US Army RFID Contracts

The US Army Product Manager Joint - Automatic Identification Technology Office for total AIT and RFID solutions selects ODIN technologies as a prime contractor for the Passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID) contract. ...

... "The pRFID contract greatly streamlines the purchase of passive RFID solutions needed by the Government since ODIN technologies and its partner contractors bring turn-key pRFID solutions to address any and all requirement of the DoD. All of the hardware, software, and services that make up solutions can be purchased today through this contract. PM J-AIT evaluated and analyzed all of the various vendors before choosing the ODIN team, so that end-users can quickly and easily call on the provider to stand-up a solution. There is early interest in using this IDIQ to build upon the extensive infrastructure ODIN technologies installed for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at all of the Defense Distribution Centers (DDC) across the United States as well as to support specific projects in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. " ...

Via ODIN technologies: US Army Prime Contract Passive RFID

Motorola RFID RTLS Solution

Motorola launches its real-time location solution enabling the Wireless Next Generation (Wi-NG) architecture. The RFID-enabled solution creates a Real-time Location System (RTLS) that supports location awareness. Moto is promoting standards-based application programming interfaces for this solution to enable third party business capabilities. ...

... "Powered by the embedded RTLS engine, the Motorola Wi-NG architecture enables accurate location determination and presence detection capabilities for Wi-Fi-based devices, Wi-Fi-based active RFID tags and passive RFID tags. The solution can be deployed by small, medium and large organizations using Motorola’s full RF Switch portfolio in both indoor and outdoor environments. Motorola’s location solution is both RF- and tag-agnostic, and includes built-in location determination algorithms that can integrate data from third-party location engines. An industry-standard application level events (ALE) interface allows developers to create location-based business applications using location data. Capable of processing many location technologies simultaneously and delivering the data with a single XML-based interface, Motorola’s RTLS offers customers the most comprehensive and flexible location solution on the market. " ...

Via Motorola: Comprehensive Location Solution

Passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID)

Federal government opens request for proposal for passive RFID solutions. ...

... "The Government requires commercially available state-of-the-art Passive RFID EPC Class 1, Gen 2, communications hardware, software, documentation, training, warranty service, and maintenance to provide a common, integrated structure for logistics tracking, locating, and monitoring of assets for users. In addition, the Government requires technical engineering services, including turnkey solutions integrating existing AIT and Active RFID with Passive technology to ensure the users have the capabilities to integrate technologies to accomplish a transparent solution. Passive RFID EPC, Class 1, Gen 2, technology will provide standardization and interoperability amongst Government users of Passive RFID EPC technology. " ...

Via Federal Business Opportunities: 70--Passive Radio Frequency Identification (pRFID)

RFID Anywhere Upgrade

Sybase updates their RFID middleware software with support of more devices. ...

... "Greater flexibility with newly expanded device support
Passive RFID: Alien 9900, Intermec IF61, Omron v750, Sirit Infinity 510, Feig LRU1000, IPICO, Impinj Speedway Handheld RFID: Psion Teklogic Workabout Pro, Intermec 751, Sirit Infinity 210 Forklift RFID: Intermec IV7 Active RFID: ePlate, WaveTrend
RTLS: RFind, Sky-Trax ... " ...

Via Sybase: Updates RFID and Sensor Computing Middleware

Mojix RFID Long Read Range and Coverage

Mojix introduces a revolutionary new class of RFID systems, the Mojix STAR system, that can be experienced at the RFID Journal LIVE! event in Las Vegas, Nevada. ...

... "The EPCglobal GEN 2-compliant Mojix STAR system radically redefines the performance parameters of passive RFID, delivering 100,000 times the indoor receiver sensitivity of previous solutions, 20 times the read range (600 feet), and 100 times the coverage area (up to 250,000 square feet) with non line-of-sight capabilities - to dramatically extend the utility, scope and value of RFID applications and use cases.



