A review of Key Technologies for UAV-Assisted Intelligent Reflective Surface (RIS) Communication in Low-Altitude Airspace

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jes.202502431

Author(s)

Haozhe Han

Affiliation(s)

School of Communication Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Abstract

This paper reviews the key technologies for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-assisted smart reflective surface (RIS) communications in 6G low-altitude airspace. By combining the flexibility of UAVs with the low-power wireless environment reconfiguration capabilities of RIS, this system aims to address the challenges of high traffic volume, low energy consumption, and complex electromagnetic environments. The article systematically reviews system architecture, channel modeling, and joint optimization of trajectory and phase shift. Research trends are shifting from static optimization of a single UAV to multi-UAV collaboration and AI-driven real-time predictive control. Analysis shows that integrated systems can achieve up to 87% throughput improvements and enhanced physical layer security. Finally, the article explores core challenges such as cascaded channel estimation and robustness, and outlines future directions such as AI-powered optimization, terahertz applications, and integrated air, land, and sea networks.

Keywords

Intelligent Reflecting Surface (RIS); Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV); Low-Altitude Airspace Communication; Collaborative Optimization; Energy Efficiency

References

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