Swinburne scientists develop 3D printed biosensing hybrid-liquid RFID tags

Researchers from the Swinburne University of Technology have developed a novel 3D printed polymer-liquid hybrid Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna.

The team’s new detection device features microfluidic channels, that allow its polarization to be changed using different ionic fluids. The scientists have specifically designed their tag to be utilized within embedded systems, potentially making it ideal for biological or chemical monitoring applications.

Brazil sees growth in NFC payments

Payments through near field communication technology (NFC) are seeing a steady increase in Brazil, with 285% growth in November 2020 in relation to the same month last year, according to research.

The study published by Rede, the payments arm of Brazilian bank Itaú Unibanco, also noted that transactions using NFC through channels such as e-wallets, smartwatches and cards equipped with the technology have seen a steady monthly increase.

Brazilians tend to use contactless mostly with credit cards, which account for 65% of all transactions carried out through that method.

Cellular and RFID are Creating Significant Potential

The technologies in smart electric meter market have undergone significant change in recent years, evolving from manually meter reading to remote and automated meter reading (smart meters). The rising wave of new technologies such as, cellular and RFID are creating significant potential for smart electric meters in applications, such as residential and commercial, and driving the demand for electric meter technologies

In smart electric meter market, radio frequency, power line communication, and cellular technologies are used for measured electricity consumption. Increasing need for efficient data monitoring systems, favorable government policies for smart meter rollout, and cost savings advantage in smart meters are creating new opportunities for various electric meter technologies.

Keep IT Mobile Implementing NFC Technology in Oil & Gas

Keep IT Mobile (KIM), a 100% Romanian company, established in 2012 by Vicentiu Corbu, in 2015 launched the first global demonstration of the NFC (Near Field Communication) technology applied in the oil & gas sector. It was implemented subsequently within a refinery in Romania.

The company has now introduced a management system for firefighting equipment in a refinery, in collaboration with another company, the solution being named Field Maintenance System. Its aim is to register interventions made at the existing firefighting equipment in the field, with the help of mobile technologies.

First, the firefighting equipment is identified, then an NFC tag is placed on this equipment, the association of information necessary for the system taking place: extinguisher type, expiration date, location, and responsible person.

NFC Market worth $34.9 billion by 2025

According to the new market research report "NFC Market with COVID-19 impact by Device operating mode" the NFC market is expected to grow from USD 18.0 billion in 2020 to USD 34.9 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 14.2%.

The market for reader emulation is projected to witness highest growth in the NFC market for the forecast period, as the majority of mobile phone and retail applications use NFC chip in reader emulation mode. There is high adoption of NFC-based mobile wallets, such as Goggle pay, Samsung pay, Apple Pay, and Android Pay, which are expected to witness the highest CAGR in the coming years, owing to the high demand originating from payments.

Consumer electronics is the largest application industry for NFC and accounted for a major share of the overall NFC market with the commercialization of the technology in smartphones, media tablets, smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles. There has been an increase in the production of NFC-based interfaces, which enable users to control devices using this short-range communication technology.

Barclaycard Payments launches new platform to power digital business payments

Barclaycard Payments has launched phase one of Barclaycard Precisionpay Go, a new online platform which allows companies to issue virtual cards, powered by Visa, to employees for business payments online. The functionality will also help support workforces to continue operating smoothly during an era of remote working.

Available to both new and existing Precisionpay customers, the platform will allow companies to issue virtual corporate cards and manage corporate spending through a mobile app, instead of online or via the traditional means of bank transfer.

The new offering enables employees to create their own cards or request cards to be issued to them via their mobile phone, enabling staff to make business payments instantly, without needing to go into the office or even be at their desk.

With Barclaycard research showing that 63 per cent of employees are responsible for filing their own expenses*, Barclaycard Precisionpay Go will help save employees value time. The Platform replaces systems that rely on manual processes, with a streamlined and user-friendly alternative that gives both employees and employers increased flexibility.

The cards will be powered by Visa and, crucially, can be issued for just the amount required, and for a specified period of time, while spend controls can be added to manage user activity on a daily basis.

