Walmart Expands RFID Technology to Fresh Food Categories

Walmart is extending its use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to fresh food departments — including meat, deli, and bakery — marking the next step in its ongoing digital transformation.

Working with Avery Dennison, Walmart has developed RFID tags designed to function in cold and humid environments such as refrigerated cases and backroom storage. These new tags allow individual food items to carry a unique digital identity, tracking information like expiration dates, storage conditions, and product movement.

This advancement enables store employees to better monitor inventory, quickly locate items that are nearing expiration, and reduce food waste through timely markdowns and restocking.

According to Walmart, implementing RFID in fresh categories supports its broader sustainability goals — specifically, cutting global food waste and loss in half by 2030.

While RFID is already widely used in apparel and general merchandise, expanding it to perishable products represents a major technological leap. It demonstrates how data-driven inventory management can improve both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility in the grocery sector.

SMARTLINEN Reduces Linen Inventory by 44%

SMARTLINEN, the hospitality industry's leading RFID-enabled linen management solution, continues to redefine hotel operations through its advanced technology, real-time data intelligence, and measurable financial impact. With more than 250 properties now actively using the SMARTLINEN platform, the company is transforming how hotels manage, protect, and optimize their linen assets globally.

SMARTLINEN's proprietary RFID platform provides real-time tracking across every stage of the linen lifecycle from guestrooms to laundry and back. By eliminating manual counts and reducing overstocking, SMARTLINEN enables hotels to lower costs, optimize par levels, and improve operational efficiency.

Recent case studies illustrate the solution's proven impact:

464 Room Historic Hotel with In-House Laundry
Reduced linen investment by 44%, saving over $119,000 annually. Monthly loss rates dropped to just 3%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 8-10%, while improving linen availability and extending asset lifespan.

217 Room Boutique Hotel with Outsourced Laundry
Achieved an annual reduction in linen loss and replacement costs of over $55,000, driven by SMARTLINEN's item-level tracking and predictive analytics.

1,048 Room Business Hotel with Outsourced Laundry
Realized a 14% reduction in total inventory investment, resulting in annual savings exceeding $90,000, by transitioning from traditional 3 PAR assumptions to SMARTLINEN's real-time data model.

SMARTLINEN's 30-day reporting cycle provides actionable insights into usage patterns, wash cycles, and loss trends. Properties using the platform report up to 70% fewer stockouts and 50% faster linen turnover, helping management maintain full visibility while improving both guest experience and sustainability.

Passive RFID Market: Growth Dynamics Explained

The RFID industry is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, with IDTechEx forecasting the passive RFID market to reach a total value of US$8.4 billion in 2025, representing growth of approximately 10% compared to 2024.
 
This market value reflects passive RFID tags across all major form factors including labels, cards, fobs, and secure documents, and highlights the distinction between the two dominant frequency segments: Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and High Frequency (HF). While UHF tags will account for more than 88% of total shipments, HF tags will dominate in terms of revenue, making up around 60% of total market value due to higher tag pricing in secure applications.
 
Passive UHF RFID market in 2025 by tag volume and market value. Source: "RFID 2026-2036: Forecasts, Players and Opportunities" from IDTechEx
 
The UHF RFID market continues to be driven primarily by the retail apparel sector, which represents approximately two-thirds of UHF tag volume and over half of total market value. By 2025, IDTechEx forecasts that nearly 32 billion RFID labels will be deployed in apparel tagging. Despite this scale, apparel tagging currently represents only about 40% of the total addressable market, indicating considerable potential for expansion.
 
However, UHF reader infrastructure remains an area for development. Today, readers are largely business-focused tools, and UHF-capable consumer smartphones are not yet widely available. However, this may change over the next several years, following the adoption path of NFC in consumer electronics.

Peacock Bros Rolls Out Unified RFID Platform to Streamline Asset Management

 

Peacock Bros has introduced its newly developed RFID software, which offers businesses an integrated system combining a mobile application with a web dashboard for managing assets and enterprise reporting.

Up until now, many organisations have had to manage RFID operations using a patchwork of separate tools—manual tracking, printing tags, entering asset data by hand, handling reporting separately. These fragmented workflows often lead to duplicated effort, data‐entry errors, delays, and lack of visibility over assets across the organisation.

