MicroWireless RFID Tracks Investory

Axcess International's Micro-Wireless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system will be implemented by the U.S. military to enable automatic inventory accounting and perimeter security for its ordnance assets. ...

... "Micro-Wireless technology allows for ultra-small, low cost wireless identification transmitters to be assigned to each asset, enabling automatic tracking, local area location determining and automatic security monitoring. The military initially selected Axcess' MicroWireless system for a pilot program because of its proven domain expertise in automatically identifying, tracking and protecting assets. During the thorough laboratory testing that began early last year, the military integrated the Axcess system into its core software system. The total system is now being implemented in the arms storage facility. Various forms of wireless tags are placed on the different types of armament. The items' electronic identifications are enrolled in the software to provide an automatic, real time inventory of each armament and its location based on its transmitted signal. Any unauthorized movement of an armament outside the storage area, automatically triggers an alert. The handling of armaments can be linked to authorized service personnel electronically via an RFID personnel badge so the authorized movement does not trigger an alarm. " ...

Via Axcess International: Micro-Wireless RFID System Implemented by U.S. Military for Ordnance Security

RFID Microchips for Military Personnel

RFID for military application as shown on CNN feature. ...

Zebra RFID Printing Enables USAF Operating Supply Chain Model

Zebra Technologies is shipping RFID printer/encoders to the U.S. Air Force (USAF), enabling the USAF Cargo Movement Operation System (CMOS) at more than 214 locations world-wide. ...

... "The planned RFID initiative is expected to improve overall efficiency and productivity of the USAF's and Department of Defense (DoD) supply chain and other logistical operations. CMOS is a DoD support system designed to automate and streamline logistical processes and cargo movement through the strategic application of Automatic Identification Technology (AIT). The AIT Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is responsible for the implementation plan to promote the use of RFID automatic identification technology in the USAF." ...

U.S. AIR FORCE'S CARGO MOVEMENT OPERATION SYSTEM'S LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

DOD RFID Contract Continues With Unisys

U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) awards Unisys its follow-on contract to enhance supply chain visibility for military logistics. ...

... "The contract, which includes firm fixed-price and time and materials work, is worth approximately $28 million in the first year, if the government continues to order time and materials work at the current level. The total value of the contract could be approximately $112 million if the government exercises all options and continues to order time and materials work at the current level. In addition, the contract provides for the award of additional fees if performance metrics are exceeded and the imposition of penalties if the metrics are not met. Award of this contract allows Unisys to continue its efforts on the RFID program that began 13 years ago. Unisys has been working with DoD to develop, maintain and enhance an in-transit visibility system utilizing radio frequency identification technology. Providing visibility almost instantaneously into the location of supplies and shipments enables the military to increase its agility to supply units and soldiers with critical supplies in a timely manner, focus on mission-critical activities and respond quickly to mission changes.

Unisys tracks approximately 125,000 shipments of supplies each week, including ammunition, food/rations and water, medical supplies, vehicles, vehicle parts and aircraft. Attached to these shipments are RFID tags that store information vital to the soldier. Unisys tracks shipments across all modes of transportation - truck, rail, ship and air - to their final destinations in combatant commands worldwide. Fixed and handheld readers send and receive radio signals to and from the tags. Because data written to each tag are replicated among five servers, users worldwide have access to the same information on each item. Consequently, decision-makers at all levels of command and throughout the logistics supply chain can plan, prioritize and redirect shipments accordingly and collaboratively. " ...

Via Unisys: Unisys Wins Bid to Continue Operating and Maintaining One of World's Largest RFID Networks for Department of Defense

RFID Hammer Tracking System Integrates GIS and Sensors

Army RFID research looks to improve the understanding of rapidly changing conditions in real-time using RFID, geographic information, and multiple sensor perspectives. ...

... "The HAMMERTM is modular in design. The technology may be configurable to accommodate a variety of plug and play components, wireless sensors (e.g., seismic, thermal, acoustic, temperature, chemical), and other peripherals via conventional connections (e.g., USB 2.0, LEMOTM). The core unit includes a computer running a WindowsTM XP operating system, which allows secure and encrypted robust computing and 80 GB of data storage capacity. An embedded ArcGISTM software platform allows for integrated complex geographical information system (GIS) analysis. Base unit features include: position acquisition as well as stand-off positioning; distance, pitch, and roll measurements; and still and video processing. Users can collect data instantly via the a rapid event-capture trigger. Additional functions may include night vision, image stabilization and video pattern registration, voice recognition software, and biometrics for secure operations. Voice annotations, as well as audio communications, may be achieved through a wireless, hands-free, headset. A marking/tracking system may be used to mark and monitor dynamic situations and events across diverse landscapes, via active and/or passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and hybrid bar code/RFID labels. " ...