Antelop lets banks securely display customers’ digital cards on their mobile phones

Antelop Solutions has launched a Secure Interface solution that enables banks to provide their customers with the ability to securely display sensitive digital card information on their mobile phones.

The mobile display of highly sensitive card information is a key element of a competitive digital card offering, Antelop explains.

The new secure interface service also makes it possible for customers both to display and modify their physical card’s PIN on their mobile device, Antelop adds.

Global RFID in Healthcare Market is Estimated to Account for US$ 16,756.6 Mn by End of 2027

Increasing RFID application in healthcare is expected to hinder growth of the global RFID in healthcare market over the forecast period. For instance, in October 2020, QuVa Pharma Inc. expanded its partnership with Kit Check to support its increasing portfolio of products that include embedded RFID tags.

The embedded RFID tags allow hospital pharmacists to add batches of medications to inventory quickly and efficiently, and track throughout the hospital — from pharmacy to patient.

Moreover, increasing healthcare spending is also expected to boost growth of the global RFID in healthcare market. For instance, according to The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the U.S. health spending is projected to reach nearly US$ 6.0 trillion by 2027.

Increasing launch of medications with RIFD is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities for players in the global RFID in healthcare market. For instance, in October 2020, Fresenius Kabi introduced the first in a growing line of medications that come with smart labels embedded with radio-frequency identification technology. The first +RFID smart-labeled product, Diprivan (Propofol) 200 mg per 20 mL (10 mg per mL) Injectable Emulsion, USP, is now available in the United States.

Global wireless temperature sensors market valued at 15.09 million units in 2019

The global wireless temperature sensors market  was valued at 15.09 million units in 2019. It is expected to register a CAGR of about 7%, during the period of 2020- 2025.

The adoption of process and monitoring automation in the industrial operations is the major driver augmenting the demand for wireless sensors in asset monitoring, security, and quality assurance. The improved reliability of networked equipment with communication technology advancements is a significant factor driving the market for wireless temperature sensors.

Wireless temperature sensors are small-sized. The low-cost wireless communication enabled sensors are deployed to build various temperature monitoring and control networks used in diverse fields, like industrial automation, process control, patient monitoring systems, asset tracking, internal, external climate sensing, etc.

Increasing investments in the industry to innovate and develop new sensor technologies and upgrading existing infrastructure to support and integrate technologies, like IoT and automation, have been the primary trends impacting the industry on a global scale.

Wireless temperature sensors are also vital in smart grids for remote monitoring of power lines and transformers. They are put into service to monitor line temperature and weather conditions. Industrial automation and demand for miniaturized consumer devices, such as wearables and IoT-connected devices, among others, across regions, are among the significant factors driving the wireless temperature sensors market.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the global supply chain and demand for multiple products have been disrupted, owing to which wireless temperature sensors adoption is expected to be influenced until the end of 2020. However, the growing demand for medical applications is driving the market growth. Various players in the market are investing and collaborating to cater to the requirements.

For instance, In April 2020, Semtech and Polysense Technologies have joined forces to develop a series of human body temperature monitoring devices based on Semtech's LoRa LPWAN. The sensors provide real-time data to frontline healthcare workers and quickly screen individuals with a high temperature, one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19.

Sharp Canada Selects ELATEC RFID Readers for its Touchless Secure Print Solutions

Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd announced a technology partnership with ELATEC Inc. of Palm City, Florida, to provide radio frequency identification and mobile device readers as a core component of Sharp’s touchless secure print solutions offerings.

High-touch surfaces such as door entrances, vending machines and multifunction printers can be vectors for spreading infections such as the COVID-19 virus. According to the CDC, viruses can live on surfaces for hours to days. As conscientious organizations anticipate the workforce return to their office environments, solutions to mitigate such threats are in demand.

One component of such solutions is the contactless RFID reader. Among their many and varied uses, on Sharp multifunction printers, RFID readers enable users to release their print jobs without the need to touch a keypad or a display screen to enter their required password or personal identification number. Instead, the user simply presents their RFID card or smartphone for print release.

