China is developing a 6G surface that converts radar waves into energy.

Chinese researchers have just announced a new breakthrough in military technology with a smart electromagnetic surface capable of converting enemy radar waves into electrical energy. This technology not only eliminates the need for traditional batteries but also realizes the concept of "electromagnetic co-stealth" for modern fighter aircraft.

How RIS smart surfaces work

The system utilizes a two-dimensional reflective material, RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface), enabling real-time electromagnetic wave control. By combining electromagnetic engineering with communication principles, the platform can sustain itself by harvesting energy from radar beams or ambient environmental signals.

To address complex problems such as beam design and target sensing, the research team employed multi-agent reinforcement learning and multi-target optimization. This allows the system to adapt itself while accurately processing parameters such as device trajectory, RIS coefficient, and data synthesis.

Applications in stealth warfare and 6G telecommunications.

In the military field, this technology allows stealth aircraft to harvest energy from the enemy's radar system to power auxiliary engines or communication systems. This is the foundation of the concept of "cooperative electromagnetic stealth," where multiple combat vehicles connect and coordinate to reduce their radar cross-section (RCS), thereby minimizing their detectability.

Beyond military applications, RIS surfaces also hold significant potential in 6G telecommunications networks. Real-world prototypes demonstrate the ability to control beam patterns with a scanning angle of ±45° and low interference levels. This significantly improves coverage in areas obscured by obstacles, while also providing a self-powered solution for satellites or micro-base stations.

Impact on cybersecurity and smart connectivity.

The new hardware platform integrates both data transmission and radar-like sensing functions, optimizing the frequency spectrum and reducing physical space and equipment costs. Notably, the RIS surface can be configured to create radio "dead zones," reducing signal interference and limiting the risk of electronic eavesdropping.

According to the research team, this architecture will pave the way for environmentally adaptive sensing systems and self-powered relay systems. The integration of sensors, communication, and energy harvesting on a single platform is expected to revolutionize everything from the Internet of Things (IoT) to intelligent stealth technologies in the future.