Battery-less RFID Sensor Developments

Low power radio component is presented at the International Solid State Circuit Conference with future application to RFID technologies. ...

... "It opens the door to many new battery-less applications such as long-range RFID ... " ...

Via Science Daily: Battery-less radios

RFID Servant Sensors Evolve to Smart Dust

Sensor computing is maturing to the point that the concept of smart dust may be realized. ...

... "Its power, he explains, can come from either a radio-frequency reader, as in RFID, or the ambient radio power from television, FM radio and WiFi networks. " ...

Via New York Times: Smart Dust

Hummingbird RFID Security

Revere Security’s Hummingbird cryptographic algorithm could be applied in RFID tags for efficient encryption. ...

... "The report notes that Hummingbird seems particularly appropriate for use within resource-constrained environments such as wireless sensors and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. " ...

Via Revere Security: Hummingbird Cryptographic Algorithm

RFID Chemical Sensors Research at GE

GE Researchers will explore the use of RFID technology integrated with sensors to monitor exposure to toxic volatile chemicals. The solution will be wearable. RFID readers will interrogate the worn sensors and integrate readings to the monitoring system / software where exposures can be understood and actions and alerts can be generated. ...

... "A prototype of wearable wireless sensor system will be developed and demonstrated that will contain replaceable passive RFID sensors. Developed sensors will be interrogated by a small-sized, wearable sensor reader that will relate the findings to a local base station. " ...

Via GE Global Research: Wearable RFID Sensors Detect Chemicals

RFID Sensors Enable Shipping Container Logistics

IBM integrates RFID sensors and software to enable the tracking of returnable shipping containers used to transport goods globally. The software creates supply chain visibility and supports inventory reduction goals of customers. ...

... "Clients using IBM's Returnable Container Management capability affix sensors such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to each of their reusable containers. Through the use of both standing and mobile devices that read the tags, all relevant data is captured, including place and date of manufacture, serial number, and other necessary details. IBM's software, based on industry standards, allows clients and their trading partners to use a Web browser to determine where each container is at any given point. If a container reaches the wrong location, the system will alert management.

For example, an automobile manufacturer using the software can track containers filled with parts from suppliers to their manufacturing plants and ultimately back to container storage facilities. In doing so, they can expect to improve container turnaround time by as much as 20 percent; reduce container loss by between 5 and 15 percent, reduce container inventory by 10 percent; realize a 30 percent savings in container carrying costs; and reduce the need for one time packaging and expedited shipping costs by 80 percent. " ...

Via IBM: Software Uses Sensors to Speed Movement of Container Shipments

Glucose Sensor RFID Microchip

VeriChip enlists the support of the Diabetes Research Institute to collaborate on the development and commercialization of a glucose-sensing radio frequency identification (RFID) microchip with partner, RECEPTORS LLC. The companies will develop integration of the data with the personal health record via Health Link. ...

... "Robert Pearlman, President and CEO of the DRI Foundation, said, We are pleased to partner with VeriChip on this important initiative to develop a glucose-sensing RFID microchip, which could potentially improve patient care and compliance among individuals with diabetes. Furthermore, we believe access to a personal health record is vital for all patients, but particularly those with chronic illnesses. Our relationship with VeriChip will enable us to provide that access to our patients and study the utility of Health Link and the role it plays within a larger electronic medical record system. " ...

Via VeriChip Corporation: Strategic Partnership with Diabetes Research Institute

RFID Glucose Sensor Phase 2

Verichip and its development partner are moving into Phase 2 development of an RFID glucose sensor. This phase will focus on optimization of the sensor performance. ...

... "VeriChip plans to fund its existing development partnership with RECEPTORS to launch Phase II development of an in vivo glucose-sensing RFID microchip. In Phase II of this program, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2010, the critical binding environment and competitor agent components of the glucose sensor will be optimized for system stability, sensitivity and specificity. " ...

Via VeriChip Corp: Phase II Development of In Vivo Glucose-Sensing RFID

RFID Sensor Events Trigger Business System Reactions

IBM enhances its Websphere software to process sensor events and trigger a business reaction to market conditions, delivering business intelligence from activity in the physical world. ...

