Catholic diocese adopts contactless donations

Since 2019, more than £650,000 (US$828,320) of charitable donations have been made to 44 church parishes across The Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton in the UK using contactless cards. 

 The diocese’s 66 contactless terminals also enable eligible donors to register their donation with the UK’s Gift Aid scheme, with the average contactless Gift Aid donation being £14.50 (US$18.50) and the overall average contactless card donation £11.92 (US$15.19). 

The contactless solution provides parishioners and visitors to Arundel Cathedral with the option of supporting the work and mission of the Church in an easy and modern way using contactless payment donations without the need to hunt for cash, which a high proportion of people generally don’t carry around much today. “

QR Code Payments Forecast to Grow over 590% in Leading Southeast Asian Market by 2028

A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in emerging payments markets, has found the volume of QR code payments in the leading Southeast Asian market will increase from 13 billion in 2023 to 90 billion in 2028.

High growth in Southeast Asia and other developing markets is largely down to financial inclusivity that QR payments offer; enabling unbanked users to access digital payments. Conversely, Western markets have seen very limited adoption; highlighting the global divide in QR payment markets.

The report found national QR payment schemes, including India’s UPI and Brazil’s Pix, played a key role in encouraging market adoption, with their success driving implementation of national schemes in 2023 in Kenya and Bangladesh. However, it found significant growth to market volume will come from cross-border interoperability within Southeast Asian markets.

While international interoperability has been offered from payment providers like Alipay for years, national QR payment standards are now unifying across borders; enabling wider interoperability. For instance:

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have already unified their payment standards; enabling businesses to accept payments from international visitors using their domestic digital wallets.
Singapore and the Philippines set to collaborate by the end of 2023; further unifying payments across the region.
Payment providers are advised to work closely with legislative bodies, encouraging interoperability to bolster QR payments usage.
QR P2P Bank Transfers See Some Traction in Europe

The adoption of QR payments overall in the west remains low. However, according to the research, the area of QR P2P bank transfers has gained significant traction since 2022, with Belgium’s Payconiq and Spain’s Bizum used by a significant proportion of users. Furthermore, Revolut and Vipps MobilePay have been promoting P2P and business-based QR solutions across Europe through reduced transaction fees. To maximise adoption, payment providers should focus on offering competitive pricing versus established local payment methods.

Barcode Printers Market Projected to Reach $13,510.6 Million, Globally

The rising demand for mobile printers, the growing demand for industrial printers across numerous industrial sectors, and the rising usage of barcode printers for streamlining logistics processes are the major factors predicted to drive the growth of the global barcode printers market in the forecast timeframe. However, the high costs associated with barcode printers and the strict regulations in the printing industry may hamper the barcode printers market growth in the coming period.

On the contrary, the integration of advanced connectivity & wireless technologies and the growing usage of electronic shelf labels & smart label printers provides are expected to offer growth opportunities for expansion of the barcode printers market in the 2023-2032 forecast period.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on the growth of the global barcode printers market. While the epidemic caused disruptions in the supply chain, it also accelerated the adoption of digitized and contactless solutions, creating novel avenues for growth in sectors like logistics, healthcare, and e-commerce.

The barcode technology proved invaluable during the crisis in promoting a safer and more efficient manufacturing environment. Retail and e-commerce sector also actively accepted barcode printers to cater to the relentless rise of e-commerce sales in the wake of lockdowns.

The barcode printers market is projected to show steady growth in the future as the demand for efficient supply chain management is increasing and people are shifting towards online shopping.
Industrial Printer Sub-segment to be Highly Dominant During the Forecast Period

The industrial printer sub-segment accounted for the major share of 48.5% in the barcode printers market in 2022 and is expected to continue to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The dominant growth of the sub-segment is mainly because industrial printers are long-lasting and high-quality computer printers used to print barcodes onto tags, labels, packages, and others. Besides, the growing usage of industrial printers in various sectors, such as warehouses, retail stores, and manufacturing factories, as they are tough and dependable is driving the sub-segment's growth.

