Skip to main content

MIT researchers create a smart wallpaper that improves devices’ signal strength

 

The range and variety of smart devices continues to grow ever greater. Researchers from the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab have found a way that will allow them to design a surface that should reflect and amplify wireless signals. The discovery is described as a type of “smart wallpaper,” and it should allow Wi-Fi to be added to devices that are too small to have wireless antennae of their own. The smart surface is called RFocus, and the most interesting part is that it doesn’t require a power source of its own. The signal amplification is performed thanks to the physical shape of small antennae on the wallpaper.

Recommended Videos

Smart home technology comes in all shapes and sizes, but by its nature it has to be connected. This restricts its minimum size due to the need for a wireless antennae. The smart wallpaper could, in theory, allow manufacturers to reduce the size of future devices. The wallpaper’s ability to reflect a signal circumvents the problems encountered with smaller devices that struggle to maintain a reliable signal.

According to the researchers, the Focus smart wallpaper can improve signal strength by nearly ten times and increase channel capacity within office spaces. It does this by utilizing more than 3,000 tiny wireless antennae built directly into the surface of the wallpaper. Better signal strength means less downtime and less troubleshooting, which leads to more convenience. In an office or warehouse environment, a better signal means better productivity.

According to a story from the Daily Mail, the researchers say the wallpaper is inexpensive to produce at scale. Although the technology is still new and not ready for widespread adoption, it should be affordable once it reaches that stage. The researchers hope the RFocus smart wallpaper will one day be able to boost and extend 5G signals as well as Wi-Fi and other, more common types of wireless broadcasts.

The researchers say that while the surface can act as a range extender, its most valuable and likely use could be in the factories of the future, where the surface is used to connect thousands of devices at once. Modern systems that are used for that purpose are often expensive and power-intensive, but the RFocus offers an alternative, low-power solution.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
The affordable Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is now available following debut at CES 2025
the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential on a green wall

After making a splash at CES 2025, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential is now available for purchase. More affordable than both the Smart Thermostat Enhanced and Smart Thermostat Premium, the Essential is an affordable way to bring a bit of smarts into your home -- including Apple HomeKit integration and vacation scheduling.

Ecobee designed the Smart Thermostat Essential to be easy to use, with a large full-color touchscreen display giving you quick access to your most-used controls. However, the big draw is its built-in intelligence, as the device will slowly learn how to optimize its settings for your specific home. For example, it can detect how long it takes to heat and cool your home, allowing it to build a routine that ensures you stay comfortable regardless of the temperature outside. When paired with Ecobee Smart Sensors, it’ll even track occupancy levels and adjust your settings accordingly.

Read more
SwitchBot’s new smart shade is highly adjustable and doesn’t require a professional install
SwitchBot Roller Shade at night

First revealed at IFA 2024, the SwitchBot Roller Shade is now available for purchase. The smart gadget is designed to be highly adjustable and support DIY installation, allowing you to bring a bit of smarts to your windows without needing to contact a professional. Pricing starts at $200, scaling upwards for larger sizes and maxing out at $310 for the biggest option.

The SwitchBot Roller Shade uses interchangeable fabrics, allowing you to install blackout, full UV protection, or thermal insulating curtains. They’re also fully trimmable and expandable so you can quickly get them sized to most windows without any hassle. Windows with a width between 22.8 inches and 72.8 inches are supported, thanks to the availability of four different models that expand to various lengths.

Read more
Eve reveals its first smart light switch with dimmer functionality
Eve Dimmer Switch installed on a wall.

Eve has launched a variety of smart home gadgets over the years, including a smart plug, energy strip, and indoor camera. The company is now planning to launch its first smart light switch with dimmer functionality in March -- and with support for Matter, voice commands, and remote access, it’s looking like a solid choice for discerning shoppers.

The Eve Dimmer Switch will be one of the most expensive options on the market, carrying a price tag of $50. However, you’re getting a lot of great features for your investment. This includes Matter-over-Thread support, a premium button/rocker dimmer design for enhanced control, and the ability to sync it with Siri, Google Assistant, or Alexa to unlock voice commands. You’re also getting the ability to dim your lights, a feature missing from many other smart switches.

Read more