RFID Organizations

A group of RFID technology organizations now support the open-source development of EPCglobal-compliant Low-Level Reader Protocol (LLRP) software libraries (www.epcglobalinc.org), which enable EPCglobal UHF Gen 2 communications via the LLRP universal reader-to-network interface. The group, consisting of IBM, Impinj, Intermec, OATSystems, Pramari, Reva Systems, and the University of Arkansas, is calling for contributions from others to accelerate adoption and create a rich set of tools in C, Java and other popular programming languages.

Vicaima and Alien Technology

Vicaima (www.vicaima.com), one of the largest door manufacturers in Portugal, has rolled out a multimillion-tag RFID application based on the RFID solution from Alien Technology Corporation (www.alientechnology.com). Alien's UHF ALR-8800 reader and Gen 2 Squiggle tags are specified to enhance the material flows throughout Vicaima's supply chain process. This application of Alien's technology is Europe's first EPC-compliant RFID installation within the door/window production industry.

UPM Raflatac

UPM Raflatac (www.upmraflatac.com) has received an operations permit to construct its new self-adhesive label materials factory in Kobierzyce, Poland. Production is scheduled for start-up in the final quarter of 2008.

Savi Technology

Savi Technology (www.savi.com) has established a “QuickStart” licensing program for its IP, which is now incorporated into ISO 18185, the new standard for electronic cargo seals (e-Seals). Six companies have agreed to license the IP.

RSI ID Technologies

RSI ID Technologies (www.rsiidtech.com) has released more than 40 new tag designs and the doubling of production capacity for RFID tags. This announcement comes in part in response to the launch of a global development campaign rooted in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

Tyco Electronics and OATSystems

Tyco Electronics (www.tycoelectronics.com) expanded the M/A-COM RFID reader module line to include new I/Q (in-phase/quadrature), source and transmit modules. These reader modules are ideal for a variety of applications, specifically those that require high performance, flexible and compact features. Tyco Electronics has also allied with OATSystems (www.oatsystems.com) to provide a series of RFID solutions to a variety of vertical markets that include aerospace and defense, transportation and industrial segments.

Motorola and Avery Dennison

The new enterprise mobility business from Motorola Inc. (www.motorola.com) and Avery Dennison Corporation (www.averydennison.com) have joined in a strategic relationship under which Avery Dennison RFID will supply EPCglobal Gen 2 RFID tags to Motorola. This move is intended to increase the speed of RFID deployments and availability of RFID products to large markets.

Reva Systems and Intel

Reva Systems (www.revasystems.com) is collaborating with Intel (www.intel.com) to provide Reva's low-level RFID reader protocol (LLRP) developers' kit and test tool to reader vendors employing Intel's R1000 radio chip. This is in addition to the ongoing LLRP development activities Reva and several leading reader manufacturers started earlier this year.

NoviTech and INGECOM

NoviTech (www.novitech.ch) is using an Active Tag RFID system to automatically monitor the location of the employees in real time. The system detects the presence of individuals in front of the access points and either grants the access or not by automatically opening the door. The log file keeps track of the path of any of the individuals, only for the purpose of investigation in case of forgery. NoviTech intends to deploy this system in many healthcare centers as a means of preventing the wandering of mentally disabled individuals. The company is using Active Tag hardware from Swiss-based provider INGECOM (www.ingecom.ch).

Vantage and RSI ID Technologies

Vantage ID Applications or Vantage (www.vantage.com), an automatic identification and data-capture solutions provider, has spun-out from parent company RSI ID Technologies (www.rsiidtech.com). The spin-out, which took effect on Aug. 6, allows Vantage to focus on data collection and process automation solutions including barcodes, security seals, tamper-evident labels and wireless solutions not dependant on RFID.