Samsung Introduces Enterprise-grade Barcode Scanning for Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy to Clipboard

Samsung Electronics America introduced Samsung Knox Capture, a data capture solution that unlocks enterprise-grade barcode scanning capabilities for Galaxy XCover Pro. Knox Capture delivers fast, accurate scanning for frontline workers across a variety of industries including manufacturing, transportation and logistics, retail and healthcare.

Knox Capture transforms Samsung rugged mobile device cameras into powerful scanners by leveraging Scandit’s mobile computer vision software, providing the performance and flexibility customers need for digitized business workflows. Coupled with the leading productivity features of Samsung’s latest rugged devices and Samsung Knox Suite’s tools for security, deployment and management, the solution enables businesses and frontline workers to do more than ever on a single device, securely.

While the solution has single-scanning options, it can also simultaneously scan multiple barcodes and support a wide range of the most commonly used industry 1D and 2D barcodes, including EAN, UPC, GS1 DataBar, ITF, and Codabar. By scanning multiple barcodes simultaneously with a single click, workers can reduce the amount of time spent on stock taking, allowing them to focus on other priorities and increasing efficiency across supply chains and operations.

Amsterdam buses and trams to get contactless and QR payments

Passengers using public transportation in the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam will soon be able to pay their fares using a contactless debit or credit card, an NFC mobile phone or via a QR code.

The choice of contactless and mobile payment options will be made available as the city’s public transport company GVB introduces 4,000 new card readers across its bus and tram fleets.

SBI Card integrates NFC payments into mobile app

SBI Card Mastercard holders in India can now make NFC payments at any contactless point-of-sale terminal from their mobile device after registering their credit card on the latest version of the payment service’s app.

Once a card is registered, users can complete payments of less than India’s contactless transaction limit of INR2,000 (US$26.94) simply by unlocking the screen of their mobile device and bringing it close to an NFC-enabled POS terminal.

European Audiovisual Equipment Company Manages Assets via RFID

Rent-All has deployed an automated system to identify its audiovisual assets as they are transported to and from customer sites. The RFID-based system saves time and reduces secondary deliveries due to increased accuracy, while also providing a real-time overview of each piece of quipment's use, turnaround times and maintenance, as well as any failures.

The solution, povided by  Aucxis, consists of UHF RFID tags and readers to automatically identify each item, while Aucxis middleware and software forward that information to Rent-All's management software.

Lawmaker calls for suspension of mandatory RFID system

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian of the Phillipines on Monday called for the suspension of the mandatory cashless toll collection system at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) after motorists endured heavy traffic due to faulty radio frequency identification (RFID) scanners.

The crux of the problem here is the RFID readers are not working, the technology they are using in the North is not functioning, Gatchalian said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel.

The Senate Public Services Committee will meet on Dec. 17 to discuss resolutions seeking to look into the implementation of the Radio-Frequency Identification system in tollways.

IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act signed into law

The IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act has been officially signed into law. The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Reps. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., and Will Hurd, R-Texas, and Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va., and Cory Gardner, R-Colo., requires that any IoT device purchased with government money meet minimum security standards.

The Act would address the supply chain risk to the federal government stemming from insecure IoT devices by establishing light-touch, minimum security requirements for procurement of connected devices by the government.

Charlie's Restaurant in Webster Adds QR Code Curbside Ordering

Family-owned Charlie's Restaurant in Webster (USA) is leveraging digital technology to make curbside ordering faster and safer for customers and staff.

The parking lot looks a little different at Charlie's as they now have new QR codes posted in each parking spot.

Charlie’s has three locations open seven days a week in Webster, the town of Ontario, and Canandaigua.

Brazilian clothing brands business has adopted iTAG technology

Brazilian company  Beeight Group manages four brands certified by the Brazilian Textile Retail Association (ABVTEX).

The group sells more than two million items per year, and it decided to invest in a radio frequency identification solution from iTAG Etiquetas Inteligentes to boost agility, control and reliability at its distribution center.

Through the use of RFID technology, Beeight achieved agility in the process of parts entering and leaving its DC.

SBI Card integrates NFC payments into mobile app

SBI Card Mastercard holders in India can now make NFC payments at any contactless point-of-sale terminal from their mobile device after registering their credit card on the latest version of the payment service’s app.

