RFID Market size to grow by USD 10,456.94 million at a CAGR of 10.9% by 2027

The radio frequency identification (RFID) market size is estimated to increase by USD 10,456.94 million from 2022 to 2027, at a CAGR of 10.9%, according to a recent market study by Technavio.

The market share growth by the industrial segment will be significant for the market growth during the forecast period. RFID technology is used in the industrial sector for supply chain management and inventory management. Both passive and active RFID tags are used in the industrial sector. These tags are only used in specialized applications.

Furthermore, the technology allows industrial end-users to follow inventory that has become blocked at various stages of production or assembly and gain a better understanding of inventory management. Hence, it is expected that the industrial segment in the radio frequency identification market will grow due to the increasing applications of RFID in the industrial processes during the forecast period.

Cannabis Retailer Labels Products 5x Faster

TEKLYNX International, RFID and barcode label solution provider for the cannabis industry, released a case study highlighting how their advanced barcode label design software, CODESOFT, plus print-and-apply labeling systems helped a national cannabis consumer packaged goods company and retailer label cannabis products five times faster.

Previously, this company was purchasing pre-printed labels and manually labeling every cannabis product container one by one with a brand label, safety seal, strain label, drug analysis label, and a dispensary label. This resulted in an extremely slow labeling process against a rapidly growing cannabis market and demanding retail sales.

TEKLYNX value-added reseller, Chicago Coding Systems, worked with them to deploy print-and-apply labeling systems—leveraging CODESOFT software and Zebra label printers—through most of their sites across the United States.

Internet Of Things Market size to grow by USD 1,036.83 billion from 2022 to 2027

The Internet of Things market size is estimated to increase by USD 1,036.83 billion from 2022 to 2027, with a CAGR of 15.12%, according to a recent market study by Technavio. This report also offers a 5-year historical (2017-2021) data projection of market size, segmentation, and region. Discover some insights on market size before buying the full report -Request a sample report

Technavio has segmented the market based on application (industrial, retail, healthcare, ICT, and others), and technology (RFID, sensors, NFC, cloud services, and others)

The market share growth by the industrial segment will be significant during the forecast period. The industrial sector is experiencing positive outcomes from the implementation of IoT technology which helps in improving business productivity and gaining a competitive advantage.

Through software integration machines and devices are connected to the internet enabling data to be generated. This data is used to gain insights into the manufacturing process allowing for predictive maintenance and performance optimization on the factory floor.

The Internet of Things market is segmented by geography into APAC, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the Internet of Things market.

Fairview Microwave Launches Series of Optimized RFID Antennas

Fairview Microwave, an Infinite Electronics brand and a leading provider of on-demand RF, microwave and millimeter-wave components, has announced the launch of a new series of RFID antennas. The devices are designed to enhance the performance of RFID applications in inventory management, asset tracking, ID verification and more.

The newly launched antennas operate within the optimal 900 MHz and 2400 MHz frequency bands, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted RFID tag reading. Featuring SMA female, N female and RP TNC male connectors, these antennas offer remarkable compatibility with most RFID readers on the market.

In addition, the antennas employ right hand circular polarization (RHCP) to ensure greater signal reception and accurate data extraction. This feature, coupled with high-gain performance, low voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and wider beamwidth, optimizes the antennas’ reading range and enhances the overall performance of RFID systems.

Scanbot SDK brings Barcode Scanner Demo App to Windows devices

Scanbot SDK continues its string of demo app releases with a Barcode Scanner Demo for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). The "Scanbot SDK: Barcode Scanning" app showcases the capabilities of the Barcode Scanner SDK. It is now available for free on the Microsoft Store.

The Windows Barcode Scanner SDK turns any mobile Windows device into a reliable and easy-to-use barcode scanner. It utilizes machine learning and computer vision technology to deliver fast and accurate scan results in just 0.2 seconds. The demo app demonstrates the speed and reliability customers can expect after integrating the SDK into their own Windows applications.

With the Barcode Scanner Demo App for Windows, users can scan all common 1D and 2D barcodes individually and in batches.

With the "Multiple Scanning" feature, several barcodes and even different barcode types can be captured in one go.

The demo also includes two scanning modules for special use cases: "Tiny Barcodes" locks the camera focus, while "Distant Barcodes" offers a zoomed-in viewfinder.

Another highlight is the AR overlay: When enabled, it displays the contents of the barcodes on the user's screen in real time. This makes it easy to get an overview of multiple codes. The AR overlay can also be configured to only highlight items with a specific barcode.

The UI has been tailored for optimal performance on Windows tablets. As it adheres to the Fluent design language, it seamlessly integrates into the Windows experience. This ensures that every user can easily use the SDK and benefit from its built-in user guidance, a hallmark of the Scanbot SDK.

Enterprises already using Microsoft products for their IT infrastructure benefit from the effortless communication between the Windows tablets and other devices. They can be used as barcode scanners one minute, and as desktop PCs in the next, thanks to docking stations.

PG&E Deploys Innovative Technologies to Enable Layers of Protection to Mitigate Wildfires

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is deploying emerging technologies, including a remotely-operated controlled-burn system, next-generation drones, and wireless remote grids, building upon the proven layers of protection that are reducing wildfire risk from its equipment by 94% (based on established methodologies) in 2023 to help keep its customers and hometowns safe.

Several innovations and collaborations were on display today at two PG&E facilities – the San Ramon Valley Conference Center and PG&E's Applied Technology Services Center, the company's hub of research, development, and innovation. The selected technologies included:

With novel Ground-Level Distribution Systems (GLDS), powerlines are neither suspended from utility poles nor buried underground. Instead, lines are placed inside protected and resilient conduits that rest on the ground. PG&E is exploring moving overhead powerlines to ground level to eliminate ignition risk and enhance grid resilience. PG&E anticipates this innovative approach could provide comparable risk reduction to undergrounding.

