Hot Topics In The Mobile Computing Industry

RFID 

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Information - an inexpensive chip-based technology that may one day replace UPC codes in more expensive assets and items.  There are some commanilities and some differences with UPC labels. These are :

• UPC - Universal product code becomes EPC - Electronic Product Code.

• UPC is a symbology based on printed symbols and information on paper or similar card stock. EPC will be embedded or stored in inexpensive chips.

• RFID will emit the information automatically rather than scanned and read by a bar code scanner. 

• RFID technology involves antannas and RF readers.

• RFID chips radiate radio waves in very close range (distance wise , a few feet).  The frequency band is in low KHz range as compared to other RF technologies. 

• RFID is highly accurate - 99.8 %.

Where is the Research being done?

• At MIT's Auto-ID center.

• Several commercial companies like Proctor and Gamble and 30 others are involved - each of these companies have contributed $300,000 to participate and get the benefit of this research. 

Cost of RFID Technology

• Currently RFID chips are expensive (a few dollars) but large volume production (over billion units) may reduce this cost to 10 cents. 

Applications

• Retailing Inventory Control - can find item in the back of the store if not on the shelf

• Supply chain application from the assembly line to selling point

• Enterprises may use for competitive advantage

Status

• Early stage of development in mid 2001.