Nature-inspired pressure sensing technology aims to transform healthcare and surgical robots

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a novel aero-elastic pressure sensor, called 'eAir'. This technology can be applied to minimally-invasive surgeries and implantable sensors by directly addressing the challenges associated with existing pressure sensors.

The eAir sensor promises increased precision and reliability across medical applications. It can potentially transform laparoscopic surgeries by enabling tactile feedback for surgeons, allowing more precise manipulation of patient tissues. In addition, the sensor can improve patient experiences by offering a less invasive means of monitoring intracranial pressure (ICP).

Led by Associate Professor Benjamin TEE from the NUS College of Design and Engineering and NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, the team's findings were recently published in scientific journal Nature Materials on 17 August 2023.

Conventional pressure sensors frequently struggle with accuracy. They have trouble delivering consistent readings, often returning varying results when the same pressure is applied repeatedly and can overlook subtle changes in pressure — all of which can lead to significant errors. They are also typically made from stiff and mechanically inflexible materials.

To address these challenges in pressure sensing, the NUS team drew inspiration from a phenomenon known as the 'lotus leaf effect' — a unique natural phenomenon where water droplets effortlessly roll off the leaf's surface, made possible by its minuscule, water-repelling structures. Mimicking this effect, the team has engineered a pressure sensor designed to significantly improve the sensing performance.

More than 93% of card present payments worldwide were made using EMV

Just over 93% of card present transactions worldwide were made using EMV chip-enabled payment cards during 2022, up from 90.44% in 2021 and 88.55% in 2020, according to standards body EMVCo1.

The total number of EMV payment cards in circulation also rose by 7% over the course of 2022, from just under 12bn at the end of 2021 to 12.8bn at the end of 2022, accounting for 69.25% of all cards issued worldwide, up from an average global adoption rate of just over 68% as of December 2021.

EMVCo’s figures also show that the percentage of card present transactions made using EMV chip-enabled cards was highest in Europe Zone 1 (99.68%), followed by Africa and the Middle East (99.35%), Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean (98.22%), Europe Zone 2 (96.22%), the USA (87.19%) and Asia Pacific (84.15%)1. EMV chip card adoption rates were also highest in Africa and the Middle East (92.30%), Europe Zone 1 (90.64%) and Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean (88.91%), followed by Europe Zone 2 (73.10%), the USA (65.02%) and Asia Pacific (64.29%).

CareBand Secures US Utility Patent for Advanced IoT Wearable System

CareBand, a pioneer in low-powered location-based health and safety wearable solutions, celebrates the granting of US Patent No 11,714,197.

This patent enhances CareBand's patent portfolio which includes more than 14 issued patents and numerous patent applications in the US and major international markets. The portfolio covers context-aware wearables, edge computing, and data communication via LPWAN networks (i.e. Amazon Sidewalk, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT etc.) for use in healthcare, industrial, and defense industries.

Patent '197 introduces unique features that offer an integrated safety solution tailored for individuals prone to wandering, such as those with dementia or Autism. Key features include:

Comprehensive Health Monitoring - Going beyond traditional tracking, the wearable is equipped with sensors that gather health metrics. These sensors can capture a person's heart rate, detect any sudden impacts (possibly indicating a fall), and monitor temperature.

Environmental Awareness - The wearable doesn't just monitor the wearer; it's attuned to the environment with sensors like thermometers and light detectors. The optional inclusion of a microphone allows for ambient noise detection, indicating the wearer's surroundings or if they're calling for help.

Responsive Alert System – To ensure the wearer is constantly informed, the wearable includes a multi-modal notifier device. This could be an LED light, a speaker, or a vibration motor.

Increasing Demand for Location-Based Services Drives Global PNT Solution Market

The global position, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution market is expected to reach $5.24 billion in 2033 from $1.87 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 10.85%.

The global positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution market refers to the industry providing satellite-based positioning, navigation, and timing services to various sectors such as aviation, maritime, land transportation, and defense. These services are used for navigation, surveying, mapping, timing, and synchronization applications. The market is driven by the rising adoption of GPS-enabled devices and the growing demand for location-based services.

