The sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication system is expected to integrate communication, intelligence, sensing, positioning, control, and calculation to adapt to time critical, ultrareliable, and energy-saving data delivery, as well as accurate positioning of personnel and equipment, serving the Internet of Things (IoT). On the one hand, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) can intelligently manipulate radio waves and is considered to be one of the candidate technologies for the 6G wireless communication. Hence, there are more and more surveys on RIS-assisted communications. On the other hand, the potential of RIS in positioning has attracted growing attention, and articles on RIS-assisted positioning have been blown out. Therefore, it is time to review this literature to understand the potential of RIS positioning, research status, and point out the direction for future research. This article first explains the working principle and channel model of RIS and summarizes some characteristics of RIS suitable for positioning. Then, we give a concise review and classification of existing RIS positioning research. Finally, we put forward our views on the future research challenges and attractive directions for RIS-aided wireless positioning technology.

中文翻译：

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用于 6G IoT 无线定位的可重构智能表面：当代调查


第六代（6G）无线通信系统有望集通信、智能、传感、定位、控制和计算于一体，适应时间紧迫、超可靠、节能的数据传输，以及人员和设备的精确定位，服务于物联网 (IoT)。一方面，可重构智能表面（RIS）可以智能操控无线电波，被认为是6G无线通信的候选技术之一。因此，关于 RIS 辅助通信的调查越来越多。另一方面，RIS在定位方面的潜力越来越受到人们的关注，有关RIS辅助定位的文章已经被爆出来。因此，是时候回顾一下这些文献，了解RIS的潜力定位、研究现状，并为未来的研究指出方向。本文首先讲解了RIS的工作原理和通道模型，总结了RIS适合定位的一些特点。然后，我们对现有的RIS定位研究进行了简要回顾和分类。最后，我们对RIS辅助无线定位技术未来的研究挑战和有吸引力的方向提出了看法。