With the increasing demand for seamless connectivity and intelligent communication, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and communication for sixth-generation (6G) network is emerging as a revolutionary architecture. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of AI and communication for 6G networks, emphasizing their foundational principles, inherent challenges, and future research opportunities. We commence with a retrospective analysis of AI and the evolution of large-scale AI models, underscoring their pivotal roles in shaping contemporary communication technologies. The discourse then transitions to a detailed exposition of the envisioned integration of AI within 6G networks, delineated across three progressive developmental stages. The initial stage, AI for Network, focuses on employing AI to augment network performance, optimize efficiency, and enhance user service experiences. The subsequent stage, Network for AI, highlights the role of the network in facilitating and buttressing AI operations and presents key enabling technologies, including digital twins for AI and semantic communication. In the final stage, AI as a Service, it is anticipated that future 6G networks will innately provide AI functions as services and support application scenarios like immersive communication and intelligent industrial robots. Specifically, we have defined the quality of AI service, which refers to the measurement framework system of AI services within the network. In addition to these developmental stages, we thoroughly examine the standardization processes pertinent to AI in network contexts, highlighting key milestones and ongoing efforts. Finally, we outline promising future research opportunities that could drive the evolution and refinement of AI and communication for 6G, positioning them as a cornerstone of next-generation communication infrastructure.

翻译：随着对无缝连接与智能通信需求的日益增长，人工智能与第六代通信网络的融合正成为一种革命性架构。本文对6G网络中人工智能与通信进行了全面综述，重点阐述了其基本原理、固有挑战及未来研究机遇。我们首先回顾了人工智能的发展历程及大规模人工智能模型的演进，强调了其在塑造现代通信技术中的关键作用。随后，论述转向对人工智能在6G网络中融合愿景的详细阐述，该愿景被划分为三个递进的发展阶段。初始阶段“AI for Network”聚焦于运用人工智能提升网络性能、优化效率并增强用户服务体验。后续阶段“Network for AI”着重探讨网络在促进与支撑人工智能运行中的作用，并介绍了包括人工智能数字孪生与语义通信在内的关键使能技术。在最终阶段“AI as a Service”，预计未来的6G网络将内在地提供人工智能功能即服务，并支持沉浸式通信、智能工业机器人等应用场景。具体而言，我们定义了人工智能服务质量，即网络中人工智能服务的度量框架体系。除上述发展阶段外，本文还深入探讨了网络场景中人工智能相关的标准化进程，重点指出了关键里程碑与当前努力方向。最后，我们展望了有望推动6G人工智能与通信演进与完善的前瞻性研究机遇，将其定位为下一代通信基础设施的基石。