A group of Chinese researchers has claimed a technological breakthrough with the development of a so-called “smart surface” capable of harvesting usable electrical energy from ambient electromagnetic waves. According to the team, the innovation could support future stealth aircraft, electronic warfare systems, and next-generation 6G communications networks by combining power generation, sensing, and data transmission into a single platform.
The system merges advanced communications technology with electromagnetic engineering, allowing it to simultaneously transmit data and collect energy from surrounding radio frequency signals. Designed as an all-in-one intelligent surface, the technology integrates sensing, wireless communication, and self-sustaining power, enabling it to perform high-intensity tasks while remaining resilient against electronic jamming and interference.
Researchers suggest the smart surface could significantly enhance stealth operations, enabling aircraft to remain difficult to detect while coordinating in real time with multiple platforms. Rather than merely avoiding hostile radar emissions, future stealth jets could potentially harvest energy directly from radar beams, using them both as a power source and a medium for secure communication.
Beyond military aviation, the concept could reshape satellite communications and Internet of Things (IoT) architectures, enabling self-powered sensors, micro base stations, and integrated relay nodes. The team believes that as the technology matures, smart surfaces may play a pivotal role in environment-adaptive sensing, autonomous systems, and intelligent networks, paving the way for more efficient, reliable, and interconnected platforms.