Via US Army ERDC: HAMMER (Hand-held Apparatus for Mobile Mapping and Expedited Reporting)

RFID Ink Tattoo

Somark is a technology company located at the Center for Emerging Technologies and is
developing a proprietary ID system based on a biocompatible ink with chipless RFID functionality. The company has successfully tested RFID ink in animals, which proves that ink can be delivered and read. The primary application of the RFID ink is animal tracking in the livestock industry. ...

... "Somark announces the successful testing of Biocompatible Chipless RFID Ink in cattle and laboratory rats. The test proved the efficacy of injecting and reading a Biocompatible Chipless RFID Ink tattoo within the skin of animals. The technology will be initially leveraged to the livestock industry to help identify / track cattle and thus mitigate export trade loss from BSE (a.k.a. Mad Cow Disease) scares. Secondary target markets include laboratory animals, dogs & cats, prime cuts of meat, and military personnel. The company, which is currently raising a Series A equity financing, will license the technology to secondary target markets." ...

Via Somark Innovations: Somark Innovations Announces Successful Live Animal Tests of Biocompatible Chipless RFID Ink in Cattle and Laboratory Rats

RFID Future: Syscan Invests ...

Syscan announces full-year financial results which are disappointing. Yet, the company is optimistic about its future as it invests in RFID agricultural applications. ...

... "Research and Development expenses grew to $765,415 from $308,797, an increase of 148% as RFID based application development was accelerated in preparation for commercialization. At the end of the year, working capital stood at $906,578 and there was no bank debt. Mr. Axel Striefler, President and CEO of Syscan said: Fiscal 2006 was a difficult year for the Company as demand for our rugged mobile printers declined significantly due to competition from smaller, less expensive thermal printers. Nevertheless we have made tremendous strides with our RFID applications which represent the future of the Company. We are looking forward to strong growth in 2007 as we commercialize our solutions in the food, pharmaceutical and military sectors. We are particularly excited about the forthcoming implementation of our RFID based solutions in conjunction with Quebec's mandated agricultural traceability programs across the province. " ...

Via MarketWire: Syscan Releases 2006 Results

RFID Live Spain Military ...

Spain's military has gone-live with Savi RFID-enabled consignment management that is interoperable with other NATO forces for integrated supply chain visibility. ...

... "The Spanish Armed Forces (SAF) now is up and running with an active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) network and software platform that can be interoperable with similar network solutions deployed by NATO and other allied defense forces. The compatible RFID networks provided by Savi Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, now enable SAF and NATO to automatically track and manage national and multi-national, joint force consignments as they're transported through each other's far-reaching supply chains, extending through Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere worldwide. The RFID platform was installed through the Savi Consignment Management Solution (CMS), which consists of Savi SmartChain Site Manager, Savi SmartChain Enterprise Platform and Savi SmartChain Consignment Management Application. The solution also includes Savi's data-rich, active RFID tags, fixed readers and handheld reader kits based on Echopoint technology - a highly configurable system using dual frequencies for spot-level and wide-area locating of consignments and supply chain assets. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SPAIN'S MILITARY NOW UP AND RUNNING WITH SAVI TECHNOLOGY'S RFID-BASED CONSIGNMENT MANAGEMENT SOLUTION ...

RFID in Military Deployments ...

RFID technology has role in the logistics of military deployments. DOD RFID policy was development from experiences in
logistics and operational requirements during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). ...

... "Radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies are being used by the military to provide visibility of items moving across the Defense Transportation System (DTS), as well as for asset visibility. RFIDs are a type of automatic identification system that has been available in commercial systems for a number of years. An RFID system enables data to be transmitted by a portable device called a tag. A tag is activated by an RFID interrogator and then transmits data stored on it. That information is read (by RFID), processed, and stored according to the needs of a particular application or information system. Typically, applications are in the fields of logistics, inventory control, rail yard asset management, and vehicle tracking. " ...

RFID in Military Deployments: Via FHWA Office of Operations: Coordinating Military Deployments on Roads and Highways - Chapter 5. Technologies Supporting Military Deployments

Magnetometer RFID Advanced Sensing Applications ...

Magnetometer RFID Advanced Sensing Applications: Via mPhase: mPhase Technologies CEO: Magnetometer Represents Enormous Potential for Company; Durando Says Investors Unfamiliar With Implication of Innovative Sensor Device ...

Miniature magnetometer has applications in advanced sensing for RFID ...

