoT (A-IoT) offers a breakthrough alternative: devices that operate without batteries by harvesting energy from their surroundings, such as light, vibration, or radiofrequency signals. While this paradigm promises sustainable, large-scale deployments, it faces major barriers, including limited and unpredictable energy availability and restricted communication range. LUNA (Low-power Ubiquitous NTN for Ambient IoT) addresses these challenges by pioneering the integration of A-IoT with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). By combining the self-powered operation of A-IoT devices with the global coverage of satellites, High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), LUNA envisions a new generation of batteryless, globally connected devices and applications seamlessly embedded in the 6G IMT-2030 ecosystem. This integration enables connectivity and services in remote and underserved areas, where self-sustainable, maintenance-free devices are especially valuable. The project tackles three core challenges: (i) the absence of a standardized framework to connect A-IoT devices to both terrestrial and non-terrestrial infrastructures, (ii) unpredictable duty cycles and lack of precise timekeeping in A-IoT, which complicate coordination with fast-moving non-terrestrial platforms, and (iii) the need for accurate localization to schedule communications with passing satellites and support various tracking applications. By addressing these issues, LUNA aims to deliver large-scale connectivity, precise localization, and ultra-low-power device design—transforming IoT into a sustainable, truly global infrastructure.