Additionally, the emergence of new applications, such as autonomous vehicles and smart cities, is expected to fuel the demand for PNT solutions further. The PNT solution market is characterized by intense competition, with several key players operating in the industry.

These companies heavily invest in research and development to introduce innovative products. The market also features smaller and medium-sized companies offering specialized products and services. With the increasing demand for PNT solutions, the market is anticipated to experience significant growth in the coming years as more industries recognize the benefits of utilizing these services.

The market can be segmented based on application, end users, component, GNSS correction services by type and GNSS correction services by end users, and it is expected to witness continued growth as key players and defense forces invest in advanced technologies to enhance performance and effectiveness, leading to new opportunities for growth and innovation in the sector.

The global position, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution market has witnessed significant growth and advancements in recent years. The widespread use of smartphones, wearable devices, and vehicle navigation systems has fueled the need for accurate positioning and navigation capabilities. PNT solutions can be integrated with other technologies to offer comprehensive solutions.

For instance, the integration of PNT with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enables intelligent navigation and real-time decision-making. Similarly, the fusion of PNT with sensor technologies such as LiDAR and radar enhances mapping and surveying capabilities.

Icelandair to roll out reusable NFC bag tags

Icelandair’s aircrew will soon be able to transfer their flight details to a reusable electronic bag tag attached to their luggage by tapping their NFC smartphone on the device. Once they have updated the relevant flight and baggage details in the airline’s crew app and transferred them to the programmable batteryless bag tag, crew members can check in without needing to print a paper tag and attach it to their bags.

The electronic tags prominently display all relevant baggage information, including crew details, flight information and bag identification, ensuring a seamless and streamlined experience for the airline’s crew.

This technology allows Icelandair’s crew members to streamline check-in procedures, eliminate paper waste and optimize the overall crew travel experience. Icelandair is the first airline to introduce this contactless baggage check-in technology for its crew members.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas for asset tracking, inventory

 

Fairview Microwave Inc. in Lewisville, Texas, is introducing radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas to enhance the performance of RFID applications in inventory management, asset tracking, and ID verification.

The antennas operate from 900 to 2400 MHz to ensure efficient and uninterrupted RFID tag reading. Featuring SMA female, N female, and RP TNC male connectors, these antennas are compatible with most RFID readers.

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

Global Internet of Things in Logistics Market has been witnessing substantial growth

The Global Internet of Things in Logistics Market has been witnessing substantial growth, and it was estimated at USD 40.75 billion in 2022, projected to reach USD 46.57 billion in 2023, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.41% during the forecast period. The market is expected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 14.41% and reach USD 119.68 billion by 2030.

The market's growth is influenced by several factors, including the cumulative impact of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, and high inflation. The ongoing research evaluates changes in consumer behavior, supply chain disruptions, and government interventions caused by the pandemic.

Additionally, the report considers the political and economic uncertainty in Eastern Europe due to the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, potential implications on demand-supply balances, pricing variants, import/export, and trading. Furthermore, the report addresses the impact of high inflation on the global economy and fiscal policies aimed at mitigating its effects on demand, supply, cash flow, and currency exchange.

The Global Internet of Things in Logistics Market is segmented based on software, hardware, organization size, application, and region. The market is categorized into sub-segments such as Resource & Energy Monitoring, Safety & Security, and Traffic & Fleet Management based on software. The hardware segment includes BEACON, RFID Tags, and Screen/Display. The market is further divided into Large-Sized Organization and Small-Mid-Sized Organization based on organization size, and application segments consist of Fleet, Freight, Warehouse, and Yard/Dock.

Geographically, the market is studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas commanded the largest market share of 38.75% in 2022, followed by Europe, Middle East & Africa.

The report provides valuable insights into market dynamics, including drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges faced by the Global Internet of Things in Logistics Market. It covers comprehensive information on market trends, emerging markets, product launches, and investments to aid businesses in making informed decisions.