According to George Pecchiar, Executive Director at Peacock Bros, the idea was to replace the many disjointed tools and processes businesses currently rely on. The unified platform allows real-time tracking, simplified check-in/check-out, reporting, and dashboards with usable insights. The goals include better accuracy, visibility, fewer manual tasks, less asset loss or shrinkage, and adaptable workflows that fit different organisations’ needs.

Zentra Brings Resident Key in Google Wallet to Customers

Zentra, a brand of Allegion US is the first to offer resident key capability in Google Wallet. This enables residents to easily and securely add their resident key to Google Wallet and unlock their apartment with a simple tap of their Android phone or Wear OS by Google smartwatch. With this new capability, residents can unlock their building doors, amenity spaces and individual apartment units without contact using their Android Phone or Wear OS smartwatch—eliminating the need to use a traditional, physical fob or key.

Adding resident key to Google Wallet lets residents tap and move throughout their multifamily community with just their phone. Residents can simply raise their phone to access points they have access to, and the NFC credential in their Wear OS smartwatch or Android Phone will grant them access.

With resident key in Google Wallet on Zentra, properties offer a best-in-class luxury experience for their residents that also decreases operational overhead. Reducing cost and time associated with physical keys or fobs leads to increased net operating income (NOI) for the property.

The Zentra and resident key in Google Wallet solution has recently been made available on the Schlage XE360 Series, the Schlage Control Smart Lock, Schlage NDE Mobile Enabled Wireless Cylindrical Lock, Schlage MTB Mobile Enabled Multi-technology Reader and Schlage RC Reader Controller.

IoT in Construction Market Surges to USD 38.9 Billion by 2033

The Global IoT in Construction Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report published by Verified Market Reports. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 14.7 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 38.9 Billion by the end of the forecast period.      

The IoT in Construction Market is rapidly evolving as stakeholders across the construction ecosystem embrace automation and digital transformation. Demand for real-time insights, equipment utilization analytics, and safety intelligence is propelling technology adoption. Integrating IoT across workflows allows contractors, engineers, and developers to achieve higher accuracy, cost savings, and sustainability alignment. Continuous innovations in connectivity, such as 5G, LPWAN, and AI-powered edge computing, are enabling smart construction sites that operate with minimal downtime and optimized energy use. The sector's growth trajectory is strongly supported by smart city projects, growing regulatory emphasis on green infrastructure, and the shift toward connected asset ecosystems. Strategic opportunities lie in predictive analytics platforms, interoperable IoT frameworks, and scalable modular solutions designed for both large enterprises and mid-tier construction firms.

What are the primary drivers accelerating the IoT in Construction Market, and how are they reshaping project efficiency and profitability?

Key drivers fueling the IoT in Construction Market revolve around automation demand, operational efficiency, and safety optimization. Construction firms are increasingly adopting IoT to streamline asset management, monitor equipment health, and reduce project downtime. Enhanced connectivity through 5G and edge networks enables instant data processing from job sites, leading to faster decision-making and risk mitigation. The growing pressure to meet sustainability benchmarks is prompting the adoption of IoT-enabled energy management systems that track emissions and reduce waste. These smart systems enhance lifecycle management of assets, minimizing costs and improving profit margins. Moreover, integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms ensures seamless coordination between design, procurement, and execution stages. As competition intensifies, organizations investing in IoT-enabled analytics gain a distinct advantage through improved resource allocation, data transparency, and regulatory compliance. The long-term business impact is reflected in higher ROI, shorter project timelines, and reduced operational uncertainty.

Despite its growth momentum, the IoT in Construction Market faces significant adoption barriers related to cybersecurity, data fragmentation, and infrastructure costs. Many construction firms operate in distributed environments with inconsistent connectivity, leading to integration challenges between legacy systems and modern IoT platforms. Data privacy remains a critical restraint as large volumes of sensitive project data require secure handling and encryption. The high upfront cost of connected devices and the absence of universal IoT standards hinder seamless implementation, especially among small and medium enterprises. Additionally, skill shortages in IoT analytics and system maintenance constrain scalability. To overcome these challenges, leading industry players are investing in robust cloud ecosystems, deploying blockchain for transparent data exchange, and collaborating with technology providers to develop cost-effective modular IoT architectures. Governments and regulatory bodies are also establishing cybersecurity frameworks and interoperability protocols to promote safe, scalable IoT deployment in construction environments.

