UAVs with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces: Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities

TL;DR

This paper explores the integration of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces mounted on UAVs to enhance wireless communication reliability, discussing applications, challenges, and future research directions in this emerging field.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of mobile RIS on UAVs for wireless networks, highlighting novel applications and outlining key challenges and research opportunities.

Findings

Potential for improved wireless coverage and reliability

Identification of design and optimization challenges

Future research directions for low-cost, energy-efficient systems

Abstract

A reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is a metamaterial that can be integrated into walls and influence the propagation of electromagnetic waves. This, typically passive radio frequency (RF) technology is emerging for indoor and outdoor use with the potential of making wireless communications more reliable in increasingly challenging radio environments. This paper goes one step further and introduces mobile RIS, specifically, RIS carried by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support cellular communications networks and services of the future. We elaborate on several use cases, challenges, and future research opportunities for designing and optimizing wireless systems at low cost and with low energy footprint.