RFID and the "Internet of Things"

Many say that RFID technology is the future of the barcoding industry.  With technology advancing at such a rapid pace people are finding RFID to be useful with certain applications.  These particular applications would not have been possible if it were not for the cutting-edge technology we see regularly on a day-to-day basis.  RFID has recently been used with wristbands to help people shorten unfavorable tasks.  So how do these wristbands work?  Like other RFID tags, the wristbands include a memory chip that holds data and an antenna needed to connect with the RFID reader.  The reader may be a portable or handheld scanner or a fixed position reader located in an entry way.  Most RFID wristbands are specifically designed to secure the wearer's data even after the wristband is removed.  Every confidential piece of information is stored in the chip and not printed anywhere on the band.  For one-time use RFID wristbands, once the band is broken or cut, the antenna is deactivated and the wristband cannot be used again.  This means that any data stored on the bracelet is useless.  And in some cases, event organizers offer incentives such as gift bags when the RFID wristband is returned afterward.

So what would you use these wristbands for exactly?

RFID wristbands have been used in many different ways in multiple industries over the past few years.  Here are some ways in which RFID wristbands have been used.

 Access Control - For many events, it can be difficult to predict exactly when the crowds will arrive.  Customers hate to wait in slow-moving lines.  When lines form, security and access control may be less effective.  RFID allows for lineless entry and people can enter as they show up.  No need for tickets to be ripped or scanned.

 Cashless Events - RFID in this application can do away with lines as well.  Why are there lines for beers at concerts?  Because cash must be exchanged at the register.  Do away with the register, do away with the lines that nobody likes to wait on.  The way this works is the RFID wristband has all of the individual's electronic account information and will basically keep adding to their account throughout the event.  This application also results in using a highly secure payment method, faster transaction times, higher spends per person, and reduced cash handling throughout the event.

Real Life Gaming Experience- Recently, a select group of gamers who are Activision's Call of Duty video game series had the opportunity to land in the middle of a real-life video game.  They could check in at each gaming arena by waving their RFID wristband in front of the reader.  And once the event was over, the wristbands coluld be echanged for giftbags.

Social Sharing During Entertainment- As described in the examples at the beginning of the article, social sharing sites - especially those like Facebook and Fickr, can be the perfect connection using RFID wristbands.  Photos are shared almost instantly and can be tagged for identification.  Visitors love documenting their vacation without much effort.

As RFID wristbands evolve even further, there are sure to be even wider ranging furture applications.  And as the costs of the wristbands and the RFID readers continue to decrease, more and more businesses will be looking toward this simple solution.

 Here is a video for what grocery shopping could look like in the near future.