RFID Tags Latest Innovations and Applications: From Product Anti-counterfeiting to Drone Inventory

RFID tags are quickly becoming a staple in the retail industry, especially in the apparel and footwear sectors. Major clothing brands are using RFID label printers, RFID handheld readers, and other smart devices to manage their products more intelligently throughout their lifecycle. According to the RAIN Alliance, the global shipment of UHF RFID tag chips reached 4.48 billion units in 2023, and it is expected to exceed 115 billion units by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 20.4%. This demonstrates the broad application prospects and strong market demand for RFID technology.

With the development of smart technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), RFID tags, known for their high integration capability and added value, are increasingly favored by customers. This article will share the latest technologies and innovative applications of RFID tags, exploring new directions for intelligent transformation.

1. Anti-counterfeiting Function of RFID Fragile Tags

RFID tamper evident fragile tag are made of special paper and strong anti-transfer adhesive. Once attached to an item, these tags cannot be removed intact; any attempt to peel them off will damage to the tag, ensuring the uniqueness of the product.

Compared to regular RFID tags, these labels are designed to be destroyed upon tampering, achieving genuine anti-counterfeiting traceability. RFID tamper evident fragile tags are commonly used in vehicle management, valuable item management, and supply chain management.

2. "RFID+Anti-tamper Sensor" Tags for Food Packaging Integrity Detection

During food transportation, if the packaging is opened, it can lead to food spoilage or damage. The "RFID+Anti-tamper Sensor" tag is composed of an RFID chip and a flexible, foldable antenna. The antenna is split into two parts, placed inside the top of the packaging, parallel to each other.

When the packaging is intact, the antenna signals cancel each other out, preventing the RFID signal from being read. If the packaging is opened, the signal transmission resumes, allowing the RFID information to be read, thus detecting the packaging's integrity.

3. SAIC Motor's Use of "RFID+Drone" Technology for Inventory Optimization

Image source: ChipLink Technology official website

In the highly competitive automotive manufacturing industry, SAIC Motor has innovatively used "RFID+Drone" technology for inventory counting.

Each vehicle is equipped with an RFID tag containing unique identification information. Drones equipped with high-precision RFID readers fly over the vehicles, reading the tag information and transmitting the data to the backend system, enabling real-time updates and accurate recording of inventory data.

This method significantly reduces labor costs and enhances management efficiency, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of inventory data.

4. The Smallest RFID Tag Inlay

Tageos has introduced a new RFID tag inlay named EOS-360 U9, which has received ARC Spec C2 certification and is primarily used in retail and logistics applications.

This inlay features a unique ultra-thin antenna design, with the antenna size being only 64mm x 4mm, over 45% smaller than similar products. It performs excellently on materials such as cardboard, plastic, and rubber, making it suitable for tagging various items like cosmetics, DIY products, sporting goods, and toys.

With its compact design and high performance, the EOS-360 U9 offers an efficient solution for a wide range of applications.

5. RFID Tags Aid in Bird Behavior Research

A research project led by Dr. Keith McMahon from the Department of Biology at Oxford University uses RFID technology to study bird personalities. Researchers attach tiny RFID rings or tags to birds and install readers on feeders to precisely track each bird's activity, including feeding times, locations, and interactions with other birds.

Through this data, researchers analyzed the feeding behavior and social patterns of hundreds of wild great tits, revealing how birds use food choices and social behaviors to indicate their personalities.

Looking ahead, with continuous technological innovation and expanding applications, RFID tags will play an increasingly important role, leading the way to a smarter future.