Smart Tag Market Size to Reach USD 26.28 Billion by 2030

The global Smart Tag market is projected to grow from USD 10790 Million in 2024 to USD 26280 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.0% during the forecast period.

Electronic Shelf Labels are transforming retail management by enabling real-time price updates, instant inventory synchronization, and interactive product information. Their integration with smart tagging systems helps retailers streamline pricing accuracy while reducing manual errors and labor costs. As these labels connect directly with centralized data systems, they create a dynamic communication channel between stores and consumers, supporting automated promotions and data-driven merchandising. The use of dynamic display labels enhances transparency and customer trust while ensuring operational agility during rapid price changes. This seamless link between digital shelf management and product tracking reinforces the demand for smart tags, expanding their adoption across global retail chains seeking efficiency, flexibility, and improved customer engagement within modern digital shopping environments.

EAS Labels support the Smart Tag Market by strengthening loss-prevention and theft-detection systems. These labels integrate security and identification within one compact form, allowing retailers to monitor product movement efficiently through connected gateways. By merging radio-frequency detection with inventory management, businesses maintain accurate stock visibility while safeguarding assets. The synergy between EAS technology and smart tagging provides dual benefits—security and analytics—enabling data collection on customer behavior and store flow patterns. This multi-functional capability encourages retailers to standardize EAS Labels across categories, driving consistent adoption. The combination of protection, automation, and visibility creates a smart ecosystem that reduces shrinkage, improves operational reliability, and establishes the Smart Tag Market as an essential component in intelligent retail infrastructure and data-driven business continuity.

Healthcare and pharmaceutical applications elevate the Smart Tag Market through precision tracking, authenticity assurance, and regulatory compliance. Smart tags ensure that medicines, vaccines, and medical devices are accurately monitored throughout the supply chain, maintaining integrity from production to patient delivery. These tags enable temperature tracking, expiration alerts, and counterfeit prevention, vital for maintaining safety standards. Hospitals and pharmacies benefit from real-time inventory updates and automated dispensing systems supported by smart labels. Furthermore, the integration of RFID and NFC technologies enhances traceability in clinical environments, reducing administrative burdens and errors. As health systems increasingly adopt digital tracking to align with global supply standards, smart tags emerge as indispensable tools ensuring safety, efficiency, and accountability across medical logistics and patient care operations.

The acceleration of digital retail transformation fuels smart tag adoption as brands strive for synchronized, data-driven store operations. Smart tags integrate product information with cloud-based pricing, inventory, and marketing systems, enabling personalized offers and seamless omnichannel experiences. They help retailers bridge physical and digital spaces, turning each product into a data node for real-time analytics. This integration supports dynamic pricing, rapid re-stocking, and customer journey mapping without manual intervention. By connecting storefronts to enterprise databases, smart tags empower businesses to adapt instantly to demand fluctuations and sustain a competitive edge. The shift toward automated retailing and smart inventory governance positions these tags as cornerstones of retail innovation and efficiency.

Wide Area RFID Systems Market Valuation Expected to Hit USD 9.2 billion

The global Wide Area Rfid Systems market in the Information Technology and Telecom category is projected to reach USD 9.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9% from 2025 to 2031. With rising industrial adoption and continuous innovation in Information Technology and Telecom applications, the market is estimated to hit USD 4.5 billion in 2024, highlighting strong growth potential throughout the forecast period.

The wide area RFID systems market is expected to grow substantially by 2031, driven by the increasing demand for real-time asset tracking, inventory management, and enhanced supply chain visibility. These systems enable long-range identification and monitoring of tagged items across large geographic areas, making them ideal for logistics, transportation, manufacturing, and defense applications. Businesses are adopting wide area RFID to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual errors, and ensure timely data capture without human intervention. Advancements in RFID technology, including improved tag sensitivity, energy efficiency, and integration with IoT platforms, are further enhancing the capabilities and scalability of these systems.

By 2031, the market is projected to see significant growth across regions with strong industrial and logistical infrastructures. North America is likely to maintain a leading position due to early adoption and robust investment in automation technologies, while Asia-Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing region fueled by rapid industrialization and digital transformation initiatives. Key market players are focusing on developing customizable, cost-effective solutions with improved range and data accuracy. 