The study also offers answers to crucial questions such as the market size and forecast, the impact of COVID-19 on the market during the forecast period, investment opportunities, competitive strategic window, technology trends, regulatory frameworks, market share of leading vendors, and suitable modes for entering the Global Internet of Things in Logistics Market.

Some of the prominent companies mentioned in the report include ALA Scientific Instruments, Inc., Getinge AB, Harvard Bioscience, Inc., Lifeline Scientific, Inc., LivaNova PLC, Medtronic PLC, Merck KgaA, Nipro Corporation, Repligen Corporation, Spectrum Laboratories, Inc., Terumo Corporation, Xenios AG, and XVIVO Perfusion AB.

The Global Internet of Things in Logistics Market presents numerous opportunities, with the expanding e-commerce industry around the world driving demand for more efficient logistics operations. Rapid digitization in the logistics industry is another contributing factor to the market's growth.

However, the market does face some challenges, such as the high cost associated with introducing IoT and arising security issues.

Bradford White launches powerful new For the Pro mobile app

Bradford White Water Heaters, a manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, announces the launch of its new For the Pro mobile app. The new app, available for iOS and Android devices through the Apple and Google app stores, is loaded with a variety of information and features to support the professional service and installation of Bradford White products.

Scan the barcode of any Bradford White product to quickly check warranty status and access all related technical documents, including I/O manuals and troubleshooting guides.

Search Bradford White model numbers to instantly retrieve product information including spec sheets, parts lists and product descriptions.

Get fast, direct access to Bradford White's RightSpec® suite of sizing and cross reference tools, the For the Pro Training Academy e-learning program, and Bradford White's YouTube Channel for time-saving step-by-step videos.

Bradford White Water Heaters is a full-line manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage products. The company maintains headquarters in Ambler, Pennsylvania, and has manufacturing facilities in Middleville, Michigan; Niles, Michigan; and Rochester, New Hampshire; and distribution and training centers in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada.

Rising Investments in Smart City Development Propel Smart Parking Market

The Global Smart Parking Market size was estimated at USD 9.41 billion in 2022, USD 10.79 billion in 2023, and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.73% to reach USD 28.25 billion by 2030.

An increase in concerns regarding vehicle parking due to the increase in the number of vehicles raising the adoption of smart parking solutions. Moreover, the growing investment and initiatives toward smart city development drive the growth of the smart parking market.

Furthermore, technical challenges associated with smart parking systems and the unavailability of supporting infrastructure, along with the high initial implementation cost, may limit the smart parking market growth. In addition, growth in the deployment of IoT-based solutions for fully automated parking systems and the emergence of robot

Terso Solutions Partners with PAR Excellence Systems

Terso Solutions has announced its partnership with PAR Excellence Systems, Inc. (PAR). This partnership demonstrates both companies' commitment to the continued delivery of innovative inventory management solutions within healthcare.

"What we've seen is that hospitals are looking to leverage a common enterprise system across all of their facilities," said Joe Pleshek, President & CEO of Terso Solutions. "A partnership with PAR, who brings innovative software and inventory management sensors – now including Terso's RFID technology – will provide that end-to-end enterprise level solution hospitals have been looking for."

PAR Excellence provides the healthcare industry with a suite of inventory management technologies and workforce optimization tools. Founded in 1993 and serving more than 350 academic medical centers and leading healthcare networks across the United States, PAR Excellence is committed to providing healthcare organizations with market-leading supply chain solutions that eliminate manual steps, allow full visibility of inventory, improve patient safety, and reduce the cost of operations.

Terso Solutions, Inc. is backed by over 18 years of RFID product development and implementation experience. Our product line includes RAIN RFID enabled cabinets, refrigerators, freezers (-86°C to -5°C), read points, mobile solutions, and rooms. Terso has deployed over 3,500 RAIN RFID-enabled devices worldwide. Headquartered in Madison, WI, Terso Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Promega Corporation.

