Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)
Programmable radio surfaces that steer and shape wireless signals.
RIS panels coated with meta-material elements can dynamically reflect, refract, or absorb radio waves to improve coverage and reduce interference. Mounted on buildings or indoor walls, they turn the physical environment into an active part of the network, boosting capacity without adding more base stations.
Technology Readiness Level
4
Formative
Impact
4
High
Investment
3
Medium
Category
Hardware
Physical infrastructure, equipment, and devices.
Related Technologies
Solid-State Transformers (SSTs)
Intelligent power electronics replacing traditional magnetic transformers.
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
Cloud-based aggregation of distributed energy resources.
Autonomous Microgrids
Self-managing local grids capable of islanding from the main network.
Long-Duration Energy Storage
Multi-hour and multi-day storage for renewable-heavy grids.
HVDC Supergrids
Continental-scale high-voltage direct current backbones for bulk power transfer.