To enhance local resilience and eliminate fire risk, PG&E recently deployed three new remote grid systems in Tehama and Mariposa counties with several more anticipated for deployment in 2023 and up to 30 to be deployed by 2026 in collaboration with Richmond, Calif.-based NewSunRoad. Locally sited solar, batteries and back-up generators provide the same or better level of electric service reliability while serving as a permanent alternative to poles and powerlines.

Global Barcode Printer Market size is expected to reach $6.8 billion by 2029

Barcodes are frequently utilized in the healthcare sector for a wide range of additional activities, such as surgical operations, patient identification, tracking devices, specimen labeling, etc. Some of the factors impacting the market are increasing barcode printers demand and usage in the retail sector, growing implementation of barcodes in companies for asset management, and low compatibility of barcode printers and availability of better solutions.

However, Barcodes can be used to obtain important data, but new information cannot be incorporated. Although it has more functionality, radio frequency identification (RFID) labels are similar to barcodes in certain ways. Consequently, these factors are anticipated to slow down the expansion of the market in the coming years.

Based on product, the market is categorized into desktop printers, mobile printers, industrial printers. The desktop printers segment procured a considerable growth rate in the market in 2022. Business organizations may rapidly, correctly, and effectively print tags, labels, and cards with desktop barcode printers. For companies who need to generate vast quantities of barcoded products, they can be the perfect tool. Businesses can select the ideal desktop barcode printer for their requirements from a wide range of sizes, designs, and colors.

On the basis of technology, the market is divided into thermal transfer, direct transfer, laser, and inkjet. The thermal transfer segment acquired the largest revenue share in the market in 2022. Heat is used during the printing process, known as thermal transfer, to transfer ink to a substrate. For example, a thermal printhead is used to heat a tiny coating of resin- or wax-based ink on an adhesive ribbon. The wax-based ink is melted onto the substrate or labeled by heating the ribbon with a heat source, like an infrared heating device. When heated ink comes into contact with the paper, it dissolves and transfers the picture to the support.

IoT Data Management Market size to grow by USD 69.28 billion from 2022 to 2027

The global IoT data management market size is estimated to grow by USD 69.28 billion from 2022 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% during the forecast period.

North America is estimated to account for 39% of the global market growth. For loT data management, the region has always been a lucrative market. And as a result of the region's early adoption of cutting-edge technologies in the manufacturing, retail, and BFSI sectors, there is a higher demand for loT data management.

The market in North America expands owing to the substantial presence and penetration of leading vendors like Microsoft Corp. and Oracle Corp. Furthermore, North America is home to some of the most developed economies in the world, which raises the demand for loT data management services like infrastructure, outsourcing, data processing, and Internet services.

In addition, the region is developing new IoT data management due to the integration of cloud-based services, automation tools, and AI with operational and supply chain processes.

Formula E team caught using RFID scanner

The DS Penske team was fined €25,000 after it surreptitiously installed an RFID scanner at the entrance to the pit, which the FIA stewards said could collect data from other race cars and give them an advantage.

The team’s racers, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Éric Vergne, were also hit with a pit lane start penalty for today’s race — meaning they will have to wait at the end of the pit lane until all of the other cars have driven past before entering the race.

It is forbidden in general for competitors to install or place any equipment in the pit lane. Secondly, the collection of data by this method gives the competitor a lot of information, which is a huge and unfair advantage.

Worldwide Spending on the Internet of Things is Forecast to Surpass $1 Trillion in 2026

Worldwide spending on the Internet of Things (IoT) is forecast to be $805.7 billion in 2023, an increase of 10.6% over 2022, according to a new International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Internet of Things Spending Guide. Investments in the IoT ecosystem are expected to surpass $1 trillion in 2026 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% over the 2023-2027 forecast period.

Discrete and Process Manufacturing are the industries that will see the largest investment in IoT solutions in 2023 and throughout the forecast period, accounting for more than one third of all IoT spending worldwide. Professional Services, Utilities, and Retail are the next largest industries in terms of overall IoT spending with roughly 25% of the worldwide total. State/Local Government and Telecommunications will deliver the fastest spending growth over the five-year forecast with CAGRs of 12.0% and 11.7% respectively.

IoT investment is a key building block to supporting an increasingly digital and distributed organizational footprint. Most of these investments are seeking solutions that can help organizations achieve a specific business goal or customer challenge, such as cost savings or supply chain efficiency. As such, use cases are the focus of most IoT investment plans.

The two IoT use cases that will receive the most investment in 2023 are both closely tied to the manufacturing industries: Manufacturing Operations ($73.0 billion) and Production Asset Management ($68.2 billion). The next largest use cases – Inventory Intelligence ($37.6 billion), Smart Grid (Electricity) ($36.9 billion), and Supply Chain Resilience ($31.6 billion) – will benefit from strong investments from the Retail and Utilities industries. The use cases that will experience the fastest spending growth represent the diverse application of IoT technologies – Electric Vehicle Charging (30.9% CAGR), Next Generation Loss Prevention (14.5% CAGR), Agriculture Field Monitoring (13.9% CAGR), and Connected Vending and Lockers (13.8% CAGR).

This release of the IoT Spending Guide also includes a Video Analytics overlay forecast that is intended to provide high-level insight into a broadly adopted use case (i.e., found in most or all enterprise industries). Video analytics refers to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced algorithms to recognize, detect and analyze live or stored video feeds in a variety of uses, including business analytics, security surveillance, and other rapidly evolving adaptations of this technology. These uses are found in numerous settings (e.g., business analytics in manufacturing and retail, in government for crowd management and traffic congestion management, and broadly for security surveillance). Video analytics requires IP networked capable cameras to support the advanced software whether embedded in hardware or provided by third party vendors.