Developed by experts in deep space communications, the Mojix STAR system combines advances in digital signal processing technology perfected in deep space applications with an innovative architecture to economically expand RFID coverage by an order of magnitude in spacetime (3D). Freed from the traditional restraints of conventional passive RFID technology, a single Mojix STAR system can handle numerous concurrent applications across an entire warehouse, retail complex, distribution center, transportation yard or other large contiguous space with a single point of data collection and management. " ...

Via Mojix: Revolutionary New Class of RFID System

BlackFriday RFID Retail Pilot Locates Stock

Electronic Product Code (EPC) RFID technology will be used on new DVD releases in a pilot test scheduled at select stores around the country. The RFID tags are expected to help retailers locate stock that is in their stores to improve the customer experience. ...

... "The EPC uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to uniquely identify an object. Retailers can use the EPC to ensure that products are kept in stock to meet shopper demand as well as helping shoppers find the right product in the right place inside the store. Over the last few years, the EPC has become a popular way to identify pallets and cases of goods on their way to retail stores. Electronic readers inside the store read the unique serial numbers from EPC labels and relay this information back to store staff. EPC labels do not contain, collect or store any personal information. The EPC label has no power source and can only transmit its unique number when it is less than about 10 feet from a reader that activates the label. The power – or strength – of readers is strictly regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. The actual distance from which an EPC label can be read may be shorter because barriers such as shopping bags and other factors such as the presence of metal materials or nearness of walls or other obstructions weaken a reader’s signal. The labels can be removed after purchase. " ...

Via epcGlobal: SHOPPER BENEFITS (PDF)

RFID Company Funding for Aerospace Commercialization

Tego raises funds to commercialize RFID technology for aerospace applications. ...

... "Tego, Inc., a Waltham-based developer of high-memory passive RFID tag solutions, announced that it has closed a $6 million Series A investment led by Bainco International Investors, an asset management and wealth advisory firm. Tego will use the funds for development and commercialization of its solution that will be initially launched for the aerospace industry. " ...

Via Tego: Series A Investment

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 Asset Tracking Starter Kit

AssetTrack Express is a new solution from Fluensee that enables companies to quickly and begin using asset tracking technology and RFID, at an inexpensive price point. ...

... "AssetTrack Express is an out-of-the-box RFID starter kit to manage assets that most companies can install and have up and running within a day. It includes everything necessary for companies to deploy RFID technology to automatically track and manage nearly any type of valuable asset. With this kit, companies can start exploiting RFID's many uses, such as monitoring, planning and tracking asset movements, and providing analytical reports that help improve asset utilization. The standard AssetTrack Express kit is comprised of Fluensee's sophisticated asset tracking software, a rugged handheld RFID reader, up to 250 assorted passive RFID tags, a quick set-up guide, as well as support services. For an additional cost, kit contents can be modified - to include stationary readers or alternative tag technologies, for example - based on the user's specific needs." ...

Via Fluensee: AssetTrack Express - RFID Starter Kit

RFID Improves Stroke Treatment: Access Health Records

National Stroke Association endorses implantable RFID microchips as a treatment to enable access to the critical health records of stroke victims. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. National Stroke Association is the leading national non-profit organization devoting all of its efforts and resources to stroke. VeriMed Patient Identification System is used to rapidly and accurately identify people who arrive in an emergency room and are unable to communicate. This RFID identification system uses the first human-implantable passive microchip, the implantable VeriChip. ...

... "The National Stroke Association (NSA) has recognized that implantable RFID microchip technology offers the ability to improve stroke treatment by providing medical professionals with immediate access to vital health information of stroke-afflicted patients. An excerpt from the letter, signed by James Baranski, CEO of the National Stroke Association, states: Personal Health Records, including implantable RFID microchips such as VeriMed, could play a critical role in assisting medical professionals in delivering appropriate stroke treatment promptly, leading to better patient outcomes. The VeriMed Patient Identification System which consists of a handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner, an implantable RFID microchip and a secure patient database, is being used to help rapidly identify and provide access to important health information on participating patients who arrive at an emergency department unconscious, delirious or unable to communicate. This implantable RFID system is the only system of its type cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in people. " ...

