In existing computing systems, such as edge computing and cloud computing, several emerging applications and practical scenarios are mostly unavailable or only partially implemented. To overcome the limitations that restrict such applications, the development of a comprehensive computing paradigm has garnered attention in both academia and industry. However, a gap exists in the literature owing to the scarce research, and a comprehensive computing paradigm is yet to be systematically designed and reviewed. This study introduces a novel concept, called aerial computing, via the amalgamation of aerial radio access networks and edge computing, which attempts to bridge the gap. Specifically, first, we propose a novel comprehensive computing architecture that is composed of low-altitude computing, high-altitude computing, and satellite computing platforms, along with conventional computing systems. We determine that aerial computing offers several desirable attributes: global computing service, better mobility, higher scalability and availability, and simultaneity. Second, we comprehensively discuss key technologies that facilitate aerial computing, including energy refilling, edge computing, network softwarization, frequency spectrum, multi-access techniques, artificial intelligence, and big data. In addition, we discuss vertical domain applications (e.g., smart cities, smart vehicles, smart factories, and smart grids) supported by aerial computing. Finally, we highlight several challenges that need to be addressed and their possible solutions.
Digital Twin-Empowered Task Assignment in Aerial MEC Network: A Resource Coalition Cooperation Approach with Generative Model
Guilin University of Electronic Technology（桂林电子科技大学）；Guangxi University（广西大学）；National Engineering Laboratory for Comprehensive Transportation Big Data Application Technology (Guangxi)（综合交通大数据应用技术国家工程实验室（广西））；Guangdong University of Technology（广东工业大学）
The state-of-the-art review on resource allocation problem using artificial intelligence methods on various computing paradigms
University of Birjand（比尔詹德大学）；Mazandaran University of Science and Technology（马赞达兰科技大学）；Qom University of Technology（库姆理工大学）；Deakin University（迪肯大学）；Singapore University of Social Sciences（新加坡社会科学大学）；Ngee Ann Polytechnic（义安理工学院）；Asia University（亚洲大学）