... "Metal detection is only one application for these magnetometers, says Durando. These advanced sensors can also be used for RFID tags, metal stress detection, location and direction finding, representing multi-million dollar opportunities. Because it is more sensitive and less costly than available technology, the new class of magnetometer will find new markets in specialized military as well as mass-market commercial applications, he states. " ...

mPhase Technologies was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Norwalk, CT, with offices in Little Falls, NJ, New York City, NY and Atlanta, GA.

RFID DOD Supply Chain ...

Army Logistician (RFID Vision in the DOD Supply Chain) ...

Alan F. Estevez writes ... The Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Supply Chain Integration believes that the real value of RFID lies not in what it can do today but in what it will do in the future. ...

... "Radio frequency identification (RFID) is an enabling technology that allows military logisticians to synthesize and integrate end-to-end information about assets. The Department of Defense (DOD) is a globally sophisticated user of active RFID, with more than a decade of experience in this technology and the most extensive RFID network in the world. Now, DOD is attempting to standardize the use of active RFID and is moving ahead with the application of passive RFID technologies. (Active RFID uses a battery within the tag to power the tag and its RF communications circuitry. Passive RFID relies on radio frequency energy transferred from the reader to the tag to power the tag.) " ...

Alan F. Estevez is the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Supply Chain Integration within the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness.

RFID Background ...

United States Patent Application: 0030028787

... "One solution involves the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. RF ID technology is more commonly associated with aircraft identification systems, in which each aircraft has a transponder that emits a code in response to receiving radio waves of the correct frequency. The emitted code helps aircraft identify one another and thereby avoid collision or, in the case of military aircraft, avoid firing on each other. This technology has also been used in door entry systems, in which employees of a company are issued security cards, each card having a transponder that transmits an ID code in the presence of an electromagnetic field. To enter a secured door, an employee places his or her security card in close proximity to a card reader. The card reader emits radio waves that cause the security card to respond with an ID code. The security system then determines whether or not to open the door based on the ID code. " ...

RFID Tags LongRange SemiPassive

Office of Science - Feature -

... "Long-Range Semi-Passive Radio Frequency Identification System: These unique semi-passive RF tags can identify, locate, and even determine the condition of any item to which it is attached. In an inventory application, this system significantly reduces the time to count, locate, monitor, and control distribution of resources ranging from commercial commodities (such as clothing, blood plasma, and perishable foods) to military equipment and personnel in the field." ...

RFID Company Growth through Innovation ...

RFID Company Growth through Innovation: Spectrum Signal Processing Reports Fourth Quarter and 2004 Year ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators under three ...

... Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) today announced its financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. Spectrum reports all results in US dollars and in accordance with US GAAP. Fourth quarter financial highlights include: Revenue of $4.6 million; Gross margins of $2.8 million, or 61% of revenue; Net operating expenses of $2.5 million; Net earnings of $294,000, or $0.02 per share; ...

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (NASDAQ: SSPI / TSX: SSY) is a leading supplier of software defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies and its prime contractors.

Build RFID Networks ...

Build RFID Networks: RF Code Releases Developer's Kit for RFID Network Appliance

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... RF Code, Inc., a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of Auto-ID data management software and active RFID technologies today announced that it is ...

... RF Code, Inc., a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of Auto-ID data management software and active RFID technologies today announced that it is making available a powerful set of tools for enterprises that are building RFID networks. ...

RF Code's award winning TAVIS(TM) software platform is an Auto-ID data management framework which supports the broad spectrum of Auto-ID devices for data collection, filtering and consolidation. The TAVIS platform also serves as an application bridge to the world's leading information systems. TAVIS-powered solutions enable device-independent data collection from a wide variety of devices including: active RFID readers, passive RFID readers, EPC readers, remote sensors, barcode scanners, Wi-Fi(R) access points and GPS receivers. The software converts reader data into a standard format that can be managed locally or centrally, and linked to end-user applications that track, locate and identify assets. About RF Code, Inc.: RF Code Inc. is a premier designer, developer and manufacturer of active RFID technologies and Auto-ID data management software. Since 1997, the company has developed its high-performance, low cost Mantis(TM) active RFID systems for long-range wireless data communications that accurately manage and track physical assets, information and personnel. Its TAVIS(TM) software platform is a leading Auto-ID data management framework for data collection and distribution. RF Code offers a complete Unified Monitoring System (UMS) comprised of RF tags, readers, antennas and data management software.

Additional resources about building RFID networks ...

RFID Enabled Supply Chain Networks: The Next: Industry could not build the developing computer, telecommunications and wireless networks ... Building RFID networks will, in many ways, mirror the themes we saw ...

RFID and Sensor-based Device and Network Management: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... easily extend what they have today into increasingly mature RFID networks that include ... takes from a device and network management perspective to build deep and ...