SKIDATA Partners With Holiday Valley To Deliver Seamless RFID Access Experience

KIDATA announced a new partnership with Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, New York. Beginning this winter, Holiday Valley guests will benefit from SKIDATA’s advanced RFID-based ticketing and access system, designed to streamline the mountain experience and elevate guest satisfaction.

Holiday Valley is Western New York’s largest year ‘round resort featuring 60 slopes and trails, 13 lifts, 3 base lodges, slope side lodging and dining, conference facilities, an 18- hole golf course, a tree top aerial adventure park, a mountain coaster, and a summer pool complex.  Ellicottville is located on Route 219, just 50 miles (90 kms) south of Buffalo and less than three hours from Cleveland and Toronto.

The resort will deploy SKIDATA’s RFID ticket and pass scanners, award-winning sMove Wave access gates, and ticket pickup kiosks, providing skiers and snowboarders with faster, smoother, and more secure access to the slopes. These innovations will reduce wait times, improve data integrity, and enhance fraud protection—ensuring that guests spend more time enjoying the mountain and less time in line.

Holiday Valley has offered RFID ticketing in recent seasons and made the strategic decision this summer to transition to SKIDATA’s platform to improve reliability and scanning performance. This move places Holiday Valley among a growing group of world-class resorts leveraging SKIDATA’s technology to deliver a frictionless guest experience.

Russia’s GPS Jamming Raises Alarms from Sweden to Poland

Across Scandinavia and Central Europe, authorities and aviation officials are sounding the alarm: Russia is suspected of deploying electronic warfare that interferes with GPS and satellite navigation. The disruptions are being felt in Sweden, Finland, Poland, and Baltic states — raising serious concerns about safety, sovereignty, and the nature of hybrid warfare.

Reports of GPS jamming and spoofing (sending false positioning signals) have surged over the Baltic Sea and adjacent airspace. These disruptions affect both civil and military navigation systems. 

The interference stretches from Poland through the Baltic states to Finland and Sweden, even reaching lower altitudes and maritime zones. 

Airlines have had to cancel or reroute flights. For instance, two Finnair planes turned back while approaching Tartu, Estonia, because GPS-based landing systems failed. 

Some airports (especially smaller ones) rely entirely on satellite navigation. When GPS signals go dark, these airports are temporarily unusable for many aircraft. 

Even though commercial aircraft often have backup navigation systems, losing GPS mid-flight complicates operations. Pilots may need to switch navigation methods, which is stressful and riskier especially in bad weather or in less equipped airports. 

12th Tech Expands Crescendo Platform with Advanced Auditor Tools Featuring OCR and Barcode Scanning

12th Tech, leaders in audit and risk management technology, today announced the continued evolution of Crescendo Mobile, with powerful new features that further elevate efficiency and dealer experience across global wholesale inventory and floor-plan audits. Building on its proven track record of delivering speed and reliability, Crescendo Mobile now empowers auditors with even more robust configuration options and a groundbreaking OCR VIN and barcode scanning capability.

Key advancements include:

    OCR VIN & Barcode Scanning: A major step forward in reducing audit time, allowing auditors to instantly capture and validate asset information with a simple scan.
    Enhanced Auditor Configurations: Flexible in-app controls so auditors can tailor workflows, verification rules, and review preferences.
    Proven Online/Offline Reliability: Over time, Crescendo Mobile's seamless capabilities have demonstrated their value in maintaining auditor productivity regardless of connectivity.

With the recent launch of Crescendo Hub, 12th Tech's modern lender portal, the Crescendo ecosystem now delivers a unified experience. Together, Crescendo Hub and Crescendo Mobile provide what many in the industry regard as one of the most intuitive, comprehensive, and forward-looking software platforms available today for floor-plan audit and risk management.

Crescendo Mobile is available for both iOS and Android, supporting in-house and third-party auditors across a range of industries. For physical audits, 12th Tech partners with CSI (Collateral Specialists Inc.) the premier nationwide audit provider ensuring comprehensive field coverage and consistent quality. Together, 12th Tech and CSI maintain clear lines between software and field services while delivering a cohesive, end-to-end solution for lenders and their dealer networks.

InstaVolt introduces GPS tracking for charging cables

Stolen charging cables at fast-charging stations are becoming an increasing nuisance—not only in Germany but also in the UK. To counter this, fast-charging provider InstaVolt has announced a partnership with Trackit247 and is introducing live GPS tracking for its charging cables.  

