Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces in 6G Radio Localization: A Survey of Recent Developments, Opportunities, and Challenges

Journal article, 2025

In this survey paper, we present an extensive review of the use of RIS in 6G radio localization, highlighting their pivotal role as a low-cost, energy-efficient technology that reshapes wireless communication and localization landscapes. Investigating the versatile capabilities of RIS, we explore their dynamic control over electromagnetic wave manipulation, including reflection, refraction, and transmission, which opens new horizons in diverse applications ranging from IOT connectivity to advanced mobile communication, and various innovative applications in Industry 4.0. Our comprehensive review provides an overview of RIS use in 6G radio localization, highlighting recent progress in RIS technology assisted localization. It focuses on key aspects, including network scenarios, transmission bands, deployment environments, and near-field operations. We discuss studies to examine the state-of-the-art RIS-assisted localization and optimization techniques and their performance evaluation matrices. In addition, we present a detailed taxonomy of RIS-assisted radio localization, emphasizing the rapid evolution and potential of RIS technology in non-line-of-sight scenarios as an alternative to traditional base stations. Based on the careful investigation of the reviewed studies, the survey also sheds light on future research directions, technical challenges, and limitations, offering a clear perspective on the integration and optimization of RIS in 6G networks for enhanced localization capabilities.