RFID Readers market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 9.6%

From 2023 to 2030, the RFID Readers market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 9.6%, reaching a value of USD 29.1 billion. Within the larger technology and electronics sector, the RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) Readers market is a vibrant subsegment that is concentrated on the development, manufacture, distribution, and integration of devices that can communicate with RFID tags.

The expanding use of RFID technology across a range of sectors, including retail, logistics, and healthcare.The expanding need for asset monitoring and identification in real-time.The expanding acceptance of contactless payment methods. The data on RFID tags may be read and interpreted using RFID readers. They are utilized in many different applications, such as payment systems, access control, and asset monitoring.

Beginning in the middle of the 20th century, as RFID technology advanced, the market for RFID readers also developed. However, developments in semiconductor technology, downsizing, and wireless communication have helped the business significantly in recent decades. RFID technology developed as a game-changing solution as the industry searched for more effective methods to manage assets, monitor inventories, and simplify operations. As technology firms, system integrators, and end users came together over time, RFID reader solutions suited to various applications and sectors were developed.

India's Industrial Automation Market is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of over 11.17%

India's Industrial Automation market, valued at USD 8.23 billion in 2022, is projected to experience robust growth during the forecast period, registering a CAGR of 11.17% until 2030.

Industrial automation involves the optimization and automation of industrial processes using technologies such as robots, control systems, and other devices. It finds applications in various sectors, including manufacturing, food and drink production, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and more.

The primary goal of industrial automation is to increase output, efficiency, and quality while reducing costs and errors. The market is driven by the adoption of connected enterprises, IoT and AI in industrial environments, increasing use of industrial robots for automated production, and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.

The emergence of connected enterprises is driving industrial automation by enabling real-time information exchange among all equipment and systems within a company. This connectivity allows businesses to operate more effectively, with better agility, and adapt quickly to changing market conditions. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors plays a crucial role in advancing industrial automation. IoT devices enable real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes, optimizing operations and reducing costs. For example, sensors can monitor machine performance, predict maintenance needs, and schedule repairs before breakdowns occur, minimizing downtime and enhancing productivity.

India has been embracing AI and IoT in industrial settings to increase productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. IoT devices such as sensors, cameras, and RFID tags are used to monitor and optimize manufacturing processes, manage inventory levels, and improve quality control. Machine learning and AI-powered analytics analyze the data generated by these devices, providing insights that enhance operational effectiveness and cost-saving measures.

GoTab Closes $18 Million Series A Led by Truist Ventures

GoTab, a hospitality commerce platform, announced that it has closed on its $18 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Truist Ventures.

The capital infusion will support GoTab's development and execution of its growing end-to-end product suite for the hospitality sector and stadium and entertainment venues, including further enhancement of its stationary and handheld point-of-sale (POS), kitchen display system (KDS), kiosk, mobile ordering, radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) and payment solutions.

The platform includes a sophisticated point-of-sale (POS) or can optionally integrate with other popular POS and property management (PMS) systems. GoTab allows patrons to order and pay via staff on the POS, on a kiosk, or using their own mobile devices, according to guest preference and venue operating model(s). Tightly integrated kitchen displays (KDS) and bidirectional messaging are then used for highly optimized operations and delivery. Guests never need to download a mobile app or use a password. In addition to typical on- and off-premises sales, GoTab enables eCommerce, memberships, subscriptions, and deeply integrates with event, reservation, and ticketing systems.

Growing Demand for Real-time Inventory Tracking Spurs Market Expansion for Retail RFID Solutions

In 2021, the RFID market was valued at US$7.48 billion. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is used in asset tracking systems to read data from RFID tags using a reader and store it in a tracking database. The retail industry benefits from RFID technology by improving the customer shopping experience, automating inventory tracking, reducing the risk of loss and theft, and streamlining processes such as logistics, inventory, and fulfillment.

A new report highlights the growing government initiatives to adopt Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technology and the advancements in RFID technology, which offer significant growth opportunities for the retail RFID market. Government organizations are implementing laws to increase the adoption of AIDC technology in various industries, aiming to improve information visibility, operational effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. The retail sector is one of the industries that extensively employs RFID tags for tracking goods and stock.

