RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Technology) uses tiny computer chips equipped with radio frequency transmitters to automatically identify and gain information from any object carrying an RFID transmitter tag.
Uses
RFID can be used in any situation where a large number of objects must be tracked and readily identified. RFID tags are often implemented in the tracking supply chains of major retail stores. Information such as the serial number, price or delivery date of a specific product can all be stored on an RFID tag. Information gathered from RFID tags can help a company better manage its warehouse space, and can help customers pay for products instantly.
Bar Codes
RFID technology rivals the use of bar codes to store the same kinds of information. RFID tags can be read more easily via their transmitted signals and do not need to be scanned, as with a bar code.
Living Body Trackers
RFID technology is being increasingly used to track living bodies such as pets, children or even adults. The RFID company Verichip recently had its human patient implant badges approved by the FDA.
Security
RFID tags can present a security risk, as anyone with a "listening" device tuned to a tag's frequency can pick up any information from RFID transmitters in the area.
History
RFID technology has existed since the 1970s, but the transmitters were too large and too expensive to be implemented on a large scale. The technology has been used in the past to track entire pallets and shipping containers, but according to the Wall Street Journal the retailer Walmart was the first company to implement RFID tags at the product level.
Tags: RFID tags, RFID technology, from RFID, information from