Reconfigurable intelligent surface with 6G for industrial revolution: Potential applications and research challenges

Abstract With proper tuning in the phase shift of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) or intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs), which consist of huge number of passive reflecting elements, are the most promising and transforming technology to reconfigure the wireless propagation ecosystems to improve the “spectral-and energy-efficiency” for the future generation wireless communication system. This article presents a systematic review of RIS/IRS technology and conceptualizes the prospective requirement, operations, and application. Further, we have presented its capability for execution in a forthcoming smart industrial ecosystem to assist the development of Industry 5.0 with a series of emerging applications. Finally, we discuss the potential, open research challenges, and prospects of RIS technology in the emerging intelligent manufacturing industry to encourage future research in this area.