IDC expects spending on Video Analytics solutions across all industries to be more than $23.5 billion this year. Future releases of the IoT Spending Guide will include additional broadly adopted use cases, such as smart buildings.

From a technology perspective, IoT services will be the largest area of spending in 2023 and through the end of the forecast, accounting for nearly 40% of all IoT spending worldwide. Hardware spending is the second largest technology category, dominated by module/sensor purchases. Software will be the fastest growing technology category with a five-year CAGR of 11.0% and a focus on application and analytics software purchases.

Western Europe, the United States, and China will account for more than half of all IoT spending throughout the forecast. Although Western Europe and the United States currently have similar levels of spending, Western Europe will expand its lead with an 11.0% CAGR over the 2023-2027 forecast, compared to an 8.0% CAGR for the United States. China's IoT spending is forecast to surpass the United States by the end of the forecast due to its 13.2% CAGR.

The Worldwide Internet of Things Spending Guide (V1 2023) forecasts IoT spending for 18 technology categories and 70 named use cases (87 including sub-use cases) across 19 industries in nine regions and 53 countries. The spending guide also includes an IoT connectivity forecast for cellular, Low-Power Wide Area Networks, and other connectivity (e.g. wired, satellite). This provides tech buyers and providers with a tool to understand how the plethora of IoT use cases call for multiple connectivity types, driven by different expectations in terms of latency, bandwidth, and data frequency.

IoT Devices Can Now Connect to Both Helium Network and Amazon Sidewalk

The Helium Foundation has partnered with Oxit to create Oxtech Module, a product to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices to both the decentralized wireless network, Helium, and Amazon Sidewalk.

Amazon Sidewalk is a new low-power, nationwide network that uses Amazon devices like the Echo smart speaker to create a series of mini mesh networks in order to allow for them to better communicate over long ranges.

The Oxtech Module aims to bring the two networks together to allow for greater connectivity that will benefit the IoT industry.

Temperature and Humidity Sensor with E Ink Display

The Qingping Cleargrass is an advanced temperature and humidity sensor that provides real-time and accurate updates on the environment. 

It’s an efficient way for homeowners to detect the potential for mildew or mold growth and maintain healthy air quality. The device is equipped with an e-ink display that shows temperature, humidity, and connectivity status. It also features Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with Apple HomeKit.

E-ink displays were once limited to e-readers and e-books, but now they’re being used in various industries, including smart home devices. This is due to their low power consumption, clear displays, and sustainability. It will be interesting to see where else e-ink displays will be used in the tech world.

HF RFID Tags to Dominate the Market

RFID tags market worldwide is set to register robust CAGR through the period from 2022 to 2030.

This study report represents analysis of each segment from 2020 to 2030 considering 2021 as the base year. Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each of the respective segments estimated for the forecast period of 2022 to 2030.

RFID tags are electronic devices embedded with an antenna attached to the goods/animals/personnel to be tracked. The demand for RFID tags is primarily governed by the continually growing penetration of RFID tracking systems worldwide. Factors such as consistent decline in price and widespread application area has ensured robust market growth over the period. RFID tags are available in wide price range starting as low as US$ 0.10 to more than US$ 20, based on particular application.

The market heavily relies on retail and transportation & logistics sectors constituting to more than 65% of the overall market revenue generated worldwide. Major retail companies such as Walmart, Inc., Metro AG and Target Corporation have already mandated the use of RFID tracking systems for effective asset and goods tracking.

Additionally, major consumer packages goods (CPG) companies too hold prominent position in adopting RFID tracking systems, thereby supporting the RFID tags market growth.

HF RFID tags segment led the overall market in 2021, contributing to more than 40% of the total market revenue generated worldwide. Although LF RFID systems too are fairly competent, factors such as standardized technology, faster detection, larger memory, fairly longer range and wide application area.

Real-time Location Systems Market worth $16.2 billion by 2028

The global real-time location systems market size is expected to grow from USD 5.2 billion in 2023 to USD 16.2 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 25.5% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.

The market for RTLS technology has witnessed rapid growth, with an increasing number of players entering this market with innovative RTLS features for customers. Moreover, the RTLS hardware components are readily and commercially available throughout, so more customers are inclined to use RTLS solutions for asset and personnel tracking applications.

The prime concern of many industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, government and defense, and education, is the security and safety of their assets and personnel. Access control and security is an important aspect in the areas where tracking of employees or individuals is essential to prevent them from entering non-restricted areas, barring unauthorized people from entering the facility, and alerting industrial facilities beforehand in case of any theft. RTLS solutions can inform an administrator about the location and condition of assets and workers. These systems may be used for safety checks and access control, assuring that the personnel are adequately outfitted with the necessary equipment to perform a particular task or procedure.

The high adoption of RTLS solutions in the US is the main factor that has led to the prominent position of North America in the RTLS market. Healthcare, retail, manufacturing and automotive, and transportation and logistics are the major demand-generating verticals for RTLS solutions in the US and throughout North America. For example, various hospitals in the US are using RTLS solutions for multiple applications, and the adoption of RTLS solutions in senior living facilities is also on the rise. Besides, several verticals, such as education, sports, and entertainment, are rapidly adopting RTLS solutions, which would drive the growth of the RTLS market in the US during the forecast period. Wi-Fi technology has traditionally led the market for RTLS solutions in North America; however, the said market in this region is expected to grow at a low rate in the coming years.

Internet Of Things Market size to grow by USD 1,036.83 billion from 2022 to 2027

The Internet of Things market size is estimated to increase by USD 1,036.83 billion from 2022 to 2027, with a CAGR of 15.12%, according to a recent market study by Technavio. This report also offers a 5-year historical (2017-2021) data projection of market size, segmentation, and region. Discover some insights on market size before buying the full report -Request a sample report

The market share growth by the industrial segment will be significant during the forecast period. The industrial sector is experiencing positive outcomes from the implementation of IoT technology which helps in improving business productivity and gaining a competitive advantage. Through software integration machines and devices are connected to the internet enabling data to be generated. This data is used to gain insights into the manufacturing process allowing for predictive maintenance and performance optimization on the factory floor.

