Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 04:50 pm
Dr Peter Harrop, CEO of Zhar Research, has revealed that 6G wireless communication, set to be introduced around 2030, will require the deployment of widely-used Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS). According to the new Zhar Research report, “6G Communications: Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface Materials and Hardware Markets: SubTHz, THz, Optical 2024-2044”, sales of RIS hardware are projected to exceed $12 billion each year, with additional costs such as installation adding to the total.
The report is unique in that it clearly identifies the materials and hardware needed for 6G, without relying on software analysis and mathematics. It is based on a close examination of what is needed, what will be possible, the current research pipeline – which has seen a boost in 2023 – and how participants are repositioning.
Dr Harrop commented: “We find that, without RIS, there will be no 6G. These metasurfaces empowering the propagation path and enhancing base stations will be key both to affordable 6G deployment and to delivering its essential business cases. 6G RIS will appear in many different forms and at many frequencies, from 0.1THz to 1THz and even potentially visible light in later years. Some RIS will even be transparent to retrofit on windows. However, 2023 saw radical changes in achievements and objectives. Uniquely this commercially-oriented report covers that, including many new RIS security issues and particularly presenting our latest analysis of materials and hardware opportunities, including gaps in the emerging market from 2024-2044.”
The report has 35 information-packed pages, with 16 key conclusions, new infograms, tables, graphs and a SWOT RIS appraisal. Additionally, it contains a detailed roadmap and 21 forecast lines for 2024-2044.
The report is essential reading for those looking to supply the added-value materials and components required for 6G, and will also be of interest to investors, operators, system integrators and other parties in the emerging 6G value chain.
