RIS-aided radio localization techniques for 6G system

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) is a special kind of smart material comprising various elements, such as antennas and passive reflecting components. RIS can be electronically controlled to change how electromagnetic waves propagate. The growing interest in RIS has arisen with the aim of enhancing communication and localization capabilities for the sixth-generation (6G) communication system. The goal of this project is to develop cutting-edge radio localization techniques with high performances in accuracy, coverage, and scalability by bridging two research fields, i.e., electromagnetics (EM) and propagation channel modeling (i.e., a process to understand how signals propagate). This project will establish practical models that can account for the EM properties of RIS and how RIS interacts with the environments and propose an advanced positioning algorithm for RIS-aided localization systems. The project may have a large impact in areas such as wireless communication and smart transportation. The project results will also help the industries that rely on location-based technologies become more efficient and cost-effective.