VeriSign Demonstrates EPC Network Services in Germany - RFID from: ONS) of the EPC Global Network, VeriSign will be supporting RFID networks through Managed ... basis as companies continue to research, design, and build their RFID ...

Military Contracts with Savi Technology to Build RFID Networks: the US DoD, which Savi has helped over the past decade to build the In ... Savi, a leading provider of RFID networks for real-time supply chain visibility, asset ...

DOD RFID Implementation ...

From Northrop Grumman ...

... "Northrop Grumman is working closely with DoD, as well as monitoring Wal-Mart's and related industry efforts, to determine the correct application of RFID technology. Today, Northrop Grumman is integrating RFID into the Military Shipping Label (MSL) as part of one of DoD's initial RFID implementation projects. The capabilities and limitations of passive RFID are being analyzed in DoD's operational transportation processes. " ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has developed a new technology to help companies achieve radio frequency identification (RFID)-compliance to meet customer needs. The Illuminos™ software development toolkit allows the user's RFID solution to interact with the numerous RFID hardware vendors' readers and printers. Northrop Grumman Information Technology, headquartered in Herndon, Va., is a trusted IT leader and premier provider of advanced IT solutions, engineering and business services for government and commercial clients. The company's technological leadership spans such areas as homeland security solutions, secure wireless, cyber and physical assurance, IT and network infrastructure, managed services, knowledge management, modeling and simulation, and geospatial intelligence solutions. Northrop Grumman has been a major systems integrator of automatic identification technology, including RFID solutions, for nearly 20 years.

RFID Implants: ORBCOMM Announces Application Development Agreement with VeriChip ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... telecommunication services for applications to be developed for use with the world's first implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip, also ...

... ORBCOMM, a global satellite telecommunications company, today announced that it has executed an agreement with VeriChip(TM) Corporation, a subsidiary of Applied Digital (NASDAQ:ADSX), to be its provider of satellite and telecommunication services for applications to be developed for use with the world's first implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip, also called VeriChip(TM). Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will also work together to develop and market new military, security, and healthcare applications for use in the United States and around the world. ...

ORBCOMM is a wireless telecommunications company that provides reliable, cost effective data communications services to customers around the world through its unique low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and global ground infrastructure. A diverse customer base, including industry leaders General Electric, Caterpillar Inc., Volvo Trucks, XATA, and AirIQ, uses ORBCOMM services to track, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets including trucks, containers, marine vessels, locomotives, heavy machinery, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters and storage tanks anywhere in the world.

RFID Software: Spectrum Signal Processing to Develop Software-Defined Active RFID ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. ...

... Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., a subsidiary of Spectrum Signal Processing Inc., today announced a contract with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to jointly develop a suite of multi-purpose software-defined radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogators. The interrogators, or readers, are being developed for multiple funded programs addressing military logistics, homeland security and commercial transportation applications. The readers are designed to track military assets in both hostile and non-hostile environments and to monitor the location and physical integrity of intermodal cargo containers. ...

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. (TSX:SSY)(NASDAQ:SSPI) is a leading supplier of software-defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Maryland, provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the US Government, its allies, and its prime contractors.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a multi-program science and technology laboratory managed for the US Department of Energy by UT-Battelle LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

FDA on Medical RFID: FDA Clears VeriChip for Medical Applications in the United States

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... and Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX:DOC) announced today that VeriChip(TM), the world's first implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip for ...

FDA approves RFID for medical use in humans ...

... Applied Digital (NASDAQ: ADSX), a provider of Security Through Innovation(TM) and Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX:DOC) announced today that VeriChip(TM), the world's first implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip for human use, has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical uses in the United States. The FDA clearance follows the completion of a de novo application review. ...

Applied Digital develops innovative security products for consumer, commercial, and government sectors worldwide. Our unique and often proprietary products provide security for people, animals, the food supply, government/military arena, and commercial assets. Included in this diversified product line are RFID applications, end-to-end food safety systems, GPS/Satellite communications, and telecomm and security infrastructure, positioning Applied Digital as the leader of Security Through Innovation(TM). Applied Digital is the owner of a majority position in Digital Angel Corporation (AMEX: DOC).

Digital Angel Corporation develops and deploys sensor and communications technologies that enable rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value assets. Applications for the Company's products include identification and monitoring of pets, fish, livestock, and humans through its patented implantable microchips; location tracking and message monitoring of vehicles and aircraft in remote locations through systems that integrate GPS and geosynchronous satellite communications; and monitoring of asset conditions such as temperature and movement, through advanced miniature sensors.