... "Sensors are part of our everyday lives, used in objects such as lights that dim and brighten depending on the level of darkness and in thermometers, which react to changes in temperature. Today, many kinds of sensors are used to monitor and manage water flow rates, highway traffic, seismic activity, air quality, the flow of energy across power grids, and much more. In particular, the use of Radio Frequency Identification sensors is growing for the purpose of item tracking and authentication. By 2010, approximately six billion of these tags will be in circulation. WebSphere Sensor Events captures data from sensors and automates a reaction by a business system following a set of rules or events. " ...

Via IBM: Sensor Data Triggers Automated Business Processes

Ford Transit RFID Integration

Ford van gets a test drive. The model integrates RFID technology to support inventory management. ...

... "A device called Tool Link builds RFID sensors into the van so at the press of a button the driver can see an inventory of all the tagged tools aboard the van. " ...

Via Popular Mechanics: 2010 Ford Transit Test Drive

Ford Vehicle Work Solutions: "The innovative Ford Work Solutions Tool Link from DeWalt uses RFID technology to track what's in your cargo box ... "

RFID Wireless Sensor Networks

STMicroelectronics will offer hardware developer kit (HDK) from Arira Design to enable the development of sensor networks using active RFID tags and readers. ...

... "The Smart Web-Based Sensor HDK solves key technical challenges for companies seeking to develop wireless sensor networks for security and asset-monitoring applications. Developers can now blend standards-compliant active RFID with other wireless-networking and GPS capabilities and enhanced sensing features, exploiting built-in MEMS motion sensors and temperature and light sensors. The Smart Web Based Sensor HDK also enables longer battery life and smaller device sizes. " ...

Via STMicroelectronics: Smart Web Based Sensor Hardware Developer Kit

RFID Senses Environmental Conditions

Savi implements an automated asset and inventory tracking system for the Expeditionary Logistics Center at the Sierra Army Depot in California. The depot supports the storage, maintenance, assembly, and containerization of operational inventory items, ready for deployment. ...

... "The Savi solution at the depot is designed to enhance the visibility and management of assets such as containers, trailers, generators and water purification units. In addition, the solution utilizes sensors that monitor the environmental conditions of DEPMEDS, which are hospitals in a container and include necessary medical supplies and equipment required for rapid deployment into the field of operations. " ...

Via Savi: Army Depot Visibility and Management of Inventory

RFID Senses Logistics Bottlenecks for Ringnes

Ringnes, a Norwegian brewery, collaborates with IBM to implement sensor technology in its logistics operations where better visibility will improve its shipping performance and customer satisfaction. ...

... "Now, Ringnes is using RFID tags to track each shipping container. These smart sensors capture all data linked to the plant's 40 loading gates. The IBM system is helping Ringnes to reduce costs and make more timely deliveries. Employees in the Ringnes Oslo facility are now able to access a complete view of the trucks and containers inside the shipping and receiving terminal, as well as their load status. Ringnes can quickly determine whether a trailer or container is on or off site, how long it was parked at the facility, and when it was loaded, unloaded, and driven away. In addition, the brewery can quickly spot and resolve bottlenecks in its logistics operations and address them in order to speed deliveries. " ...

Via IBM: Ringnes Norway Brewer Reduces Bottlenecks in Logistics Operations with RFID

Walmart RFID Beyond Tracking

RFID tags get more sophisticated with sensing capabilities and on-chip intelligence, as industry moves beyond Walmart compliance. ...

... "WalMart’s top 100 suppliers must use RFID on the palette level, and they are getting more and more down to the clamshell level, he said. Saxer said his RFID tags have a temperature sensor in them that measures the temperature throughout the food chain ... " ...

Via The Packer: Beyond traceability

RFID Sensing Platform

GE Research develops a battery-free sensing platform that exhibits a response to multiple chemicals under various conditions. ...

... "General Electric Company announced a battery-free, multi-detection radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensing platform that could enable a wide range of low cost wireless sensing products in healthcare, security, food packaging, water treatment and pollution prevention. GE's unique RFID sensors are built on traditional RFID tags. " ...