Once a card is registered, users can complete payments of less than India’s contactless transaction limit of INR2,000 simply by unlocking the screen of their mobile device and bringing it close to an NFC-enabled POS terminal.

LG and ASSA Abloy to develop transparent OLED automatic door

LG Electronics (LG) is signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems, a global leader of automated pedestrian, industrial and residential doors and service, for the development of transparent OLED automatic doors.

The innovative, first-of-its-kind customer experience solution will be unveiled this week with specialized commercial applications in mind.

The new product combines LG’s Transparent OLED signage (model 55EW5G) and SuperSign software-based integrated content management solution with the automated glass sliding doors of the Swedish manufacturer ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems to deliver a transparent product. In addition to providing convenient and touchless access to buildings and structures, the Transparent OLED Automatic Door will present new opportunities for greeting customers, communicating with employees and delivering advertising and marketing content unobtrusively to consumers.

Thanks to LG’s WRGB technology, the self-lighting OLED pixels reproduce accurate colors with exceptional brightness and high contrast. LG’s Transparent OLED technology is also expandable and can be easily customized for a variety of doors and entranceways. Additionally, its transparency means objects behind the display can be easily seen, enabling the solution to harmonize with its surroundings while providing useful information at the same time. With a robust design featuring tempered glass, the product offers excellent durability and improved safety when combined with ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems’ automatic sliding doors.

DSV has improved its warehouse operation’s efficiency thanks to barcode scanning drones

Danish transport and logistics company DSV has improved its warehouse operation’s efficiency thanks to barcode scanning drones.

The company has been testing out drones in its Moerdijk warehouse in the Netherlands, thanks to a partnership with Verity.

Along with autonomously scanning barcodes, the drone can also detect empty spaces to make restocking even more efficient, allowing employees to know where there is space without having to check beforehand.

Apple Pay to go live in Mexico

Apple Pay is due to roll out in Mexico very soon, according to the payments service’s Mexican website.

A video posted by a Twitter user also reveals code on the website’s landing page indicating that Apple Pay will launch in Mexico with support from Banregio, Hey Banco, Inbursa and CitiBanamex banks, as well as a number of retail chains, including The Cheesecake Factory, Chili’s and Domino’s Pizza.

The Apple Pay Mexican website does not specify a launch date for the service in Mexico.

Sonim Announces Rugged Handheld and Tablet with Integrated Barcode Scanners

Sonim Technologies announced the launch of the RS60 and RS80 rugged SmartScanner devices to better serve industrial, field service and public safety workers in demanding work environments.

These new devices can lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) as a result of their proven durability while improving the barcode scanning experience for front-line workers who must rapidly capture large amounts of data.

The Sonim RS60 is a fully-rugged, six inch handheld computer and barcode scanner and is purpose-built for efficiency and durability, making it the ideal all-in-one device for use in warehouses, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, as well as field service and public safety. The Sonim RS80 is a fully-rugged, eight inch tablet/barcode scanner that features front and rear facing cameras to provide the convenience of taking photos and video calls while on the job.

7-Eleven Introduces Innovative In-App Wallet

No pin pads to touch, less cash to handle and an easy, contactless way to pay… that's the 7-Eleven Wallet.

7-Eleven, Inc.'s new app-based mobile wallet offers all customers — including those who would like to load cash — a true contactless, convenient way to pay nationally at participating U.S. stores.

Easily accessible in the 7-Eleven app, 7-Eleven Wallet customers can securely load funds to use upon checkout using cash, debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and prepaid 7-Eleven gift cards.

Cash must be loaded in store at the register, while other payment methods can be loaded in the app. Better yet, 7-Eleven Wallet users are not charged any loading or transaction fees and incur no interest fees like credit cards charge.

Customers can download the 7-Eleven app in the Apple store or Google Play, visit the 7Rewards online mobile website at 7Rewards.com, or chat with the 7-Eleven bot on Messenger.

Group Seeks To Add to R-CALF’s Suit Over RFID

A new nonprofit civil rights group has filed a lawsuit challenging USDA’s attempts to implement mandatory use of RFID eartags for cattle and bison, Drovers.com reports.