The American retailer Lowe's presented a new solution in December 2022 that was created in its Innovation Labs division and intended to fight retail theft in a way that is hidden from customers by utilizing RFID chips and the blockchain. The brand-new Project Unlock technology combines inexpensive RFID chips and IoT sensors to turn on power tools at the point of sale while also building a safe, transparent, and anonymous blockchain record of authorized purchases.
H&M revealed in November 2022 opened a distinctive store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, using the most recent retail technology. The 7,000-square-foot retail space will continue to operate through January 2024 and has experimental design, progressive programming, and a community-focused area where customers may experiment with their personal style. The store uses RFID technology, which gives complete real-time visibility of the store's inventory and sizing options. According to H&M, the smart mirrors only collect data about the products; they also employ RFID technology to track things a buyer has brought into the fitting room.
In November 2022, Checkpoint Systems, a leader in retail technology, announced that it would present its RF and RFID solutions at Euroshop 2023 in Dusseldorf, Germany. SFERO is a fully customized modular RFID solution for the textile industry that enhances shop security and reduces losses in ways that were never before conceivable. RFreshIDT is a platform that uses RFID technology to assist stores in properly managing and rotating the stock by enhancing inventory visibility and precisely identifying produce with approaching or past sell-by dates.
In the retail RFID industry's component segmentation, RFID tags hold a sizable market segment.

As the core elements of the RFID system, the growth of the market for RFID tags is directly correlated with the growth of the worldwide RFID market for retail applications. RFID tags have benefits such as increased data storage capacity, efficiency in tough environmental conditions, and durability. As a result, in recent years, many retailers have switched from using barcodes to RFID tags.

The RFID market in retail has a substantial presence in the Asia Pacific region, where growth is anticipated to be the fastest. Due to its development, North America's retail RFID market currently maintains a sizable proportion.

A sizeable portion of the global RFID market for retail outlets was controlled by Asia-Pacific. This is primarily attributable to expanding government security infrastructure investments, particularly for the retail industry, as well as the rising demand for RFID solutions in the region. The fastest growth of the region in the RFID market is also attributed to digital transformation, as well as the requirement for improved supply chain monitoring for tracking assets in real-time. The RFID market in North America is predicted to grow even more as a result of the enhanced implementation of RFID in manufacturing facilities for productivity improvements.

The market segmentation in the report includes components such as RFID tags, reader hardware, support, services, testing, and certification. It also covers different types of RFID readers, including fixed readers and mobile readers. The applications of retail RFID discussed in the report include inventory tracking, store operations, and customer experience. The geographical analysis covers regions such as North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific, including specific countries within each region.

New Temperature Sensor May Simplify Thermal Monitoring for Circuits

Researchers at the University of Tokyo recently developed a new type of thermal sensor on a lightweight rolled-plastic base

As electronic devices become smaller and more powerful, they also generate more heat that can affect their performance and reliability. The traditional methods of cooling, such as cutting holes in the case or adding a fan, are no longer sufficient.

The thin film can go where many other sensors cannot. Further, it can be put in place during manufacturing for lifetime monitoring without a significant impact on the mechanical arrangements of the product.

The new sensors from UT use a less commonly known but related thermoelectric/thermomagnetic effect called the anomalous Nernst effect (ANE). Like The Seebeck effect, ANE converts heat into electricity.

The Internet of Things Market to grow at a CAGR of 15.12% from 2022 to 2027

The Internet of Things market is to grow by USD 1,036.83 billion between 2022 and 2027 and register a CAGR of 15.12%, according to Technavio's latest market research report estimates.

APAC is estimated to contribute 38% to market growth during the forecast period. The adoption of IoT elements is on the rise as governments in China, India, and the Philippines increase their investment in infrastructure development, and SMEs in these countries undertake modernization efforts. In addition, governments in APAC countries are promoting the use of embedded sensors to connect smart machines via the internet as part of smart city initiatives to evolve the role of urban governance and achieve better open government. Hence, the factors mentioned above drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

The rise of industrial automation is a key factor driving market growth during the forecast period. The industry is undergoing major changes through process automation. The combined use of digital and physical systems to facilitate machine-to-machine (M2M) communications and enhanced man-machine interfaces (HMI) has increased significantly.