The Internet of Things market is segmented by geography into APAC, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and South America. The report provides actionable insights and estimates the contribution of all regions to the growth of the Internet of Things market.

Storage Refrigeration Monitoring Market to Reach $17.6 Billion

According to a new report, the global storage refrigeration monitoring market generated $8.3 billion in 2022, and is anticipated to generate $17.6 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2032.

Technological advancements in the form of Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and wireless communication are predicted to be one of the important factors driving the growth of the global storage refrigeration monitoring market in the forecast timeframe. However, the high initial investment involved in storage refrigeration monitoring systems may hamper the storage refrigeration monitoring market growth in the coming period. On the contrary, an increasing focus on food quality and extending the shelf life of perishable products is expected to offer remunerative opportunities for expansion of the storage refrigeration monitoring market in the 2023-2032 forecast period.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on the growth of the global storage refrigeration monitoring market. The effective storage and transportation of vaccines, medicines, and perishable food items became critical during the pandemic which increased the demand for storage refrigeration monitoring.

The storage refrigeration monitoring market is further anticipated to show steady growth in the future due to increasing adoption of advanced technologies.

Walmart's RFID Mandate Successfully Drove RFID Adoption in Retail

In 2022, Walmart made a momentous announcement that sent ripples through the RFID industry. As the world's leading retailer, Walmart revealed its ambitious plan to expand the utilization of RFID technology beyond retail apparel and encompass other critical retail departments. This expansion included home, entertainment, and hardline departments, targeting a wide range of products.

By imposing a mandate on its suppliers, Walmart required them to implement RFID tagging for home goods, sporting goods, electronics, and toys by September 2, 2022. This strategic move underscored Walmart's confidence in the effectiveness of RFID technology and its potential to revolutionize inventory management across diverse retail sectors.

Now, nearly a year after the RFID mandate, the question arises: has it actually spurred RFID adoption in retail beyond apparel? The answer lies in evaluating the growth and impact of RFID technology in these newly targeted departments.

The retail industry witnessed the widespread adoption of UHF RFID technology, initially focused on apparel and footwear segments. According to IDTechEx over 72% of UHF RFID tags were deployed in these two segments combined last year. According to IDTechEx research, this dominance in retail apparel and footwear tagging not only accounted for the largest market share in terms of tag volume but also held significant market value in the UHF sector. IDTechEx expects this trend to persist for the next decade, given the proven return on investment in these sectors. Retailers have been adopting a standardized approach, rapidly implementing UHF RFID solutions.

While apparel and footwear continue to lead the UHF RFID market, other retail sectors are also experiencing notable growth. Players within Walmart's supply chain, in particular, have reported a strong double-digit increase in demand as a direct result of Walmart's RFID mandate. This positive response aligns closely with IDTechEx's forecast regarding the adoption of UHF RFID technology in other retail sectors.

IDTechEx emphasizes the evolving landscape, stating that the growth in these sectors is outpacing previous expectations. The success of Walmart's mandate has played a significant role in stimulating adoption and fostering increased demand. Retailers across various sectors are recognizing the benefits of UHF RFID technology and leveraging it to enhance their operations.

Despite the growing momentum in the adoption of item-level tagging in other retail sectors, there are still significant challenges to overcome in implementing large-scale RFID systems. One of the main obstacles is the cost associated with tagging each individual item, which can be prohibitive for some retailers. Additionally, sustainability issues arise as the increased use of RFID tags can contribute to electronic waste if proper recycling measures are not in place. Technical and implementation challenges also exist, particularly when tagging items containing liquids or metals, as these materials can interfere with RFID signals and impact the readability of the tags. Furthermore, the ecosystem for large-scale RFID implementation in other retail sectors (retail sectors beyond apparel and footwear) is not yet fully mature, which adds complexity to the adoption process.

These challenges highlight the need for ongoing innovation and collaboration within the RFID industry to address cost, sustainability, and technical limitations and to foster the development of a robust and efficient ecosystem that can support widespread implementation in the retail sector.

CONTROLTEK Unveils Innovative RFID Resource Center

CONTROLTEK announced the launch of its new Online RFID Resource Center. This virtual platform is designed to revolutionize inventory management, asset tracking, and RFID as EAS by providing businesses with a comprehensive online hub for information, education, and awareness in the field of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.

The CONTROLTEK RFID Resource Center is a dynamic and accessible online resource that empowers organizations across various industries to optimize their supply chain processes and maximize operational efficiency.

This resource center is accessible to business leaders, retail, supply chain professionals, and industry experts seeking to enhance their understanding of RFID technology and its transformative potential. Through CONTROLTEK's online platform, businesses can gain valuable insights into RFID technology, its applications, its potential to enhance inventory control, and drive overall profitability.

NuCurrent and Infineon to Expand NFC Use Cases

A preferred partnership between NuCurrent and Infineon aims to expand the use cases for near-field communication (NFC) by using cellphones to power contactless, wireless smart locks. This is the same technology used when opening a hotel room door or using Tap to Pay with a cellphone. The key difference is that Infineon’s energy-harvesting actuator collects energy from the phone to power the transaction, reducing or even eliminating the need for batteries and their associated costs. 

According to Tim Tumilty, executive VP of business development at NuCurrent, one of the challenges of deploying smart locks is the batteries. Home-lock manufacturers put 9-V battery terminals on the outside of the lock, and if the battery dies, the homeowner has to find a replacement. Many companies and industries want to replace traditional keyed locks with smart locks, but replacing batteries costs time and money. Eliminating this problem is driving demand.

