Radio Frequency Identification, more commonly known as RFID has been becoming more and more popular with time. RFID solutions have brought about an accelerated growth of productivity and efficiency in a variety of industries throughout the supply chain and production. Currently, the retail sector is the biggest benefactor and the driving force behind global RFID market growth which stands at 15.49 Billion USD in 2024 and is projected to grow to 37.71 Billion USD by 2032. RFID as an AIDC technology also aligns with corporate automation needs, be it asset management or access control and security.
Let’s discuss the future of RFID technology, future RFID trends, and advancements in detail.
A Brief on RFID Technology & Its Applications
RFID is automated asset identification & data collection technology that utilizes radio signals to transmit and receive data. This technology requires three basic components to function, namely – Tags, Readers, and Antennas. The reader and the antennas form the receiving/tracking end of the system while the tags stick onto the assets & act as the tracker end of the system.
There are two primary classifications of these systems, namely – Passive, and Active. Active tags have an internal power supply that allows them to broadcast strong signals to the reader. On the other hand, passive tags use signal backscattering & electromagnetic induction to work.
RFID technology is widely used in retail, healthcare, and supply chain businesses for item-level tagging and tracking and automating manual data capture processes, eliminating human errors.
Latest & Upcoming RFID Technology Advancements
Let’s discuss some of the latest and upcoming technological innovations in these systems.
(A). Telemetry Integration
With further development and miniaturization of technology, we have been able to create small and sensitive telemetry sensors that can fit on RFID tags. These sensors can accurately record different information like temperature, moisture, movement, etc. Such an advancement in RFID technology allows a clearer and more precise picture of the condition of the tagged items throughout their storage life, especially in food retail and cold chains where temperature and humidity monitoring is crucial. In healthcare, the storage of medicines and vaccines could also benefit from these cost-effective RFID sensors in the future.
(B). Chipless RFID Tag Technology
The second and one of the most interesting advancements in RF technology is the development of chipless RFID tags. As you probably know, tags require a microchip to store information that is needed to transmit. However, in newer tags, we are trying to use conductive ink that can arrange ferromagnetic particles to store information and act as a transponder. This advancement cuts down the cost of RFID tags by 10x and makes for wider adoption of RFID technology in retail and supply chain businesses.
(C). Cloud Based Data Storage and MQTT Protocols
RFID systems work by transferring data from tags to readers, however, that makes the data only accessible through that particular reader. The data then has to be fed into a computer to go into the database. However, with the help of cloud integration, and MQTT protocols, these systems can identify, record, and send data to cloud storage, making it easily accessible, where RFID works as an IoT system.
(D). Flexible Printing
When you hear the word tag, perhaps flexibility is not the first thing on your mind. However, with time, we have developed thinner and thinner inlays and substrate structures. Allowing manufacturers to develop unbelievably flexible RFID tags that can easily be applied on curved and irregular surfaces.
(E). IoT Integration
The Internet of Things may be one of the greatest inventions of the past two-and-a-half decades. By connecting different types of technology through the use of the World Wide Web, we have created a system of communication that allows great leaps in technological integration and streamlined operations.
In the case of RF systems, IoT allows users to overcome the biggest shortcoming of these systems, I.e., operational range. A typical tag has a maximum range of 100 meters, at most with the use of multiple readers, throughout a single premise. However, with the help of IoT, users can connect various small-scale RF systems through the internet, and conduct identification & tracking operations through a centralized location.
Future Trends Predictions for RFID Applications
By now I'm sure you are getting excited about all the amazing technological advancements we have made and are about to make in the RFID sector. Let’s see some of the upcoming applications that we can enjoy with these advancements.
(A). Increased Inventory Visibility and Order Fulfilment
Future RFID trends and advancements bring about radical changes in how we manage inventory in retail and supply chain businesses. RFID tagging of assets offers accurate inventory control and real-time tracking of assets in the inventory through various zones created within the warehouse.
RFID technology integration in omnichannel retail will also lead to a better customer experience through improved delivery accuracy and order fulfilment. RFID offers accurate order tracking, shipment tracking, and easier pick-ups for returns.
(B). Monitoring Perishable Assets
As mentioned above, we are developing accurate telemetry sensors that allow us to capture important data like temperature, moisture, etc. These sensors can be used in industries where we have to carefully monitor the storage of perishable items, like medical supplies, food items, etc. With the help of these newer tags, users can check how an item was stored, and if it’s even viable for use. This allows improvement in storage facilities and prevents expensive & reputation damaging recalls.
(C). RFID for Home Use
Another exciting application, that we all might be enjoying very soon, is the availability of RF technology for personal use. From access control for main doors to smart home innovations, we can use RFID technology for all of it. This is possible due to development making these systems simpler to use and more affordable for home applications.
RFID-based Access Control System
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(D). Widespread Employee Tracking
Although many businesses use RFID for tracking the movement of employees in & out of the premises using RFID technology, most still don’t have good visibility inside the workspace. However, with the help of carefully tuned and strategically placed RF systems, including RFID Readers, tags, and cards, businesses can create an accurate & real-time employee tracking system. This system can also use customized authorization levels, to restrict access to certain areas, and track the movement of employees in different areas, throughout the day.
To summarize, like any technology, RFID too is getting better and better as time passes. Whether it is the size of the RFID components, the range, battery life, and additional functions, we are stepping into a new era of AIDC technologies. Advancements such as RAIN RFID protocols, chipless RFID, RFID sensors, RFID in RTLS, and IoT applications to name a few.
We are integrating this simple yet effective technology, with other sophisticated machinery and significantly improving its functions. In addition, we are also making them cheaper and affordable, so that more businesses or even people can use them personally.
Frequently Asked Questions on RFID Future Trends and Advancements
Q1. Is RFID an emerging technology?
Although RFID has existed for decades, with constant advancement and development in technologies, RFID is an emerging and improving technology.
Q2. How can RFID be improved?
We are currently in the process of improving RF technology. We are adding and integrating them with sensors, better flexibility, material quality, etc., making RFID much more reliable and effective than it used to be.
Q3. What technology will replace RFID in the future?
RFID is a cost-effective technology given the advancement in Chipless RFID and sensors. It is widely used by retailers, healthcare, and supply chain businesses. It is slowly replacing UPC-12 barcodes. Now, when it comes to replacing RFID, most probably, a subsidiary of RF technology, known as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) will replace RFID in the future as these are active RFID tags, and with the right cost reduction, they can become an alternative to RFID. Presently, a BLE beacon costs INR500- INR 1200 per beacon, making it a costly alternative.
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