As cable theft is labeled fast-growing crime affecting the UK’s EV infrastructure, causing significant downtime, lost investment and disruption to drivers, InstaVolt aims to roll out what it calls the industry’s first live GPS tracking system for charging cables.   The new system will see GPS trackers installed within charging cables across the InstaVolt network, allowing stolen cables to be tracked in real time. 

InstaVolt currently operates over 2,000 charging points in the UK, and plans to expand to 11,000 by 2030. According to the company, the installed devices send location updates every three seconds. Each cable is geofenced, meaning that any movement outside the designated zone triggers an instant alert to InstaVolt’s 24/7 security control centre.   While InstaVolt provides these technical details, it does not share deeper specifications about the trackers themselves, likely as a deterrent against tampering.  

RF Technologies Launches CareConnect Mobile Web App

RF Technologies announces the launch of the powerful, new CareConnect Mobile Web App for their RFID Real-Time Location Systems for senior living, designed to elevate communication, safety and responsiveness in the workplace. 

The app provides a range of practical benefits designed to enhance user experience and responsiveness. It runs seamlessly on any device with a modern browser, ensuring broad accessibility. Users benefit from secure login through Active Directory access control, keeping data protected. Real-time updates are delivered via app or push notifications, while alarm indicators use icons to highlight active alerts. With quick tap access to open the app and the ability to view and clear alarms anytime, users can stay informed and in control with minimal effort. 

CareConnect was developed as a Progressive Web App (PWA), offering strategic advantages over traditional native iOS and Android apps. It allows for easy setup directly from a browser link and operates on any device—desktop, tablet, mobile, or even a Smart Watch—using either cellular or Wi-Fi connections. Updates are deployed instantly via the web, eliminating the need for manual downloads. Additionally, users receive alerts anywhere, even when the app is closed, ensuring continuous connectivity and awareness. 

Unlike legacy mobile apps, our web-based app is accessible directly through your browser, with no downloads or installations required. It offers reliable functionality, push notifications, and a native app-like experience, all while maintaining the flexibility, scalability, and broad reach of the web.

The new CareConnect Web App for Enterprise Software allows staff to easily respond to alerts from Code Alert® Wander Management, Emergency Call, and Wired Nurse Call, all on one easy-to-use platform. 

Safran Federal Systems selected by DARPA for Robust Quantum Sensor development

Safran Federal Systems has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Robust Quantum Sensor (RoQS) program, a key initiative supporting the Department of Defense's drive to deliver assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in contested and GPS-denied environments.

As part of this effort, Safran will develop quantum sensors that are inherently resistant to environmental disruptions, ensuring they can operate reliably without sacrificing performance. These sensors are expected to enable reliable navigation across multiple domains helping reduce dependence on GPS and strengthening operational readiness for U.S. and allied forces. The award covers the first phase of the program in which Safran will complete the quantum sensor development, including tests on a military helicopter, to demonstrate effectiveness in one of the most challenging environmental conditions.

This program marks a critical step forward in delivering operational quantum sensing capabilities to the warfighter.

"This program marks a critical step forward in delivering operational quantum sensing capabilities to the warfighter," said Dr. Robert Compton, Senior Technical Fellow. "Safran has a long legacy in inertial navigation, and RoQS represents the next evolution, which combines proven expertise with cutting-edge quantum technology to meet DoD modernization priorities."

DARPA's RoQS program emphasizes collaboration between sensor developers and platform integrators to accelerate transition from research to operational deployment. Safran's work will help shorten development timelines and deliver field-ready quantum sensors capable of meeting tomorrow's operational challenges.

The Rochester, New York, team will focus on ruggedization, prototyping, and early integration with DoD platforms. Initial field demonstrations are planned during the first phase of the program.

Safran Federal Systems is a trusted DoD mission partner and industry leader in Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT), providing cross-cutting and cost-effective solutions bred through innovation. Our expertise in simulation, NAVWAR, and open systems architecture enables rapid delivery of emerging technologies to the warfighter across all domains, from the lab to the field.