Rising use of Digital Payments is Expected to Boost Growth

The global mPOS terminals market is expected to grow from $29.40 billion in 2022 to $34.81 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.4%. The mPOS terminals market is expected to grow to $68.38 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 18.4%.

The main components of mPOS terminals are POS terminals, POS software, and services. A point-of-sale (POS) terminal refers to a piece of hardware used in retail establishments to handle credit card payments. The various solutions involved are hardware and software that are deployed on-premises and cloud for applications in entertainment, healthcare, hospitality, restaurant, retail, warehouse, and others.

Technological advancement is the key trend gaining popularity in the mPOS terminals market. Major companies operating in the mPOS terminals market are focusing on developing technological advanced solutions to sustain in the market.

For instance, in May 2022, Square, a US-based manufacturer of business tools, launched Square for Restaurants mobile POS. The unique feature of Square is its capacity to assist restaurants of all shapes and sizes, in particular full-service restaurants (FSRs), in boosting their bottom line and operational effectiveness.

Major players in the mpos terminals market are Ingenico, PAX Global Technology Limited, NCR Corporation, Oracle Corporation, VeriFone Inc., Square Inc., Zebra Technologies Corp., Fiserv Inc., Panasonic Holdings Corporation, PAR Tech, New POS Technology Ltd., Posiflex Technology Inc., Intuit Inc., Newland Auto-ID Tech. Co. Ltd., and AURES Group.

Google Wallet goes live in five new countries

Google Wallet has expanded its availability to five new countries: Argentina, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro. 

This brings the total number of countries where the digital wallet is available to 66. This expansion follows an announcement by general manager Jenny Cheng about the service’s support for contactless credentials such as mobile driving licenses, state IDs, employee ID badges, health insurance cards and transit passes.

24Pet to 'Chip in' To Help Lost Chicago Area Pets Reunite With Their Families

24Pet announced it would host "Chip in"—a dog and cat microchipping event in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs on June 24. In line with 24Pet's mission to bring pet families together and keep them together, 24Pet is partnering with ten shelters across multiple locations to provide free microchipping services to the local community ahead of the Fourth of July, when over 3,000 pets commonly go missing, each year during the holiday.

Illinois sees one of the most significant spikes in missing pets on the Fourth of July, with at least a 600% spike in call volume to 24Pet, in prior years. Microchips are the only permanent lost pet recovery device and help to identify lost and found animals and provide shelters, veterinarians, or other organizations with a way to contact the owner.

Microchipped dogs are twice as likely to make their way home, and cats are ten times as likely. With only 20-30% of dogs and cats microchipped across the US2, "Chip in" aims to get more pets microchipped, helping to reunite beloved pets back with their families faster.

Those participating in the event will automatically be registered with 24Pet, the largest pet registry in North America. Pet owners can also stop by participating shelters to check if their pet is already microchipped, and can then register at 24petwatch.com, the largest registry in North America, for free. By registering with 24Pet, the pet's microchip will be connected with the company's database of over 5,000 shelters, rescues, clinics and partners in case the pet goes missing and help to bring their pet home faster.

InventHelp Inventor Develops Gloves for Use with RFID Chip Hand Implants

An inventor, from Louisville, Ohio introduceed the CHIP MITT. The patent-pending invention provides an improved design for a set of gloves.

In doing so, it offers radio frequency shielding for workers who opt to use RFID chip hand implants for secure access to authorized work place areas. It also protects against unauthorized scanning and tracking attempts. The invention features a unique design that is easy to wear and use so it is ideal for workers, the military, etc. Additionally, it is producible in design variations.

The original design was submitted to the Cleveland sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers.

Loftware NiceLabel Cloud Designer Enables Small Businesses to Design, Store, and Print Labels in Minutes

Loftware announced the general availability of Loftware NiceLabel Cloud Designer. This new release offers small businesses a cloud-based solution that allows them to design, store, and print professional labels in minutes rather than hours.

NiceLabel Cloud Designer offers greater collaboration within companies for label design, storage, and printing. Its cloud-based platform enables users to operate their label and printing operations from any computer and in any location without being impacted by license keys, lost label templates, or printing incorrect labels. Additionally, NiceLabel Cloud Designer is constantly available and always up to date, so users don't need to manage manual upgrades.

The solution is affordable for companies that operate with limited budgets, providing an alternative to more traditional legacy approaches or other solutions that aren't purpose-built for labeling. Through NiceLabel Cloud Designer, users get access to a wide range of predefined label templates, including GS1, and can customize their own label design templates by using an extensive library of barcode symbologies and other objects. With the help of the NiceLabel Cloud Designer online wizard, users can easily link their product and customer data by connecting to Excel, Google Sheets, and other data sources. This ensures consistency, accuracy, and compliance with a broad set of regulatory demands, thereby solving the issue of rejected shipments as a result of low-quality or non-compliant labels.

Socket Mobile Launches DuraScan Wear DW930, Wearable Laser Barcode Scanner

Socket Mobile announced the launch of the DuraScan Wear DW930, the first wearable addition to its DuraScan product line.

The DW930 is a state-of-the-art, wearable laser barcode scanner designed to meet the growing demands of industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, and distribution.

Offering immediate compatibility with Apple iOS devices, the DW930 is ideal for those using iPhone or iPad models as their main computing platform. For the thousands of iOS apps that already utilize Socket Mobile's CaptureSDK for scanning, the DW930 will work right out of the box with no app updates required.

The DuraScan Wear DW930 is optimal for scanning scenarios that require the use of both hands for speed, flexibility, and precision. Its wearable design increases productivity, allowing workers to continue scanning without having to put the scanner down when moving items or operating machinery.