Via MarketWatch: Battery-free, Multi-Detection Wireless Sensors

Sensor RFID System

RFID Biosensor Smart Material

Coradyn Biosystems is a smart sensor materials company that has licensed a conductive polymer technology from the University of Texas at Austin. The polymer shows potential for use in molecular sensing devices in industry applications, such as RFID or wireless sensing, medical devices and diagnostics, etc. ...

... "Coradyn Biosystems is poised to take advantage of the dynamic biosensor market. The total global market for biosensors and bioelectronics is expected to grow from $6.96 billion in 2006 to $8.2 billion in 2009, at an average
annual growth rate of about 6.3%. Focused on providing advanced materials as an interface between a biological or chemical environment and electronics, the company's key technology is conductive polymeric materials that can be customized to recognize a broad range of analytes and convert that recognition into a measurable electronic signal. Coradyn's proprietary platform is an entirely new label-free detection chemistry, applicable to a number of formats and industries. For clinical laboratory testing, the technology yields results similar to antibody-based assays,
but without the need for these expensive and short-lived biological reagents. Other biomedical applications include personal health monitoring through a hand-held or implanted device. " ...

Via Coradyn Biosystems: Smart Material

RFID Phidget Door Demo

Phidgets USB Interfaces: "Phidgets are a set of plug and play building blocks for low cost USB sensing ... "

Mobile RFID Solution for Oracle by NCR

NCR integrates its radio frequency identification (RFID) software solution, called TransitionWorks for RFID and Mobility, with the Oracle ERP Suite to enable greater visibility into objects involved in supply chain business processes. ...

... "With the solution, Oracle's customers, including NCR, can augment current implementations of the Oracle E-Business Suite with updated, streamlined business processes. For example, if a warehouse forklift driver is directed to pick up a certain order, line items are automatically issued to that order as the RFID-enabled forklift retrieves pallets and moves them to a staging area or trailer. Conveyors can also be equipped with RFID readers, sensors and programmable logic controllers, allowing cases to be identified regardless of orientation and diverted down the correct lane. " ...

Via NCR: NCR Integrates RFID and Mobility Software with the Oracle E-Business Suite

RFID for Work in Process

Omnitrol Networks embeds IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center software into its Work-In-Process (WIP) appliance, creating an EPC-based track and trace solution for the manufacturing companies. ...

... "The OMNITROL WIP Appliance integrates all the data from the sensors, RFID readers, mobile handheld devices, and other shop floor equipment to improve monitoring of the supply-chain, inventory, manufacturing, shipping and delivery of products. The appliance helps manufacturers reduce costs and time to market by identifying production issues internally and throughout their supply chain. IBM's WebSphere RFID Information Center enhances the OMNITROL WIP appliance by allowing customers to share product movement information with trading partners using solutions that comply with GS1 EPCglobal's EPC Information Services (EPCIS) standard. " ...

Via IBM: Work-In-Process Appliance

RFID Tracking in PCB Manufacturing

Omnitrol Networks and Texas Instruments have formed an alliance that will deliver radio frequency identification (RFID) to enable real-time traceability in applications for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. These RFID solutions will enable visibility to location, status, and time information on PCB items in the production process. TQ Components is piloting the RFID-enabled PCB tracking solution in Germany. ...

... "The new offering, which integrates Omnitrol Networks' Work-in-Process visibility software and TI's Gen 2 chip technology, provides electronic and contract manufacturers a highly automated method of simultaneously identifying and tracking PCBs from the manufacturing floor to customer delivery. The demand for higher quality, flexibility and efficiency in PCB manufacturing is driving the need for non-line of sight RFID work-in-process tracking that offers several improvements over relatively large, fixed memory barcodes. RFID's small chip size can effectively be used on increasingly scarce board real estate, and its programmable memory allows PCB manufacturers real-time work-in-process visibility into parts, labor and finished goods throughout their manufacturing operations. In addition, RFID solutions provide a highly accurate and comprehensive view of manufacturing data throughout the product lifecycle which can help reduce warranty, safety and liability costs. The complete solution integrates Omnitrol Networks' award-winning Work-In-Process (WIP) visibility software and industrial sensor integration appliance, Gen 2 RFID readers and Texas Instruments' RFID Gen 2 UHF chips." ...

