AERPAW Hosts Researchers for Wireless Demonstrations at GRCon26 and OpenAirInterface Workshop
AERPAW (Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless) hosted several activities at GNU Radio Conference 2026 (GRCon26), held September 21–25 at NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. The conference brought together researchers, developers, industry professionals, and government representatives to explore advances in software-defined radio and wireless communications.
Throughout the week, AERPAW collaborated with WolfSky at a conference booth, led a technical tutorial on Thursday, and hosted two laboratory tours. These activities introduced participants to AERPAW’s research platform and its capabilities for experimentation with advanced wireless communications and autonomous aerial systems.
A highlight of the week was AERPAW’s half-day outdoor field demonstration at the Lake Wheeler Field Laboratory. Attendees had the opportunity to observe live Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations integrated with wireless networking technologies and software-defined radios. The demonstration highlighted how AERPAW enables researchers to move experiments from digital twin environments to real-world deployments using programmable radios, UAVs, and fixed wireless infrastructure.
AERPAW hosted a site visit for participants of the OpenAirInterface (OAI) Foundation Hands-on Workshop at NC State University, bringing together researchers and engineers to explore wireless experimentation and emerging 5G and 6G technologies.
Held October 13–14, the workshop focused on AI-native wireless systems, Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC), and hands-on development across the OpenAirInterface software stack. Participants explored technologies spanning the Radio Access Network (RAN), User Equipment (UE), Core Network, and RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), with activities focused on open-source development, network automation, and intelligent network control. The workshop also featured projects exploring wireless sensing, AI-assisted network optimization, and autonomous aerial connectivity. These research areas align with AERPAW’s capabilities for investigating advanced wireless communications through digital twin environments and real-world experimentation.
As part of the workshop, AERPAW hosted a visit to its laboratory facilities, featuring indoor
demonstrations, followed by a field tour at the Lake Wheeler Field Laboratory. The visit gave
participants an opportunity to learn about AERPAW’s research infrastructure and how experimental wireless systems can be tested in both controlled and outdoor environments.
Together, these activities demonstrate AERPAW’s commitment to supporting hands-on wireless research, fostering collaboration across the research community, and enabling experimentation with emerging wireless technologies.