Small, light, comfortable, and configurable, the DW930 was designed to be worn all day right over a user's preferred work gloves and can be either right or left-handed. Designed for long shifts, the DW930 boasts extended battery life, ensuring uninterrupted operation throughout the day. The modular design allows workers to easily remove the scanner module during breaks and provides rapid assembly when it's time to return to work. The DW930's ergonomic style ensures comfort during extended use, aligning perfectly with the demands of rigorous work environments.

With the introduction of the DuraScan Wear DW930, Socket Mobile continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in data capture technology. By offering a wearable solution that combines efficiency, comfort, and precision, Socket Mobile reaffirms its dedication to developing products that meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Apple unveils Tap to Present ID API

Apple has expanded on its Tap to Pay on iPhone softPOS technology to launch a new Tap to Present ID API. This will allow both government agencies and private companies to use a standard iPhone to verify a customer or service user’s age, identity, address, and/or driver’s license status.

Tap to Present ID will be introduced with iOS 17 and will allow developers to incorporate mobile document reading into their apps with just a few lines of code.

Wallet and Apple Pay engineer Jonathan Downing explained this during a joint presentation with fellow engineer David Stockley at WWDC23 on What’s New in Wallet and Apple Pay.

42Gears Achieves Zebra Technologies Validation of Interoperability

42Gears, a Zebra PartnerConnect Independent Software Vendor, has successfully completed Zebra's Enterprise Testing Program for its SureMDM solution. The designation validates that 42Gears' Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) offering, SureMDM, was successfully tested for performance, functionality, and interoperability with select Zebra mobile computers, RFID readers, and printers.

Zebra Technologies is a  solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people. 42Gears is a part of the award-winning Zebra PartnerConnect program.

Zebra Technologies' Enterprise Testing Program enables eligible channel partners to test the interoperability of their software and hardware solutions with select Zebra mobile computers, scanners, printers, RFID solutions, and software products to meet user application-specific needs.

RFID in Healthcare Market Expanding Robustly and Expected to Grow at a 15.75 % CAGR to 2031

The RFID in Healthcare Market Size is valued at 5.51 Billion in 2022 and is predicted to reach 20.28 Billion by the year 2031 at a 15.75 % CAGR during the forecast period for 2023-2031.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology employs radio waves to transmit data using RFID tags typically attached to objects to track and identify people. They are primarily employed in applications like patient tracking, asset tracking, and blood tracking. In both developed and developing economies, RFID technology is increasingly used to track assets and patients in the healthcare sector. As fake medications become more common, RFID technology will become more popular for drug detection and screening. The use of this technology might lessen waste and avoidance of unnecessary expenses.

Additionally, research and development efforts are anticipated to be prominent in creating novel technologies to support the use of RFID. One of the primary factors driving radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) in the healthcare market is the increased use of automated procedures in hospitals and pharmacies, along with increased demand for RFID in pharmacies, hospitals, and biotech firms.

Other important considerations include rising automatic process adoption in hospitals and pharmacies and rising public desire for more affordable and quality pharmaceuticals. Additionally, radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) would have new opportunities throughout the predicted period due to increasing demand from developing countries and greater R&D in the healthcare sector.

Metcal Introduces CV-IOT Gateway Module and Desktop Application

Metcal, part of OK International and Dover , announced the launch of its new CV-IOT Gateway Module and desktop application, which enables operations management to collect advanced soldering data from every benchtop station on their network.

By connecting the CV-IOT gateway to a Metcal Connection Validation (CV) soldering system and a computer or network, operations can utilize information on every joint to improve process control and efficiency in the soldering process. A standard handheld barcode scanner can easily be added to the setup for board-level traceability.

Using the desktop application, managers can easily analyze the data collected by the system to evaluate operator efficiency, quality of solder joints, temperature and power profiles, and the cartridges used (including geometries, part numbers, serial numbers, and lot codes) for each soldering process. Alerts can also be set up to notify managers in real-time when processes are not being followed or there is a concern with a soldering station.

The information from each solder event is stored using a standard database structure, ensuring the data is compatible with standard database applications and easily accessible by the software application. To ensure data security, the CV-IOT module plugs directly into the CV unit and the computer or network through a wired connection. The CV-IOT is expected to be particularly crucial for manufacturers for which maximizing process control and traceability is essential.

NFC Forum to increase transaction range from 2cm to three or four centimetres

NFC Forum executive director Mike McCamon has announced that the NFC transaction range will soon increase from 2cm to 3-4cm.

This increase will make the technology more user-friendly and faster. With the increased range, users won’t have to be as precise when trying to find the sweet spot on the terminal.

This extension of NFC’s transaction range is part of the NFC standards body’s newly completed three-to-five year Technology Roadmap and is currently in the research phase.

Also on the roadmap, McCamon reveals, is the introduction of multipurpose taps that will enable consumers to perform multiple functions, such as making a payment and receiving a receipt or presenting a loyalty card and making a payment, with just one tap.

MIDCOM Data Expands Offerings To Complement Automated Warehouses

Warehouse automation and smart warehouses are revolutionizing the logistics and fulfillment landscape. Sophisticated automation technologies are transforming how businesses operate by streamlining processes, reducing labor costs, and minimizing errors. As a leader in warehouse automation solutions, MIDCOM offers an array of products and services that support companies as they transition toward full automation.

MIDCOM offers a range of products and services that help warehouses transition toward full automation.

Warehouse automation leverages cutting-edge technology, robotics, and software to optimize operations within a warehouse.

In a fast-moving and ever-evolving market, adopting warehouse automation has become essential for companies looking to stay competitive and meet growing consumer demands.

Industrial-grade barcode label printers are vital for accurately labeling products and tracking them as they move throughout the warehouse and logistics pipeline.

