The recent developments in the research area of wireless communication and autonomous systems are significantly advancing the integration of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into next-generation networks. RIS technology is being leveraged to enhance the security and efficiency of communication systems, particularly in scenarios involving quantum key distribution (QKD) and UAV networks. Innovations in RIS deployment and partitioning are optimizing network connectivity, especially in challenging environments where traditional methods fall short. Additionally, the focus on ultra-reliable urban air mobility (UAM) networks is addressing critical reliability issues in urban settings, proposing novel antenna configurations and transmission strategies to ensure continuous link stability. The modeling of vehicular-to-vehicular (V2V) communication at millimeter-wave frequencies is also progressing, with real-traffic measurements informing more accurate path loss models. Furthermore, the concept of task-oriented virtual users in 6G networks is revolutionizing the way sensing, communication, computing, and control (SC3) loops are managed, optimizing uplink and downlink tradeoffs for improved performance. The integration of these advancements is paving the way for more autonomous, secure, and efficient future networks.

Noteworthy papers include one that explores the role of RIS in enhancing the secret key rate in QKD systems, and another that proposes a novel approach to maximizing UAV network connectivity through RIS deployment and partitioning.