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The imminent Internet of Things, fueled by 6G networks and machine learning technologies, is set to shift wireless communication to machine-centric paradigms, revolutionizing sectors such as healthcare or industrial automation through efficient data handling. However, this connectivity boom poses challenges, including straining existing communication systems due to increased data traffic and computational demands.

Over-the-air computation (OAC) presents a feasible solution, allowing the summation of transmitted signals at a common receiver through analog amplitude modulation. Designed to enable concurrent data collection and computation at the network edge, OAC seeks to lessen the central system burden, reducing latency and energy usage while enabling real-time analytics. This approach is particularly beneficial for federated learning, a machine learning technique that operates across decentralized devices. However, OAC's dependence on analog communication poses notable challenges, including signal distortion during transmission and the limited availability of devices supporting analog modulations. Digital modulation is a preferable alternative, recognized for its excellent channel correction capabilities and broad acceptance in modern wireless devices. Nevertheless, its integration into OAC is perceived as a significant hurdle, with overlapping digitally modulated signals threatening the fundamental concept of simultaneous data collection and computation.