The intelligent reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technology, rooted in artificial electromagnetic metamaterials, is poised to become a cornerstone of 6G networks. It actively reshapes the wireless channel environment by dynamically adjusting electromagnetic wave properties—such as amplitude, phase, and polarization—thereby offering a transformative approach to next-generation communication. At its core, this technology leverages a reconfigurable array of artificial electromagnetic metamaterials. Through external control signals, it modifies the electromagnetic response of individual elements, optimizing the propagation paths of electromagnetic waves without relying on complex radio frequency systems. This innovation marks a departure from traditional communication systems, which passively adapt to channel conditions. By intelligently manipulating reflection, scattering, and refraction characteristics, the RIS technology significantly boosts communication system performance while driving down hardware costs and energy consumption. Typical use cases include extending 5G/6G network coverage, mitigating propagation losses in millimeter-wave frequency bands, and enhancing signal quality in dense urban areas and indoor settings. For instance, during field tests at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games venues, a single RIS device successfully covered a 10,000-square-meter area, amplifying signal strength in previously unreachable zones by tenfold.

The technological evolution of RIS unfolds in three distinct phases: passive static RIS, which provides fundamental coverage enhancement; semi-static RIS, designed to expand beam range; and dynamic intelligent RIS, which employs coding algorithms to adapt in real-time to changing channel conditions. Presently, research efforts are concentrated on channel modeling, beam optimization, hardware integration, and standardization. Notably, RIS technology has already been integrated into the 3GPP Release 18 (R18) protocol and has informed the development of unit design standards for millimeter-wave applications.