As we continue to explore the top emerging technologies of 2024, this newsletter will focus on reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), a cutting-edge innovation revolutionizing wireless connectivity. This technology, highlighted in the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) report on the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024, is set to transform how we manage and optimize wireless communication networks.
Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), also known as “smart mirrors,” are special surfaces that can control wireless signals to improve connectivity. These surfaces contain thousands of tiny, programmable parts that can change the direction of radio waves, helping to strengthen signals in places where they are usually weak, like crowded urban areas or inside buildings.
RIS technology is particularly promising because it can enhance network efficiency and capacity without requiring extra infrastructure, unlike traditional methods that need more base stations or higher power, which are expensive and consume a lot of energy. By optimizing existing signals, RIS offers a more cost-effective and energy-efficient solution.
However, adopting RIS technology comes with challenges. Installing these smart surfaces needs careful planning to work well with current infrastructure, and the technology is still being tested in real-life situations. There are also concerns about privacy and security, especially regarding how these surfaces interact with different wireless devices and networks.
The leading regions of innovation in reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) and related technologies are primarily concentrated in the United States, China, South Korea, and several European countries, particularly Germany and the United Kingdom. These regions have been at the forefront of research and development, investing heavily in advanced wireless communication technologies to improve network efficiency and capacity.
World Economic Forum