Via VeriChip: National Stroke Association Views Implantable RFID Microchip such as VeriMed as a Potential Life-Saving Medical Device ...

RFID Context Aware Location Services

Sybase enhances its RFID Anywhere solution to support advanced services that enable context-aware locating capabilities. Location information is given a business context in applications that support asset management, access control, resource management in industries, such as logistics, healthcare, and other supply chain environments. Location information will integrate sensor technology data associated with assets. Assets will be identified and associated with fixed locations and temporal information to provide location and timing insights. Conditions can be monitored and alerts will be provided based on events. ...

... "RFID Anywhere 3.0 breaks new ground with the delivery of a context-aware Location Information System. Using RFID Anywhere, businesses can not only track assets from a range of data collection points [such as passive RFID, active RFID, real-time location systems (RTLS), barcode, global positioning systems (GPS) and environmental sensors], but can dramatically enhance the value of this data by associating environmental inputs (e.g., temperature) along with the location data. In addition, the RFID Anywhere 3.0 Location Information System exposes its complete feature set via a rich service oriented architecture (SOA) web services layer allowing organizations to easily transform static business information into business-aware intelligence. " ...

Via Sybase: Sybase iAnywhere Pioneers Context-Aware Location Information System with RFID Anywhere 3.0 ...

RFID Anywhere simplifies the development, deployment, configuration and management tasks for highly distributed, multi-site, intelligent sensor networks, and abstracts the interaction with the physical network of devices. With support for over forty devices, this powerful infrastructure enables the creation of intelligent sensor networks out-of-the-box. By using RFID Anywhere, sensors are able to work together as an intelligent network by combining, organizing and coordinating these technologies through a common management structure, advanced feature set and event-driven development framework.

RFID Technology Enables Asia Logistics for Metro Supply Chain

The METRO Group and Savi Networks will collaborate to implement the Advanced Logistics Asia (ALA) project. The project will deploy RFID radio frequency identification technology to monitor the location and security of inventory shipped from Asia to Europe in real-time through the supply chain. ...

... "The ALA project, managed by METRO Group Buying Hong Kong (MGB Hong Kong), will utilize SaviTrak(TM), a web-based, real-time information service that leverages automatic data transmissions from Electronic Product Code (EPC) - compliant passive and active RFID tags, among other wireless devices, on shipments transported throughout the global supply chain. MGB Hong Kong manages METRO Group imports from sourcing to delivery at Distribution Centers in Germany. Under the ALA project, SaviTrak will monitor a variety of retail products while they are transported through a global RFID reader network, stretching from a consolidation center in Hong Kong, through the Port of Hong Kong, to the Port of Rotterdam, the inland Port of Duisburg in Germany and finally to a METRO Group distribution center in Unna, Germany.



Active, battery-powered RFID tags on containers will be utilized to automatically transmit information into the SaviTrak information service. As a six-month pilot, the ALA project is designed to evaluate improvements in the visibility, management and security of inventory while it is transported end-to-end. The project will further evaluate investment returns in reduced lead times and inventory, improved customer service as well as supply chain and financial performance." ...

Via Savi Networks: The METRO Group and Savi Networks Launch Real-Time Information Service on Inventory Shipped From Asia to Europe

Active RFID Evolution Accelerates

Active RFID technology is seeing increased extension of its capabilities. A number of sensor and sensing functions are being introduced. As well as communications features raning from WiFi to satellite communications. ...

... "These are typical examples of how active RFID technology is evolving much faster than passive RFID technology and creating many exciting new applications and profit opportunities for companies of all sizes. " ...

Via Sys-Con: Link

Upcoming conference will focus on Active RFID technology.

RFID Bio-Sensor MicroChip ...