Ultra-wideband (UWB) Market worth $17.62 billion by 2030

The global ultra-wideband market is projected to grow from USD 8.48 billion in 2025 to USD 17.62 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 15.8% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. UWB is a wireless communication technology that transmits short pulses over a broad spectrum of frequency bands with very low power use. UWB is mainly used for short-range data exchanges (less than 10 meters) in wireless personal area network (WPAN) setups. The communication sector accounted for a larger part of the UWB market in 2024. The need for wireless wideband systems has grown considerably due to emerging applications like mobile ad-hoc networking and data collection via wireless sensor networks. The RTLS segment of the UWB market has been increasing over the years. Various industries especially employ UWB-based RTLS solutions for accurate and real-time tracking of industrial assets, material flow, and employee locations.

The high-range segment of the UWB market is mainly driven by applications that need long-distance, accurate positioning and secure communication in industrial, automotive, and defense settings. High-range UWB systems usually operate beyond 100 meters, making them ideal for outdoor positioning, mining, logistics hubs, large manufacturing plants, and military use. Their ability to provide centimeter-level accuracy over long distances, while staying robust against interference and multipath fading, makes them a strong alternative to GPS in challenging environments such as urban canyons or underground tunnels. Additionally, the rising use of autonomous vehicles, UAVs, and connected infrastructure is increasing demand for high-range UWB solutions.

The rising demand for UWB technology in cardiology, pneumology, and obstetrics imaging is expected to drive growth in the UWB market for imaging applications during the forecast period. UWB is increasingly used for early detection and localization of breast cancer or tumors by analyzing electromagnetic (EM) waves. Directional antennas transmit and receive UWB signals within a 4 to 8 GHz frequency range. The results from this technology are promising, with approximately 100% accuracy for detection and 94.4% for tumor localization. As adoption of UWB in medical imaging continues to grow and demand for 3D imaging rises, the UWB market for imaging applications is on an upward trajectory.

North America held the largest share of the overall ultra-wideband industry in 2030. The demand for ultra-wideband is rising in North America due to the increasing need for technologically advanced devices. Moreover, the presence of providers of UWB-based RTLS solutions in this region also significantly contributes to the growth of the UWB market in North America. The North American UWB market maintains a dominant position globally, driven by strong adoption across both consumer and enterprise sectors. The region benefits from the presence of leading smartphone manufacturers, automotive OEMs, semiconductor companies, and technology innovators that incorporate UWB into their product lines. Consumer electronics is the largest segment, with UWB increasingly integrated into smartphones, wearables, and digital keys to enable secure access, seamless device-to-device communication, and improved spatial awareness. The automotive industry is another key growth driver, as major carmakers in the U.S. are implementing UWB-enabled digital key solutions, in-vehicle connectivity, and safety features to enhance customer experience and security. Additionally, the presence of advanced research institutions, high R&D investments, and supportive regulatory frameworks further bolsters regional growth.

Barcode Scanners Barcode Mobile Computers market will reach USD 9.2 billion by 2031

The global Barcode Scanners Barcode Mobile Computers market in the Information Technology and Telecom category is projected to reach USD 9.2 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2031. With rising industrial adoption and continuous innovation in Information Technology and Telecom applications, the market is estimated to hit USD 5.8 billion in 2024, highlighting strong growth potential throughout the forecast period.

The Barcode Scanners and Barcode Mobile Computers Market is expanding steadily as industries embrace digital tools to improve inventory management, logistics, and point-of-sale operations. These devices offer fast, accurate, and reliable data capture, enabling businesses to streamline workflows and reduce errors across supply chains and retail environments. The growing demand for contactless solutions and the rise of e-commerce are further fueling adoption of barcode technologies. Enterprises across sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing are increasingly deploying barcode mobile computers to improve productivity and data accuracy in daily operations.

By 2033, the market is projected to grow significantly with innovations in wireless connectivity, cloud integration, and rugged device design enhancing functionality. Advanced features such as real-time analytics, AI-enabled scanning, and mobile compatibility will drive broader adoption across enterprises of all sizes. As organizations shift toward automation and digitization of supply chain processes, the need for high-performance barcode scanners and mobile computers will continue to rise. With strong emphasis on efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability, these technologies will remain vital for enabling seamless operations and supporting long-term growth in global commerce and logistics.

AsReader Launches Mexico City Office, Aiming to Expand in Latin America

On July 1, AsReader inaugurated a new branch in Mexico City as part of its strategy to deepen its presence in Latin America. The office—located on the 14th floor of Torre Summa in the Juárez district—hosts a Spanish-speaking operator, shared workspace and lobby, rentable meeting rooms, and a fully equipped conference room.

