Active RFID and real time locating systems are taking off in manufacturing

So says Dr Peter Harrop of IDTechX, the RFID analyst, noting that the technology is based on a form of active RFID, with various types available – from ultra wide band (UWB), which uses a range of frequencies in the microwave region, to systems in the MHz region, “although 2.45 GHz is now very popular for RTLS”. One type radio-fingerprints existing WiFi emissions, while another measures time delay of arrival (TDOA) of several emitted beams. “The WiFi approach usually calls for more nodes to be installed, but infrastructure is usually still low in system cost,” says Harrop. “G2 Microsystems has provided the most advanced chip for these tags, gaining considerable improvements in cost and power economy. “For 3D location of staff and valuable assets in oil refineries, supply depots etc., BP finds RTLS from companies, such as Time Domain and Ubisense, to be best. Ubisense is delivering value in automotive manufacturing as well, with its unusually accurate UWB RTLS.” However, he says, Belgian startup Green Peak favours active RFID on 2.45 GHz ZigBee protocols for indoor locations, whereas Axcess International has an alternative approach. Meanwhile, Ford has used RTLS for several applications in manufacturing, including for location and stocktaking of finished vehicles in huge yards, where long range is needed. “UK start-up RFTRAQ has established a commanding position in paper production and newsprint by tagging the huge paper reels with UHF active RFID,” comments Harrop. “The RFTRAQ systems have unusually large two way range of up to 400 meters and the tags can be remotely reconfigured. Boeing is also looking at a variety of approaches, one of which involves a 64kbit active tag, an unusually large amount of memory for a disposable tag in manufacturing. The extra capacity is needed to enable considerable re-writability for recording status etc. on very high value and mission critical items.” He also cites Identec Solutions as having had “remarkable success” in installing the latest active RFID systems in manufacturing and logistics, usually achieving ranges up to 100 meters with UHF. “Increasing worker safety has been one objective,” he says. “Another aspect is the use of active RFID in manufacturing automation and here Pepperl + Fuchs is a respected leader.”