Thermal printers support automation systems, streamlining the identification and tracking of items, which is crucial when relying on machines and equipment.

As a certified Zebra partner, MIDCOM offers all of Zebra's latest products, offering top-of-the-line thermal label printers that cater to the specific needs of automated warehouses.

Barcode Label Printer Market to Reach USD 4.14190 Billion

According to the research report published by Market Research Future (MRFR), “Barcode Label Printer Market Information Product Type, By Technology, And By Region – Market Forecast Till 2032”, the Barcode Label Printer Market could thrive at a rate of 5.31% between 2023 and 2032. The market size will be reaching around USD 4.14190 billion by the end of the year 2032.

Barcode labeling is a critical printing technology in an organizational/industrial environment to ensure products can be shipped efficiently and seamlessly. Barcode integration can lead to digital transformation in industrial setups. Integrating barcode labeling can also be useful in the supply chain to keep businesses running smoothly and efficiently.

Industrial manufacturers are increasingly implementing strategies and technology to centralize disparate systems and create efficient and streamlined operations. Industrial printers are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, with the capability of high-volume label printing and wider media widths compared to other printer types. Desktop printers are highly intuitive and flexible with USB and parallel & serial connectivity interfaces.

RFID Technology: Revolutionizing Industries and Daily Life in India

In India, the pervasive influence of RFID technology is causing a profound shift in industries and everyday routines. Its wireless capabilities find diverse applications, from optimizing inventory management in retail to streamlining healthcare record-keeping. As India progresses in its digital transformation, RFID adoption is surging across sectors, delivering unmatched efficiency, precision, and ease.

In this RFID-driven landscape, ID Tech emerges as a leading RFID solution provider, playing a pivotal role in India's technological advancement. With a diverse range of applications, ID Tech has provided solutions for wagon tracking, file tracking, library automation, e-seals, container tracking, and more. As India embraces the era of digital transformation, ID Tech stands at the forefront, providing unmatched expertise and innovative RFID solutions that drive efficiency, precision, and ease across sectors.

Public Transportation: India is rapidly adopting RFID technology, with the transportation sector leading the way. FASTags, which have become widely popular for toll payments on highways, are just one example. In addition, RFID-enabled automated parking and access controls are being implemented in various states, making parking easier and more efficient. RFID tags attached to vehicles allow for cashless payments and eliminate the need for physical tickets. Looking ahead, the electric vehicle industry in India is expected to benefit greatly from RFID technology. By monitoring battery health and optimizing charging processes, RFID will improve efficiency and reduce costs, while creating seamless charging experiences for drivers.

Retail: RFID technology has extended its reach beyond healthcare and is gaining momentum in the Indian retail industry. Esteemed brands like Azorte Reliance and Decathlon India have embraced RFID, enabling swift and precise inventory management, eliminating the need for laborious manual scanning. By deploying RFID-enabled self-checkout systems, retailers are streamlining operations and minimizing customer wait times. Additionally, retailers are employing RFID-enabled security tags as a proactive measure to tackle shrinkage. Moreover, the integration of RFID-enabled interactive screens and smart fitting rooms is enhancing the overall shopping experience, offering customers personalized and convenient interactions.

Healthcare: RFID technology plays a crucial role in the healthcare sector, facilitating efficient management of patient records, equipment, and medication. Notably, renowned hospitals in India, like the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai and the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, have implemented RFID systems for effective Blood Bank Management. Furthermore, this technology enables real-time tracking of medical equipment, guaranteeing timely availability, and enhances medication safety by minimizing the likelihood of errors. Moreover, the utilization of RFID technology in healthcare not only streamlines administrative tasks but also improves patient safety and enhances overall operational efficiency. By automating inventory management and tracking, healthcare professionals can focus more on delivering quality care to patients.

Iris Smart Ring with blood pressure sensor now available

Iris has launched an Indiegogo InDemand campaign for its smart ring following its successful Kickstarter campaign earlier this year. You can use the wearable to track your heart rate and blood oxygen level, with blood pressure and skin temperature features coming in 2024.

According to the current web page context, the Iris Smart Ring is a wearable device that can track metrics such as heart rate, HRV, and blood oxygen level with a six-photodetector 18 LED PPG sensor. The device has a medical-grade thermometer and blood pressure sensor, which differentiates it from its competitor Oura; however, these tools will not be accessible until an OTA update is released in mid-2024.

The Iris Smart Ring is now available to pre-order following a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Over 4,000 units of the wearable were sold during the campaign, which launched in February, generating over US$650,000.

Convenience store offers automated contactless shopping using RFID tags

Residents of a small village in rural Finland now have access to an unstaffed automated contactless convenience store that uses RAIN RFID tags attached to each item to let shoppers quickly and easily self-checkout using a POS solution equipped with an RFID reader that automatically scans all the items in their basket.

Shoppers gain entry to the store via an NFC reader that scans the bank card they will use to pay for their purchases.

The solution also tracks the store’s inventory in order to enable off-site staff to replenish stock as needed and collect products that have gone past their expiry date.

Hotel Linen Management Solution Unveiled by RFID Global

RFID Global Solution, Inc. (RFID Global) announced the introduction of its Hotel Linen Management Solution, an integrated system offering item-level visibility to hotels for linens and related laundry services. In collaboration with StarTex, a leading textile and linen manufacturer and distributor, RFID Global has developed a feature-rich solution that enables hotels to track linens and textiles throughout the hotel and through the laundry cycle to ensure accurate laundry counts and reduce losses of linens that impact hotel profitability.

By introducing RFID tagged linens into the hotel environment, hotel operators can receive detailed information on linen inventory/par levels, utilization, age, wash counts, and lost linens. For hotels operating an on premise laundry, this solution provides automation for a service typically managed by weight and manual linen counts.