The U.S. PTO grants Digital Angel a patent for its implantable glucose-sensing RFID microchip. The RFID microchip measures glucose concentration for diabetic patients and transmits data to RFID scanner. ...

... "Checking blood glucose levels regularly is critical to properly managing diabetes. The conventional method - a finger prick - is invasive, painful and often inaccurate. The implantable bio-sensor chip has a passive transponder, glucose sensor and integrated circuitry that allow anyone implanted with the microchip to painlessly scan it to determine their level of glucose concentration. The RFID microchip quickly and accurately transmits the glucose data back to a wireless scanner that displays the glucose level. The RFID microchip is powered by the scanner signal, avoiding the need for a battery in the microchip. " ...

Via Digital Angel: RFID Bio-Sensor MicroChip: DIGITAL ANGEL CORPORATION AWARDED PATENT FOR BREAKTHROUGH GLUCOSE-SENSING RFID MICROCHIP ...

RFID Battery-Assist Passive Tag: Supports Logistics and Manufacturing ...

Intelleflex RFID tags can be used by logistics companies and in manufacturing in long-range, battery-assisted mode for real-time inventory tracking of assemblies in the warehouses. The RFID system can automatically generate a proof of shipment when assemblies are shipped. When used in maintenance operations in passive mode, companies can realize significant benefits from having actionable manufacturing and repair history data in the 64Kb user memory of the RFID tag at the point of use. ...

... "Intelleflex's InfoSure tags and the I-Beam reader are multi-protocol, ensuring global interoperability using EPC standards. InfoSure tags can be used as passive C1G2 tags with any other C1G2 reader or used in the battery-assisted passive mode at long ranges with the I-Beam reader. InfoSure tags offer up to 100-meter read/write range in free space, which translates to 100 percent read/write reliability at standard working ranges in industrial environments. They also offer 64 kb user memory, which is segmented into 1 kb blocks so they can be independently protected for read/write access through passwords. The I-Beam reader can read any EPC C1G2 tag as well as the Class 3 InfoSure tag. Initial product shipments of both the tags and readers are targeted for asset management, yard management, manufacturing and zonal access control applications. " ...

Via Intelleflex Corporation: Intelleflex Announces Availability of its RFID Battery-Assisted Passive Tag and Reader Products ...

DOD RFID Dept of Defense Implementation Enablers

ODIN Technologies shares some of the key ingredients (Accuracy and Implementation Speed) to enabling their successful implementation of RFID technology in the DOD supply chain. The Dept of Defense has strict read rate accuracy requirements that ODIN had to meet with limited technology capabilities at that time. In addition, ODIN perfected an implementation methodology for the DOD that improved the speed of delivery while sustaining performance quality. ...

... "DoD is modernizing its logistics system to better support the warfighter. Passive RFID is at the center of that transformation. It is a core element of the DoD's force transformation initiative designed to create a more agile military. However, if the tags and readers do not communicate reliably, the benefits will not materialize. After years of planning, the DLA needed a highly accurate RFID network established rapidly.

...

Accuracy: DoD expected its RFID system to be an order of magnitude more sophisticated than what was currently being deployed. Boundaries relative to read-rates and performance were strict, unlike many retailers who have toyed with trial-and-error methods. Rather than just attempt to read a single pallet tag, the DoD demanded 20 Gen 1.0 and Gen 2.0 RFID tags be affixed to cases and read as they come through a dock door - 100% accurately. This required scientific precision when designing and configuring the RFID network. Each portal was tested 10 times for that performance criteria. The DoD has shown RFID will reduce costs, increase supply visibility and streamline its entire supply chain, from the factory-to-the-foxhole. However, it can only do this if the RFID system is accurate and reliable.

...

Implementation Methods and Speed: Eighteen facilities spanning the continental U.S. (CONUS) were evaluated, solutions designed, installed and tested to 100% accuracy in under 130 days. " ...