The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed a motion asking the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming to add nine documents to the Administrative Record in the case of R-CALF, et al. v. USDA, et al.

NCLA’s senior litigation counsel Harriet Hageman said, "Our battle against USDA’s unlawful push to force livestock producers to use RFID eartags continues.  Our latest efforts are designed to ensure that the Court has a full record on which to evaluate our FACA claim against USDA."

Dutch regulator probes NFC payment services

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) launched an investigation into competition in smartphone-based contactless payments, examining whether limitations on access to NFC functionality on some devices violates domestic laws.

ACM noted many phones use NFC technology for contactless payments, but some devices 'only allows the software developer’s own payment app' to use the capability, witouth naming Apple in particular.

If breaches are found, ACM said it could issue penalties including fines.

A New FEIG Gen3 SDK for RFID and Barcode Products Is Available Now as a Release Candidate

FEIG ELECTRONICS, a leading global supplier of barcode and RFID readers and antennas, today announced its third-generation SDK for RFID and barcode products.

In a continued effort to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, FEIG is introducing a new Software Development Kit (SDK) as a release candidate. FEIG’s third-generation SDK is designed for the new technical requirements of .NET 5. Outdated products have been removed, so it contains significantly less code than previous SDKs.

The APIs in the new SDK are modernized for higher efficiency, and performance and thread safety are significantly improved.

The SDK supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and includes bidirectional communication options for newer products such as the HyWEAR compact wearable.

The Version 6.0.0-RC1 release candidate offers these features for all RFID and barcode products from FEIG except ISO14443 devices.

Support for ISO14443 products will be available in mid-January 2021.

Swinburne scientists develop 3D printed biosensing hybrid-liquid RFID tags

Researchers from the Swinburne University of Technology have developed a novel 3D printed polymer-liquid hybrid Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna.

Created using a low-cost FDM fabrication technique, the team’s new detection device features microfluidic channels, that allow its polarization to be changed using different ionic fluids.

The scientists have specifically designed their tag to be utilized within embedded systems, potentially making it ideal for biological or chemical monitoring applications.

Visionstate’s Wanda IoT Solution to Be Enhanced by New RFID Technology

Visionstate Corp. has sold an application for RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification), which will be leveraged to enhance the growing suite of products under the Wanda smart technology platform, to a company in the oil and gas sector.

The RFID solution provides a company that rents equipment in the oil and gas sector with an ability to track and streamline inventory and product movement. Each product is tagged with an RFID tag and can be tracked using RFID readers as it enters and exits defined areas such as warehouses or supply rooms.

Visionstate’s oil and gas client was challenged by the number of products travelling in and out of the main warehouse, especially since the product is rented to customers in remote locations. The RFID application addresses this problem by tagging products and tracking them through the sales cycle. This has improved inventory management and provides more accurate data for billing purposes based on the length of time the product was rented.

Nanoscopic barcodes set a new science limit

Imagine shrinking barcodes a million times, from millimetre to nanometre scale, so that they could be used inside living cells to label, identify and track the building blocks of life or, blended into inks to prevent counterfeiting. New, fundamental research, published in Nature Communications, shows the possibilities and opportunities ahead.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) led collaboration developed a nanocrystal growth method that controls the growth direction, producing programmable atomic thin layers, arbitrary barcoded nanorods, with morphology uniformity. The result is millions of different kinds of nanobarcodes that can form a "library" for future nanoscale sensing applications.

Precision Livestock Farming Market is expected to grow to USD 4.8 billion by 2025

According to the new market research report Precision Livestock Farming Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis, published by MarketsandMarkets, the global Precision Livestock Farming Market is expected to grow to USD 4.8 billion by 2025 from an estimated USD 3.1 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 9.0% during the 2020-2025 period.

The rapid growth of the global precision livestock farming market is attributed to the factors such as the implementation of IoT- and AI-enabled devices for livestock monitoring, surging labor costs and rising demand for automation in the livestock industry, increasing focus on real-time monitoring and early disease detection, and growing demand for protein and dairy products have become the prominent factors for the growth of the precision livestock farming market globally.