Mexico City, one of the world’s largest cities with a population exceeding 22 million, is also rapidly enhancing its digital economy—with forecasts placing its value at over USD 75 billion in the coming four years.

Paul Whitney, AsReader’s Vice President and COO, noted that Mexico City is becoming a pivotal tech hub in Latin America. He pointed out that the city’s growing start-up ecosystem and the strong pipeline of STEM graduates make it a strategic location for serving local customers. 

AsReader specializes in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies, including mobile barcode scanners, RFID readers/writers, wearable RFID devices, and companion software tools like AsCameraX. 

The Mexican operation is headed by Senior Business Solutions Consultant Robert Yount. Yount highlighted that some of AsReader’s expected bestsellers in this region include the M24D Android/iOS sled, M30S slim-type RFID reader, wearable RecoHand RFID devices, as well as gun-type and paddle-type RFID units. 

RFID’s Second Act: How Autonomy Boosts Inventory Accuracy & Prevents Loss

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is being reborn. Once primarily used for tagging and tracking products, it’s now stepping into a new era of autonomy—helping retailers not just trace items, but actively maintain inventory health and reduce shrinkage.

Originally, RFID tags functioned mainly as passive data carriers: they’d identify an item when scanned. But now, the technology is evolving. With the integration of autonomous systems, RFID is becoming dynamic: it can sense, react, and course-correct in real time.

One of the biggest gains from this shift is improved inventory accuracy. Rather than relying on periodic manual audits, autonomous RFID systems allow for constant, automated scanning. That means discrepancies can be identified and corrected quickly—leading to better alignment between the data in the system and what’s physically on the shelf.

Shrinkage—loss of inventory from theft, damage, or error—has long plagued retail operations. Autonomous RFID helps by providing continuous visibility into item movements within the store. Early detection of anomalies—like items moving in unexpected patterns—can trigger alerts or actions, allowing teams to act before losses become significant.

The new wave of RFID doesn’t work in isolation. It’s being tied into broader systems—point-of-sale, loss prevention platforms, replenishment engines. That gives stores the ability to automate responses. For example: if stock at a shelf drops unexpectedly, the system might move to reorder or signal staff to check that location.

Despite its promise, autonomous RFID is not plug-and-play. Retailers must contend with infrastructure costs, tag compatibility, data integration, and managing false positives (false alarms). Moreover, staff training and process adaptation are key—systems are only as good as how they’re used.

China Pledges to Accelerate Global Deployment of BeiDou, Its Domestic GPS Alternative

China is promising to speed up the international expansion of its self-developed satellite navigation system, BeiDou, which already dominates the domestic market. The push is part of Beijing’s effort to rival the U.S.-operated GPS system globally.

At a summit in central China, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang emphasized that after more than three decades of development, the country is now broadening its “circle of international friends.” Domestically, BeiDou commands over 70 percent of the consumer market share. 

During the Fourth International Summit on BeiDou System Applications, held in Hunan province, a new industry report by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) projected that by 2028, there will be more than 400 million devices and terminals compatible with BeiDou within China. 

BeiDou’s development traces back to the launch of its earliest satellites in 1994. The system entered a new phase in 2020 with the deployment of its third-generation satellites. According to Ding, recent advances have boosted its performance and application scale, positioning it as an essential infrastructure for users worldwide. 

Named after the seven bright stars from ancient Chinese navigation lore, BeiDou has already been embedded in smart phones, wearables, shared mobility platforms, and other consumer sectors throughout China. 

Frost & Sullivan Recognizes Milesight as a Top Innovator in the Global Smart Building Sensor Market

Frost & Sullivan has named Milesight one of the leading innovators in the fast-growing global smart building sensor market. The firm's latest report, Frost Radar: Smart Building Sensors, 2025, highlights companies that are setting the pace with strong innovation and proven execution.

The global smart building sensor market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 26% through 2028, driven by demand for energy savings, greener buildings, and people-focused spaces. Since 2021, more than $37.5 billion has flowed into smart building startups, underscoring the strategic importance of the sector.

Milesight stands out on the Frost Radar, ranking among the top three for both innovation and growth. Between 2021 and 2024, the company achieved an average CAGR of 74.8%, making it one of the fastest-rising players in the industry.