In addition, the integration of physical and cyber systems in industrial production will lead to improved safety, increased efficiency, increased profitability, and predictive maintenance of machinery. Therefore, these industries adopt Industry 4.0 to optimize material flow and detect errors early in the product life cycle.

The use of wearables for monitoring human health and the environment is a major trend in the IoT market. Combined with various built-in sensors, mobile phones offer advanced capabilities that are revolutionizing different sectors of the economy. For example, social networks, environmental and surveillance monitoring, health and well-being monitoring, traffic, etc.

The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Aeris Communications Inc., Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., AT and T Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., General Electric Co., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Honeywell International Inc., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp., Koninklijke Philips NV, Microsoft Corp., Oracle Corp., PTC Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH, SAP SE, Siemens AG, Wipro Ltd., and Thales Group are some of the major market participants.

Puma uses NFC to link physical sneakers with digital content

If you buy a pair of RS-XL sneakers from Puma’s special collection called Evolution of the Mixtape, you can enjoy digital content like music and videos that only you can access. All you need to do is scan a small chip inside the shoe with your phone.

Puma and Roc Nation, an entertainment company, are working together to launch these sneakers. They want to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop music and culture.

The chip is hidden in the left shoe’s tongue. When you scan it, you can listen to a mixtape with 14 new songs by Roc Nation artists. You can also watch videos of them in the studio and a film about the history of hip-hop.

Legitimate is the company that made the chips. Its CEO, Calvin Chan, says that they use blockchain technology, but they don’t talk about it. He says that this is the future of blockchain.

Scanbot SDK Adds .NET MAUI Support to Its Data Capture Solutions

The Scanbot SDK is now available for the .NET MAUI framework for cross-platform app development. This gives enterprises an additional option to easily integrate Scanbot SDK's reliable data capture solutions into their mobile applications.

With the Barcode Scanner, Document Scanner and Data Capture SDKs, companies can easily eliminate costly, slow and error-prone manual data entry and improve the employee and customer experience. The SDKs are available natively for iOS, Android, Windows, Web and soon Linux, as well as all for common cross-platform frameworks, including Xamarin, React Native and Flutter. More than 200 enterprises worldwide use Scanbot SDK's products for billions of scans every year.

The .NET MAUI framework lets developers create native user interfaces and applications for multiple platforms using a single codebase. In comparison to its predecessor, Xamarin.Forms, MAUI promises better performance, increased productivity, and a more streamlined developer experience. It is built on top of .NET 6, which brings improved performance and features across all platforms.

The two frameworks currently coexist, but MAUI is planned to replace Xamarin entirely by May 2024, when Microsoft's official support for all Xamarin SDKs ends. Until then, Scanbot SDK will continue to support the older framework.

.NET MAUI offers several advantages over Xamarin.Forms: Instead of having to set up a dedicated project for each target platform, developers create just one that covers all operating systems. They can then store resources like fonts and images in a single location. Additionally, the MAUI framework includes platform-specific APIs, which makes accessing native device functionalities much easier.

Digital Badges Market worth $0.5 billion by 2028

The Digital Badges Market is estimated at USD 0.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 0.5 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 16.5% from 2023 to 2028, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. The digital badge system helps in promoting the professional development and recognizing the employee skills in a transparent manner. It is designed to motivate employees to participate in the professional development program and acknowledge their completion of learning programs.

Digital badges have gained popularity in academic settings due to their numerous advantages for educational institutions and learners. These badges serve as digital representations of specific achievements or skills earned by students. They offer micro-credentialing, recognizing granular accomplishments beyond traditional grades or degrees. Digital badges serve as motivators, encouraging student engagement and progress. They support personalized learning by aligning with individual pathways and interests.