The livestock health and behavior monitoring application is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the precision livestock farming market during the forecast period. The livestock health has become extremely important for the various stakeholders in the ecosystem such as farmers, government, food processing companies, research institutes, etc. This is due to the emergence and re-emergence of several diseases among the livestock animals as well as rising consumer awareness with respect to food traceability.

Hardware to hold the largest market size between 2020 and 2025 owing to increasing adoption of hardware devices such as RFID, sensors, smart cameras, and GPS technology on the dairy, swine and poultry farms. The data collected through these devices alert farmers on reproduction, health feeding, and well beings of animals.

Deflating graphene balloons act as sensors for hard-to-detect gases

Graphene has a lot of attractive properties for material scientists working to develop everything form next-gen computer chips, to advanced solar cells and more sensitive microphones.

But a research team behind a new breakthrough, from Delft University of Technology and the University of Duisburg-Essen, have fashioned the nanomaterial into microscopic balloons they say can distinguish between different kinds of these hard-to-detect noble gases, by measuring how long they take to escape through tiny perforations in the surface of the balloons. 

Beyond that, they say the work also demonstrates how graphene can used to study gas dynamics on microscopic scales.

Emporia launches NFC-enabled S4 smartphone

Emporia Telecom, which focuses on the senior market, has launched its new Emporia S4 handset from £170. The Austrian-based vendor says the smartphone, which supports the Android 10 OS, is its most advanced yet.

For the first time, it also features NFC technology, allowing users to set up contactless payments via Google Pay.

The phone is available from Emporia’s UK distributor Eurostar Global, directly from the company’s website, and from retailers Maplin and AO Mobile.

Sensor experts invent mini thermometer

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have invented a miniature thermometer with big potential applications such as monitoring the temperature of processor chips in superconductor-based quantum computers, which must stay cold to work properly.

NIST's superconducting thermometer measures temperatures below 1 Kelvin (minus 272.15 ?C or minus 457.87 ?F), down to 50 milliKelvin (mK) and potentially 5 mK. It is smaller, faster and more convenient than conventional cryogenic thermometers for chip-scale devices and could be mass produced. NIST researchers describe the design and operation in a new journal paper.

Italian Fashion Brand Selects Invisible RFID for Aesthetic Solution

Italian fashion brand Herno has deployed an RFID system for loss prevention, inventory management and supply chain logistics, leveraging reader technology that is invisible at its stores.

The system, provided by technology integrator  Solos, consists of Keonn's RFID readers, kiosks and software. The solution includes a combination of fixed readers according to each store's design, as well as a reader station used at the point of sale to deactivate the UHF RFID tags sewn into each garment's care label. All installations consist of hardware hidden either under the floor, in the ceiling or in the walls, enabling the entrance to remain completely unobstructed.

QR code system launched for contact tracing in Melbourne

Melburnians are set to return to offices today as the Victorian Government launches its new contact tracing app that will provide a universal QR code check-in for businesses.

From today, 25 per cent of non-essential workers will be permitted to go back to the office under one of the final steps in creating a COVID-normal across the city.

The Victorian Government's newly launched QR Code Service can be used by businesses and venues to keep records of visitors, however a number of workplaces have already set up their own system.

Stocard rolls out mobile payments service in four more European countries

European mobile loyalty wallet provider Stocard has expanded its Stocard Pay service to users in Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, enabling them to make in-store NFC payments in addition to using the wallet to access loyalty cards and redeem rewards.

Stocard Pay is built on Dejamobile’s Ready To Tap Payment technology and enables Android users to upload and use a digital Stocard payment card from within their mobile wallet. The service launched first in the UK in June 2020.

Global IoT Connected Machines SaaS Innovator, Elevāt, Raises $9.5 Million

Elevāt announced a D4 Investments-led seed financing round of approximately $9.5 million, including the conversion of convertible Note investments, to grow and expand its sensor-driven, cloud-connected, AI-enabled SaaS platform for machinery of all kinds.

Members of the Keiretsu Forum and Emles Venture Partners are among the organizations joining the seed financing round.