Via Omnitrol: Real-time RFID traceability to printed circuit board manufacturing

RFID Hospital Location Systems

RFID-enabled hospital real-time tracking system receives patent approval. ...

... "A 17-inch tag is attached to a piece of equipment (people may clip it to a belt or lanyard) and tracked by sensors that are plugged into standard outlets. Based on total square footage and the number of tagged assets, the cost averages about $10 to $15 per asset per month. " ...

Via San Diego Business Journal: Real-Time Tracking System

RFID Motes Enable Location Awareness

Steven Lanzisera, Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center, provides insights on RFID-enabled location awareness in this video. ...

RFID Human Implantation Has Healthcare Role For Glucose Monitoring

VeriChip and Digital Angel collaborate to introduce RFID implantation into the glucose monitoring process and will present together on December 4 and 5th in NYC. ...

... "they will host events for the medical and investment communities on December 4-5th in New York surrounding the development of an implantable bio-sensing RFID microchip to measure glucose levels in the human body. 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 would have a passive transponder, a sensor and integrated circuitry that could allow anyone implanted with the microchip to painlessly scan it to determine their blood glucose concentration. The RFID microchip would then quickly and accurately transmit the glucose data back to a wireless scanner that displays the glucose level. The RFID microchip would be powered by the scanner signal, avoiding the need for a battery in the microchip. " ...

Via Verichip: Implantable RFID Glucose-Sensing Microchip for Humans

Small RFID Chips are Smart Dust

The miniturization of RFID chips are making the concept of smart dust become real. Hitachi continues to reduce the size of the RFID chip. And, other companies are researching the creation of machines and sensors on the nano scale. ...

... "Smartdust is concept for a wireless MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors that can detect anything from light and temperature to vibrations. " ...

Via TFOT: Hitachi RFID

Related:

Sandia MEMS: "Microsystems that sense, think, act, communicate and self-power will make our nation more secure, revolutionize our industries, and will make the revolution in biology a reality. "

RF Nanoscale and Molecular Probing Metrology: "The goal of the project is to develop metrology for quantitative imaging and measurement of electromagnetic field components and material characterization of nanoscale electrical and magnetic devices by establishing accurate spatially resolved waveform and frequency-domain metrology."

AGENDA FOR THE FUTURE: "Smart dust features the smallest computerized sensors designed to communicate. These tiny sensors seem like particles of dust and can be scattered - typically, from planes - to send back information as they float to earth. "

Microsoft RFID Biztalk Release 2

Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006 R2, which includes radio frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure improvementa, is now generally available. Core components include a device abstraction framework and tools that support the creation of Microsoft .NET-based RFID and sensor applications. ...

... "This product includes advancements for radio frequency identification (RFID) and electronic data interchange (EDI), and extended interoperability such as Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) Guidance and Line of Business Adapters. Together, these capabilities make it easier for companies to connect systems within their own organizations and across those of trading partners. The availability of BizTalk Server 2006 R2 underscores Microsoft's long-term commitment to deliver extensive SOA and BPM capabilities as part of the overall Microsoft application platform. The platform spans products and technologies to develop, deploy and manage applications and IT infrastructure across the organization locally and worldwide. " ...

Via Microsoft: New product advancements enable customers to extend enterprise connectivity through real-world solutions for BPM, SOA.

RFID Skin-Patch Diagnostic Sensors Support Patient Monitoring

Gentag and Core Institute will collaborate to develop remote patient monitoring system, enabled by RFID technology, to support the healthcare recovery process. ...

... "The aim of the joint program is to facilitate post surgery monitoring applications by physicians and patients using RFID enabled cell phones under Gentag, Altivera and CORE patents. Specifically, physicians will be able to monitor the status of damaged tissues using temperature, pressure, and other sensors. Additionally, patients will be able to self-monitor their recovery from the comfort of their own homes. The technology platform uses RFID enabled cell phones, PDAs or wireless laptops that allow remote monitoring by physicians and hospitals, particularly during the critical first 24 hours post injury or surgery. " ...