Portability and shareability make it easy for students to showcase their badges on various platforms, enhancing their digital presence. Moreover, digital badges provide evidence of skills and competencies, boosting students' employability. They promote lifelong learning, provide feedback and assessment, and foster collaboration and recognition within academic communities. By incorporating digital badges, academic institutions can enhance motivation, personalize learning experiences, and provide valuable credentials to students.

RFID Market Size to Reach $39.3Bn, Globally, by 2030

The RFID Market is expected to grow from US$ 16.83 billion in 2022 to US$ 39.30 billion by 2030; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% from 2023 to 2030. The benefits of RFID technology deployment boost the adoption of global market growth in the healthcare industry.

The UK is recognized as one of the most developed countries in Europe owing to the presence of various manufacturing industries, including electronics & semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, and logistics. The popularity of RFID products and solutions is increasing in these industrial sectors, especially in logistics and supply chain operations. SML, an end-to-end RFID solution supplier for retailers, announced the inauguration of its cutting-edge RFID Supply Chain Innovation Centre (SCIC) in Corby (UK), in November 2022.

Following the company's recent investment in RFID and digital identity technology solutions, the SCIC is located next to SML's Retail Ideation Space, which was initially unveiled in 2019. The deployment of item-level RFID solutions is being explored in an increasingly large number of retail categories due to previously reported inventory and operation-based cases in stores. This increasingly popular trend of installing RFID technology across supply chains leads merchants and brand owners to evaluate and implement item-level RFID solutions in their distribution centers and factories. Thus, the RFID market growth is set to grow in the UK owing to its rising popularity in various industries, especially in the supply chain industry.

The Government of India is taking a keen interest in the advantages and usage of RFID solutions. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), in 2020, Indian Railways announced the implementation of Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technology to track and trace rolling stock across the country automatically. Also, the Indian Railway sanctioned two RFID projects by investing ∼US$ 16.16 million. The project focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, availability, and reliability of rolling stock for the Indian Railways. Also, the Indian infrastructure is becoming smarter with the implementation of specialized IT solutions such as automatic fare collection (AFC), intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and intelligent building systems (IBS). Further, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, adopted RFID market technology to implement Electronic Tolling systems on national highways.

RFID tags attached to objects contain a unique identifier that can be read by RFID readers. RFID readers can track the movement of objects in real time and collect data about the objects, such as their temperature, humidity, or location. The use of RFID helps track the location of confidential documents, ensuring they are secure and not tampered with. In November 2022, Brazilian postal operator Correios deployed RFID tags on shipping containers holding hundreds of packages and installed 2,000 RFID readers at the entrances and exits of operating units to better track letters and packages across its network. It was done in collaboration with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) through its Global Monitoring System program and GS1. RFID tags contain the GS1 Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) standard as a shipment identifier. In this contract, the passive RFID is used instead of the active RFID to reduce the contract cost.

RFID tags can be attached to waste bins to track their location. This information can be used to improve the efficiency of waste collection routes and ensure that bins are not overflowing. In October 2022, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), India, installed RFID tags outside all 316,000 households. Under this initiative, all sanitation personnel are expected to be equipped with RFID readers for real-time monitoring of waste collection in the city. Such traceability and real-time monitoring applications are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the RFID market growth in the coming years.

Germany has a well-established automotive sector, particularly the luxury cars manufacturing segment, and is adopting RFID market technology to enhance its products. RFID integration allows enterprises to streamline vehicle manufacturing processes and maintain transparent interaction with component suppliers, realizing the potential benefits of Industry 4.0's digital revolution. Automotive RFID technologies are easing the supply chains, thereby boosting autonomous, shared, and electric (CASE) mobility services. Companies can remain ahead of the curve by adopting a flexible, future-focused approach toward these technologies. For instance, Audi has installed an RFID-based system for tracking assembled automobiles at its Hungarian plant. The system gives information about each car's position in the finishing, storage, and shipment stages by utilizing Avery Dennison Smartrac's Dogbone Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tags. Thus, the RFID market players is witnessing growth in Germany and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.