With one of the most complete product ranges on the market, Milesight offers sensors for indoor air quality, occupancy and people counting, and energy and facility management. The company has been releasing more than eight new devices each year, introducing features such as LoRa D2D communication, NFC-enabled setup, and AI-powered people sensing. Its design philosophy puts people first, balancing smart insights with privacy and compliance.

Frost & Sullivan also pointed to Milesight's track record in large-scale projects worldwide. In Canada, more than 47,000 IAQ devices were deployed in schools to improve classroom environments. In the United States, airports use Milesight sensors to track passenger flows and monitor conditions. In Europe, retailers are applying AI ToF sensors to enhance store layouts and reduce energy use.

Looking ahead, Frost & Sullivan notes that the next stage of smart building sensors will be shaped by AI-IoT convergence, sensor fusion, and sustainability-driven design. Milesight's forward-looking strategy aligns closely with these trends, positioning it to help build greener, smarter, and more connected spaces.

Alipay+ and Mastercard Bring Overseas NFC Payments to Kakao Pay Users

Alipay+, a global wallet gateway under Ant International, supports Kakao Pay, a leading South Korean mobile wallet, in launching NFC (Near-Field Communication) payment for overseas transactions, through its partnership with Mastercard. Kakao Pay becomes one of the first Alipay+ mobile payment partners to introduce the convenient and secure “tap-to-pay” experiences when its users travel abroad.

Through the collaboration between Alipay+ and Mastercard, Kakao Pay users can now make NFC payments at over 150 million Mastercard merchant locations worldwide, including in Japan, Southeast Asia, the U.S., Europe, Oceania and more. The Alipay+ NFC payment solution complements Kakao Pay’s existing QR code and barcode-based cross-border payments, further enhancing the travel and shopping experience for its users abroad.

NFC payments allow users to simply tap their NFC-enabled Android phone on a contactless POS terminal that accepts Mastercard. This simplifies cross-border commerce, reduces the need of carrying physical payments, and ensures transaction security through advanced authentication and encryption. This service is now available on the latest versions of the Kakao Pay app and will be introduced to the KakaoTalk app for Android later in September, with a sequential rollout planned for iOS (iPhone) in the future.

ULTRALOQ Updates Bolt NFC to Support Android Tap-to-Unlock

ULTRALOQ, a best-selling smart lock brand under Xthings, announced a major update to its Bolt NFC smart lock that brings seamless NFC tap-to-unlock functionality for the vast majority of Android smartphone users. This update dramatically expands the lock's convenient user experience to nearly all smartphone users, and strengthens its position as the most platform-inclusive smart lock available.

At launch, the Bolt NFC was recognized for its native Apple Home Key integration. This update now ensures that Android users can also enjoy fast, key-free entry with a simple tap of their smartphone. By extending NFC support across both iOS and Android, ULTRALOQ continues to lead in building a lock that adapts to every household.

Key Enhancement Details

    Broad Android NFC Compatibility: Tap-to-unlock now works across nearly all NFC-enabled Android devices.

    Tap-and-Go Entry: Android users can unlock without opening an app or waking the screen. A quick tap is all it takes.

    Platform Flexibility: To optimize the experience, Android users may need to adjust NFC settings (e.g., default NFC app selection). This ensures smooth unlocking while continuing to support popular wallet apps for payments.

    Future-Ready Security: On Android 16 and higher, users can turn off "Require device unlock for NFC" to enable true one-tap entry, balancing speed and security to fit individual preference.

InventHelp Inventor Develops New GPS Location Device for Firearms

"After hearing that 393 firearms had been stolen from vehicles in Nashville in 2023, I wanted to create an innovative way to locate a lost or stolen firearm to help prevent it from being used in crimes against regular civilians," said an inventor, from Nashville, Tenn., "so I invented the GPS PLUG. This invention could help track lost or stolen firearms for recovery. If implemented on a government level, it could be used to locate law enforcement weapons and even downed officers, giving them a better chance of survival."

The patent-pending invention provides a GPS location reporting device for short and long barrel firearm applications. In doing so, it would determine the location of a firearm. As a result, it increases accuracy, and it allows the owner to track and/or notify local law enforcement of a missing/stolen weapon. It also can locate law enforcement weapons if used at a government level. The invention features an innovative design that is easy to apply and use so it is ideal for the owners of short and long barrel firearms, government, etc.

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