Via ODIN Technologies: DOD Case Study (PDF) ...

RFID Middleware: Automate Integrate ...

Reltronics Technologies has made their system, SmartInstrument, a versatile middleware for automatic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems, widely available in the marketplace. Reltronics strengths lie in automation and identification using remote RFID technology. The SmartInstrument middleware system plays a role in supporting interoperability and integration of multiple, potentially incompatible, solutions. ...

... "One of Reltronics Technologies' fortes is in creating and supporting RFID systems that assist in automating asset and inventory management, identifying drug pedigrees, etc. and which rely upon storage and remote retrieval of data using RFID hardware (Readers, Antennas, Tags or Transponders). Retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target have whole-heartedly accepted the RFID concepts to implement efficiencies in their workflow and to limit inventories in their warehouses and they have subsequently initiated mandates to their vendors to implement RFID technology in their supplies within set timelines. These mandates are allowing shorter timelines and the industry not only needs many new deployments but also sustain existing deployments. SmartInstrument is a step forward to facilitate transparency in the RFID systems deployment thereby bringing commonality between various RFID protocols and hardware technologies (reader, antenna, and transponders or RFID tags), irrespective of the technology being new or old.

For instance, SmartInstrument enables end-users to deploy new RFID systems while seamlessly supporting all existing RFID systems and eliminating the need for single- sourcing thereby achieving a better return of investment. It fills the need by interpreting any RFID system utilizing any reader (Active, Passive), working on any frequency (LF, HF, VHF, UHF), with any communication protocol (Ethernet, WiFi, RS-232, RS-485), any transponder (Active, Passive), and any standard (EPCGlobal, ISO, AIMGlobal) bringing the much needed commonality into the RFID infrastructure. Reltronics Technologies' focus on bringing interoperability and sustainability into the RFID technology environment is the result of industry satisfaction with the RFID initiative, to enable overcoming the customer perception of which RFID technology to deploy, to enable commonality between the various RFID protocols, to enable a more cost-effective RFID system deployment, and finally to allow the end-users to start small with one RFID system and expand at their own financial pace without having to worry about the RFID system being antiquated. " ...

Via Reltronics: A Novel Idea to Harmonize Automatic Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Systems ...

RFID Cargo Terminal Operational: Chain of Custody ...

Savi implements RFID-enabled chain of custody process at the Port of Felixstowe (PFL) in the UK. The system, called SaviTrak, automates the tracking of cargo as it is processed through the supply chain, while monitoring security. ...

... "Network infrastructure, including SaviTrak software and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, are now installed and operational at PFL's Trinity Terminal, the largest cargo-handling facility in the United Kingdom. The readers, which are placed on dockside cranes and at entry and exit gates, automatically capture chain of custody handoff points for containers equipped with international standards-based RFID tags. The real-time data is routed to the web-based network software, which transforms it into actionable information that enables SaviTrak customers to make better supply chain decisions. The SaviTrak information service is offered via an open technology platform, which accommodates multiple and interoperable Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies, such as barcodes, EPC-compliant passive and active RFID technologies, and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used to track ships and trucks that transport ocean containers. Active RFID technologies used are compatible with the ISO 18000-7 standard, and sensor seals are compatible with the ISO 18185 draft standard. " ...

Via Savi Technology: SAVI NETWORKS EXTENDS SAVITRAK REAL-TIME INFORMATION NETWORK TO UNITED KINGDOM'S PORT OF FELIXSTOWE ...

RFID Plastic Pallet Real-Time Tracking ...

Plastic pallet with RFID enables real-time tracking in the supply chain. ...

... "Under the agreement, Xterprise will use both its RFID Asset Management application—which is built on it's TraX Application Server (TAS)—and it's AnalytiX RFID business intelligence application for iGPS' plastic pallet pool. Xterprise will be responsible for RFID-centric software applications, RFID best practices and RFID infrastructure integration. Xterprise will supply iGPS with Electr