Review of UAV based on Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface and ISAC
Xiangxin Liu, Jianxin Guo · Scientific Journal of Intelligent Systems Research · 2025
This paper discusses the application of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) technology combined with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology, and discusses their innovative potential in 6G communication networks. Especially in the field of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) application prospects. RIS is a two-dimensional surface based on electromagnetic metamaterial technology. Through dynamic regulation of electromagnetic units, parameters such as phase and amplitude of incident electromagnetic waves can be flexibly controlled, so as to optimize wireless channel and improve communication performance. Compared with traditional communication systems, RIS has the advantages of low cost, low power consumption and easy deployment, which can significantly improve the stability and coverage of UAS communication links. Through in-depth analysis of the working principle, hardware architecture and advantages of RIS combined with UAV, this paper elaborates its application scenarios in UAV network, including disaster relief, urban management, intelligent transportation and battlefield reconnaissance. With RIS’s intelligent beamforming and channel optimization, UAVs can not only provide efficient communication services, but also enable accurate environment awareness and target tracking. In addition, this paper analyzes the key challenges faced by RIS-assisted UAVs in practical engineering applications, such as the complexity of channel estimation, multi-UAV cooperative communication, and adaptability in dynamic environments. By proposing several solutions, including optimizing channel estimation technology and improving beamforming design, this paper provides theoretical basis and technical support for the wide application of RIS and UAV in 6G networks in the future. The research shows that the introduction of RIS technology will greatly improve the communication ability of UAVs in complex environments, and promote the integration of communication and perception in the 6G era.