Intelligent surfaces development could solve indoor positioning problem

The study aimed to improve the performance of an emerging wireless communication technology called Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS).

According to the researchers, this advancement in RIS technology could have a wide range of applications, from helping emergency services find people trapped in smoke-filled buildings, to offering device-assisted navigation through public spaces for blind and partially-sighted people.

It could also help eliminate the need to move around indoors to find the best position to make a mobile phone call.

RIS takes the form of flat surfaces which use programmable elements capable of manipulating electromagnetic waves, like the high-frequency signals of wireless communications, for a range of applications.

Sheets of RIS placed on walls and ceilings indoors can intercept wireless signals from outside and intelligently reflect, redirect and focus them as required to improve performance.

As RIS development progresses and the technology is integrated into existing 5G and future 6G communications networks, it could help solve a longstanding problem with the performance of more established positioning technologies like GPS.