"Elevāt helps equipment manufacturers, owners and users increase control, decrease costs and extend the useful life of their machines," said William Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Elevāt. "This seed round will help us boost sales and marketing to further drive our growth in North America, the European Union, the Middle East and beyond. Along with the success Elevāt has seen in providing IoT cloud-based services for heavy equipment manufacturers, opportunities have arisen with mobile equipment, in plant maintenance, as well as agriculture and the oil and gas industries," says Hill.

USI to add NFC to active styluses

The Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) is to work with the NFC Forum to enable rechargeable styluses to be wirelessly charged with a smartphone, mobile computing device or other NFC-enabled device.

The two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding with a view to  making it possible for USI members to integrate the NFC Forum’s NFC Wireless Charging Specification (WLC) into their devices.

“The integration of WLC will allow rechargeable USI styluses to be wirelessly charged with a smartphone, mobile computing device or other NFC charging device at a power transfer rate of up to one watt,” the NFC Forum says.

IDEC Corp. introduced the KW2D series of smart radio frequency identification (RFID) readers.

DEC Corp. has introduced the KW2D series of smart radio frequency identification (RFID) readers. These intelligent RFID readers are designed for easy installation into the typical 22mm panel-mount holes used with machinery, are readily integrated with automation systems, and enable OEMs and end users to apply advanced authentication and authorization measures.

The IDEC KW2D series RFID readers maintain IP65/67 water-, dust-, and oil-proof ratings, and feature push-in power supply terminals. A built-in Ethernet port facilitates connectivity to host devices like PLCs and HMIs using Modbus TCP.

Collaboration Aims To Wirelessly Charge Active Styluses Using Mobile Devices

The NFC Forum and the Universal Stylus Initiative (USI) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding today that points out a collaboration plan to allow USI members to integrate the NFC Forum’s Near Field Communications (NFC) Wireless Charging Specification (WLC) in their products and to verify standards compliance by utilizing the NFC Forum Certification Program.

The integration of WLC will allow rechargeable USI styluses to be wirelessly charged with a smartphone, mobile computing device or other NFC charging device at a power transfer rate of up to one watt.   

The WLC enables a single antenna in an NFC-enabled device to manage both communications and charging. This solution makes it easier and more convenient to charge low-power IoT devices such as smart watches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, and other consumer devices like active styluses. The NFC communication technology also allows for setup and configuration of the active stylus while it is being charged.

CVS now accepts QR code payments from PayPal and Venmo

CVS is following up on its promise to take pharmacy payments through PayPal and Venmo. Visit 8,200 CVS locations and you can display a QR code in the PayPal or Venmo apps to pay using credit cards (including Venmo’s), debit cards, PayPal Credit, bank accounts or existing balances. 

The partnership, which was first announced in July, makes CVS Pharmacy the first national retailer to integrate PayPal and Venmo QR code technology in its point-of-sale experience at all standalone locations across the country. The touch-free experience will be available to existing PayPal and Venmo customers, while new customers can sign up and link their preferred payment method usually within minutes.

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NFC Proves Authenticity of Collectibles

Collectors Universe, located in Santa Ana, California, provides third-party grading and authentication services to collectors, as well as retail buyers and sellers of collectibles.

The company adopted a solution utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) RFID technology and cloud-based authentication services to prove that collectible experts' certification, as well as the clear, tamper-evident holder in which each item is sealed, is the real thing.  

The technology is intended not only to prove that the company's grading service and the collectible are both authentic, but also to make this information accessible via the tap of an NFC-enabled smartphone.

Global IoT device connections to reach 11.7 billion in 2020

IoT Analytics, a provider of market insights and competitive intelligence for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, projects that there will be 11.7 billion connected IoT devices by the end of 2020.

Commenting on the rapid increase in IoT device connections, Knud Lasse Lueth, CEO at IoT Analytics explains, “IoT innovations will from now on dominate the connected device landscape. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the market for Internet of Things continues to grow. In 2020, for the first time, there are more connected IoT devices such as connected cars or smart home devices than there are non-IoT devices such as smartphones or laptops.  Of the 21.7 billion active connected devices worldwide, 11.7 billion, or 54%, will be IoT devices at the end of 2020.”

Active cellular IoT connections (based on the 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or licensed LPWA standard) have grown 46% in the last 5 years and are continuing to enjoy strong momentum.

