Chinese Scientists Develop 6G ‘Smart Surface’ to Harvest Radar Energy for Future Aircraft

Chinese researchers at Xidian University have developed a groundbreaking “smart surface” designed for the 6G era, capable of converting ambient electromagnetic waves into usable electrical energy. This innovation combines wireless communication, sensing, and energy harvesting into a single hardware platform, representing a significant step forward in multifunctional electronic systems. By integrating these capabilities, the technology could enable future stealth aircraft to draw power directly from enemy radar signals while simultaneously reducing their detectability, a concept researchers refer to as “electromagnetic cooperative stealth.”

The smart surface operates by capturing electromagnetic waves that would normally be reflected or absorbed by materials in the environment and converting them into electrical energy. This allows aircraft or other devices to harness energy from sources such as radar beams, effectively turning surveillance signals into a power supply. In addition to energy harvesting, the surface can support secure wireless communication and advanced sensing, providing a dual function that could enhance mission capabilities while maintaining stealth.

Beyond military applications, the technology has significant implications for civilian communications and next-generation network infrastructure. Researchers suggest that the smart surface could play a role in 6G mobile networks, satellite communication systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices by enabling more efficient signal management, reducing electromagnetic interference, and minimizing the risk of eavesdropping. By combining energy harvesting with signal processing, the platform could reduce the need for conventional power sources, lower energy consumption, and enhance the overall performance of connected systems.

Experts believe this innovation represents a step toward multifunctional “metasurfaces” capable of simultaneously supporting communication, sensing, and power generation, which could transform both military technology and commercial wireless networks in the 6G era. The integration of energy harvesting with stealth and communication technologies points to a future where devices not only operate efficiently but also remain harder to detect while using existing electromagnetic environments as a sustainable power source.