Gentag, Inc. and The CORE Institute(R) Sign Agreement to Develop RFID Diagnostic Sensors

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 Filtration: Millipore Integrates Smart Technology

Millipore is collaborating with Tack Smart Filter Technology BV to integrate RFID technology in its filters and filtration apparatuses for biopharmaceutical applications and will use Tagsys RFID technology for tags and reader components. ...

... "By using RFID technology in filtration products, Millipore's customers can increase their speed by quickly and reliably retrieving critical information, such as when and how the product was manufactured. Additionally, when the filters are coupled with sensors, RFID can deliver real-time information about product performance and identify which fluids are present during the manufacturing process. This information will help customers to ensure regulatory compliance and make recording and conveying manufacturing data faster and more reliable. Unlike previous labeling methods such as barcodes, RFID enables customers to automatically document product and process information, eliminates the risk of losing critical information, and provides the ability to rewrite their own information into embedded RFID tags. " ...

Via Millipore: Company to Embed RFID Technology in Filtration Products Used for Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing

RealTime RFID Cargo Tracking Pilot in Asia

Oracle and Savi Technology collaborate to implement real-time the location tracking of cargo containers shipped from Hong Kong to Japan. The pilot project with GS1 EPCglobal has been completed. ...

... "The milestone project was the first time that real-time information generated from active, battery-powered RFID tags on sea containers was exchanged with EPC Information Services (EPCIS), a draft GS1 EPCglobal standard enabling trading partners to communicate in a common computer language on objects moving throughout the supply chain. The communication interface with the EPCIS Server and Repository was enabled through integration of Oracle Sensor Edge Server, a component of Oracle Fusion Middleware, as well as Savi Site Manager operating software and active RFID tag and data collection systems. " ...

Via Oracle: Oracle and Savi Technology Provide Critical Information Link to Track Active RFID-Tagged Containers Shipped from Hong Kong to Japan ...

Barbados RFID Port Security Solution Integrates For Threat Detection

AXCESS International Inc. will implement an RFID-integrated port security system at the Port of Bridgetown in Barbados ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2007. The system includes AXCESS' ActiveTag technology and infrastructure and integrates wireless sensors and underwater cameras for detection and management of security threats. ...

... "The system includes AXCESS' unique ActiveTag(TM) technology and infrastructure; wireless sensors; and underwater cameras that work in concert to detect and manage security threats. The ActiveTag technology is designed to dramatically increase security coverage at the Port by automating the capture of a broad collection of real-time security information. The system has the capability for real time processing of the data, which enables automatic delivery of exception-based alerts for security personnel. The system is currently being installed and is expected to be completed in phases over the first half of 2007. " ...

Via AXCESS International: $2 Million Contract for Integrated RFID and Sensor Port Security Solution in Barbados

RFID Drug Authentication eCustoms

IBM announces solution that provides ability to share and analyze real-time RFID sensor data to enable drug authentication and e-customs for clients in the pharmaceutical value chain. ...

... "The new technology, WebSphere RFID Information Center, is based on a recently completed EPCglobal standard called EPCIS, which provides a standard way to securely communicate the data created by sensors and RFID tags, and tie it to existing business information and trading partners. The growing trend of item-level tagging will create exponential growth in sensor data well beyond that generated from conventional barcode technology. This creates a need for a new way to manage this explosion of data in a manner that does not overwhelm a business and its supply chain partners. In addition to managing the massive amount of data RFID creates, two other barriers to widespread RFID adoption to date have been the lack of standards and data sharing capabilities. RFID Information Center solves all of these issues, clearing the way for wider-spread RFID adoption in various industries.

The IBM WebSphere RFID Information Center has already been successfully deployed for a number of early-adopter IBM clients across several industries, including consumer packaged goods company Unilever, the e-customs project ITAIDE in Europe, and Big Three pharmaceutical distributor AmerisourceBergen. " ...

Via IBM: IBM Enables Drug Authentication, E-Customs With Release of New RFID Technology ...