IRS-assisted UAV Communications for smart applications

Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) can adjust wave-front phase, frequency, amplitude, and polarization without radio frequency (RF) chains through passive reflections. IRS alters wireless communication channels with low energy consumption and boosts spectrum efficiency. The deployment of large number of inexpensive passive reflecting elements configures wireless channels to maximize system performance. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) communication has garnered interest due to its high mobility, ease of integration with several technologies, and flexible deployment. However, UAV communication is sensitive to security concerns and obstacles in real-time applications. IRS combined with UAV will likely collaborate to attain unprecedented capabilities in difficult scenarios. Both IRS and UAV improve performance by active wireless propagation modification in 3D space using maneuver control and smart signal reflections. The manuscript also proposes different research ideas for IRS-assisted UAV communications towards the design of low-energy and low-cost smart applications.