As an enhanced feature to RFID Global’s industry-leading, real-time asset management software, Visi-Trac, the Hotel Linen Management Solution, can leverage Visi-Trac’s substantial capabilities. Visi-Trac offers visibility into hotel assets down to the guest room level from its intuitive dashboards, scheduled and ad-hoc reports, email and audible/visual alerts, and hotel-wide asset tracking capabilities.

Swiss football club launches NFC scarves

Verzonden bericht. Rewrite Fans of Swiss football club FC St Gallen can now use a team scarf incorporating an NFC tag instead of a physical or digital season ticket to gain access to the stadium and receive benefits and notifications. Once they have purchased their season ticket, users can activate the scarf and digitally register ownership by scanning the NFC tag with their iPhone or Android smartphone and entering their season subscription number. They can then scan the scarf with an NFC reader at the turnstiles to gain access for home games at the team’s Kybun Park stadium. A short video in German shows how the NFC scarf works. German football club 1 FC Köln began trialling an NFC scarf for stadium access in August 2022.

Swiss football club FC St Gallen has introduced a new way for fans to access the stadium and receive benefits and notifications. Instead of using a physical or digital season ticket, fans can now use a team scarf that has an NFC tag incorporated into it. After purchasing their season ticket, users can activate the scarf by scanning the NFC tag with their iPhone or Android smartphone and entering their season subscription number. 

 

To gain access to home games at Kybun Park stadium, fans simply need to scan the scarf with an NFC reader at the turnstiles. 

 

A short video in German demonstrates how the NFC scarf works. In August 2022, German football club 1 FC Köln also began testing an NFC scarf for stadium access.

Verzonden bericht. Rewrite Fans of Swiss football club FC St Gallen can now use a team scarf incorporating an NFC tag instead of a physical or digital season ticket to gain access to the stadium and receive benefits and notifications. Once they have purchased their season ticket, users can activate the scarf and digitally register ownership by scanning the NFC tag with their iPhone or Android smartphone and entering their season subscription number. They can then scan the scarf with an NFC reader at the turnstiles to gain access for home games at the team’s Kybun Park stadium. A short video in German shows how the NFC scarf works. German football club 1 FC Köln began trialling an NFC scarf for stadium access in August 2022.

Swiss football club FC St Gallen has introduced a new way for fans to access the stadium and receive benefits and notifications. Instead of using a physical or digital season ticket, fans can now use a team scarf that has an NFC tag incorporated into it. After purchasing their season ticket, users can activate the scarf by scanning the NFC tag with their iPhone or Android smartphone and entering their season subscription number. To gain access to home games at Kybun Park stadium, fans simply need to scan the scarf with an NFC reader at the turnstiles. A short video in German demonstrates how the NFC scarf works. In August 2022, German football club 1 FC Köln also began testing an NFC scarf for stadium access.

Google Wallet supports adding any barcode or QR code manually

Google has announced a major expansion of its Wallet service that will allow users to manually add any barcode or QR code. The expansion will also include support for US driver’s licenses in Google Wallet, starting with Maryland and expanding to Arizona, Colorado, and Georgia in the coming months.

Google says that these digital IDs will eventually be usable in some online applications, such as booking a car with Turo. Additionally, Google Wallet will add support for corporate badges later this year and support for Deutschlandticket local public transport in Germany.

One of the most exciting new features is the ability to manually save barcodes and QR codes to your cards. Users can simply import the code as an image with a description and any relevant information to create a digital copy that lives alongside their other cards and passes. Examples include gym memberships, transit tickets, parking passes, e-commerce returns, and more. The exact timeline for this feature is not yet known.

Tageos unveils new RAIN RFID inlays

Tageos, a global supplier of sustainable, high-performance RFID inlays and tags, has announced three new EOS-261 inlays, creating a new family of retail-specific products. Sharing the powerful antenna design and ultra-compact footprint of the previously released EOS-261, all EOS-261 inlays and tags are based on the latest generation of RAIN RFID ICs from Impinj (M730m, M750) and NXP (UCODE 9, UCODE 9xe).

The new product family provides retailers and brand owners with options for fully ARC-certified RFID products that comply with numerous RFID mandates.

All four current members of the EOS-261 inlay family excel through versatility in retail applications by meeting all ARC specifications (W1-6) plus several further retail-related specs (F, G, N, O, Q, R, Y). Another advantage of the EOS-261 product family is its ultra-small footprint: With an antenna size of 44 x 20 mm each, all EOS-261 variants are the market's most compact versatile inlays featuring the latest-generation ICs from NXP and Impinj.

LoRa and LoRaWAN IoT Market worth $25.5 billion by 2028

The LoRa and LoRaWAN IoT Market is estimated at USD 5.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 25.5 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 35.3% from 2023 to 2028, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.  

Governments collaborate with private organizations, research institutions, and industry associations to develop IoT ecosystems and drive innovation. These partnerships often involve joint projects, knowledge sharing, and the establishment of testbeds and pilot programs. Governments foster the development and adoption of LoRa and LoRaWAN IoT solutions by actively engaging with the private sector across different industries.

LoRa and LoRaWAN IoT technologies have transformed industrial IoT (IIoT) applications by enabling long-range wireless communication in industrial settings. These technologies are crucial in enhancing operational efficiency, productivity, and safety. LoRa and LoRaWAN facilitate remote asset monitoring, where sensors equipped with LoRa technology collect data on various parameters, optimizing maintenance schedules and minimizing downtime.

They also support predictive maintenance strategies by continuously monitoring equipment conditions and detecting potential failures in real time. Additionally, LoRaWAN enables wireless communication between industrial sensors and control systems, allowing for automation and remote control of equipment and processes. Overall, adopting LoRa and LoRaWAN in IIoT has revolutionized industrial operations, leading to improved efficiency, optimized maintenance, and increased safety in industrial sectors.