Low-power wide area network technologies (LPWA) are currently the fastest growing IoT connectivity technology. In 2015 there were roughly 10 million global connections, in 2020 there are now 423 million. 

7 in 10 Swedish consumers are interested in having a biometric payment card

Some 70% of Swedish consumers would be interested in having a biometric payment card so they can make high-value transactions without having to touch a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a new survey reveals.

Of the 59% who said they would be willing to pay an extra monthly fee for a biometric payment card, 47% would be willing to pay SEK10-50 (US$1.16-5.79) and 12% would be willing to pay SEK51-99 (US$5.91-11.47).

Global smart ticketing market expected to reach USD 22.72 billion by 2025

The global smart ticketing market, valued at USD 11.12 billion in 2019, is expected to reach USD 22.72 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 12.9%, during the period of 2019-2025.  

Smart ticket, as a substitute to the traditional paper-based ticketing, gained traction in recent times, owing to the emphasis on the digitization of ticketing processes.

Smart tickets can save a passenger's time, by eliminating the need to wait in line to buy a ticket. Covering both smartcards and apps on mobile phones, the technology evolved significantly and emerged as a better alternative to paper tickets.

Regional governments are even reaching new milestones in terms of the usage of smart tickets. For instance, according to the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), a British rail industry membership body, more train journeys were made with smart tickets, with the number reaching 65 million. Compared to a four-week period from August to September 2019, with the same period in 2018, about 8.4 million more journeys were made with a smart ticket. The RDG data also reveals that passengers chose smart tickets for 50% of all journeys, which significantly increased from 37% a year ago.

QR codes mandatory across NSW from today

From today all venues across NSW (Australia) must have a system of digital registration as per new rules imposed by the State Government.

Venues, including cafes, bars, hairdressers and nail salons, will no longer be able to use pen and paper to sign people in.

The NSW Government says QR (quick response) codes will further protect patrons and staff from COVID-19.

Chinese President proposes global QR code system to help free up travel

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed using a global QR code system to enable cross-border movement of people amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Addressing the virtual G20 summit on Saturday night, Xi said a global mechanism involving mutual recognition of health certificates, including nucleic acid test results in the form of QR codes, could be used to enable cross-border travel.

Mobile phone QR codes to prove health status and travel records have been mandatory since February.

3D image sensor using lasers for height measurements in semiconductor uses introduced by Teledyne Imaging

Teledyne Imaging, a Teledyne Technologies company in Bromont, Quebec, is introducing the Z-Trak2 3D image sensor for in-line height measurements for inspection, detection, identification, and guidance in electronics, semiconductor, automotive, and factory automation applications.

Z-Trak2 is a 5-Gigabit Ethernet 3D profile sensor that delivers scan speeds as fast as 45,000 profiles per second and features built-in HDR and reflection compensation algorithms to handle surfaces with varying degrees of reflectivity in one scan for precision in semiconductor manufacturing.

System brings deep learning to IoT

MIT researchers have developed a system that could bring deep learning neural networks to new — and much smaller — places, like the tiny computer chips in wearable medical devices, household appliances, and the 250 billion other objects that constitute the “internet of things” (IoT).

The system, MCUNet, designs compact neural networks that deliver unprecedented speed and accuracy for deep learning on IoT devices, despite limited memory and processing power. The technology could facilitate the expansion of the IoT universe while saving energy and improving data security.

The research will be presented at next month’s Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems. The lead author is Ji Lin, a PhD student in Song Han’s lab in MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Co-authors include Han and Yujun Lin of MIT, Wei-Ming Chen of MIT and National University Taiwan, and John Cohn and Chuang Gan of the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab.

Global Public Transport Smart Cards Market to Reach $91.2 Billion by 2027

The Public Transport Smart Cards market in the U.S. is estimated at US$18.7 Billion in the year 2020. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$16.2 Billion by the year 2027 trailing a CAGR of 5.1% over the analysis period 2020 to 2027.

In the global Other Interfaces segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 4.7% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$2.9 Billion in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$4 Billion by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets.

Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$10.2 Billion by the year 2027.We bring years of research experience to this 7th edition of our report.