mmMirror: Device Free mmWave Indoor NLoS Localization Using Van-Atta-Array IRS

Industry 4.0 is transforming manufacturing and logistics by integrating robots into shared human environments, such as factories, warehouses, and healthcare facilities. However, the risk of human-robot collisions, especially in Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) scenarios like around corners, remains a critical challenge. Existing solutions, such as vision-based and LiDAR systems, often fail under occlusion, lighting constraints, or privacy concerns, while RF-based systems are limited by range and accuracy. To address these limitations, we propose mmMirror, a novel system leveraging a Van Atta Array-based millimeter-wave (mmWave) reconfigurable intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) for precise, device-free NLoS localization. mmMirror integrates seamlessly with existing frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radars and offers: (i) robust NLoS localization with centimeter-level accuracy at ranges up to 3 m, (ii) seamless uplink and downlink communication between radar and IRS, (iii) support for multi-radar and multi-target scenarios via dynamic beam steering, and (iv) reduced scanning latency through adaptive time slot allocation. Implemented using commodity 24 GHz radars and a PCB-based IRS prototype, mmMirror demonstrates its potential in enabling safe human-robot interactions in dynamic and complex environments.

N$^2$LoS: Single-Tag mmWave Backscatter for Robust Non-Line-of-Sight Localization

The accuracy of traditional localization methods significantly degrades when the direct path between the wireless transmitter and the target is blocked or non-penetrable. This paper proposes N2LoS, a novel approach for precise non-line-of-sight (NLoS) localization using a single mmWave radar and a backscatter tag. N2LoS leverages multipath reflections from both the tag and surrounding reflectors to accurately estimate the targets position. N2LoS introduces several key innovations. First, we design HFD (Hybrid Frequency-Hopping and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) to detect and differentiate reflectors from the target. Second, we enhance signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by exploiting the correlation properties of the designed signals, improving detection robustness in complex environments. Third, we propose FS-MUSIC (Frequency-Spatial Multiple Signal Classification), a super resolution algorithm that extends the traditional MUSIC method by constructing a higher-rank signal matrix, enabling the resolution of additional multipath components. We evaluate N2LoS using a 24 GHz mmWave radar with 250 MHz bandwidth in three diverse environments: a laboratory, an office, and an around-the-corner corridor. Experimental results demonstrate that N2LoS achieves median localization errors of 10.69 cm (X) and 11.98 cm (Y) at a 5 m range in the laboratory setting, showcasing its effectiveness for real-world NLoS localization.