# Signal-Enhancing Surfaces MIT Researchers Created a 'Smart Surface' Which Can Enhance WiFi Signals By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-02-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-surface References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2020/02/03/mit-rfocus-smart-surface/) & [news.mit.edu](http://news.mit.edu/2020/smart-surface-smart-devices-mit-csail-0203) Researchers from the [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xar) CASAIL lab developed an RFocus 'smart surface,' which could be used to boost a WiFi signal. The 'smart surface' is able to act as both a mirror and a lens, which can send radio signals to a device on another side of the device. When a WiFi signal passes through the device, it is able to increase the signal by 10 times its original strength. The prototype is comprised of 3,000 [small antennas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indoor-router), that ware equipped with software tho arranges and optimizes a signal. The antennas are cost-effective and are listed at approximately a few cents for one antenna. Currently, there is no time table for the device to be commercially available. Image Credit: Jason Dorfman/ MIT CSAIL ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smart Surfaces for Signal Boosting:** The trend towards smart surfaces that enhance and optimize signal strength will create new opportunities for manufacturers of communication devices. - **Cost-effective Antenna Solutions:** As new antenna technologies emerge, there will be a growing trend towards cost-effective antenna solutions for both commercial and consumer applications. - **Optimizing Radio Signal Performance:** The demand for improving radio signal performance will continue to drive innovation and create new market opportunities for optimization software solutions. ### Where This Applies - **Telecommunications:** The telecommunications industry will benefit from the development of smart surfaces that can enhance signal strength for wireless devices. - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics manufacturers will benefit from cost-effective antenna solutions that can be incorporated into their products to increase performance. - **Software and Technology:** Software and technology companies will benefit from the demand for optimization solutions that can help improve radio signal performance across various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Device-Tracking Wifi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radix-be22000-turbo.md) - [Wall-Breaching Drone Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wifi-device-1.md) - [Speed-Enhanced Wi-Fi Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fastconnect-7800.md) - [Transparent EMI Shielding Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crystal-clear-microwave.md) - [Vehicular Smartphone Signal Boosters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weboost-drive-sleek.md) - [WiFi-Equipped Satellite Internet Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starlink-mini.md) - [Film-Type Vehicle Antennas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-electronics.md) - [Wireless Charging Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freepower.md) - [Accessible WiFi 7 Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netgear-orbi-370-series.md)