RFID. You’ve probably heard the name tossed around, been told to buy a special wallet to stop it, or maybe even seen an RFID tag in a store. But what exactly is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID systems are used to transmit data quickly and painlessly. RFID systems are made up of three parts: the tag, the antenna, and the reader. The reader sends out radio waves, which are amplified by the antenna. The radio waves activate the tag, which then broadcasts its data back to the reader. 

RFID is being implemented in many different industries with the same goal in mind: efficiency. Unlike barcodes, an RFID tag does not have to be visible to be scanned. So, companies with lots of stock are using tags to do hours worth of inventory tracking in minutes! 

But why does RFID matter to the average consumer? Well, in addition to its use in inventory tracking and supply chain management, RFID can simplify your daily life. If you’ve ever crossed the finish line of a race, tracked your pet, or used an E-Z Pass at a toll bridge- then you have been the beneficiary of RFID technology. The use of RFID systems removes the need to stop and scan a code or check a pass. 

Have you visited or seen videos of Amazon’s new Amazon Go Stores? This is just the latest example of RFID being used on the consumer end! The process is easy! You simply sign into your Amazon account or enter your payment method, shop like normal, and then, “Just Walk Out!¹” No need to wait in line at a check out kiosk, because the RFID tags on each product automatically add your products to your bill.

Although it has been around for years, the implementation of RFID is growing rapidly. The Auburn RFID Lab is at the forefront of innovation in sensor technology and RFID solutions. If you would like to learn more about RFID, implement RFID Solutions for your business, or take a tour of Auburn’s Lab, please contact us at rfidlab@auburn.edu. 

1. https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=16008589011 ↩︎

As the dust settles from the craziness of the holiday season, it’s time to start reflecting on the past year and look forward to what the new year will bring for our lab and RFID technology. 

Through the end of 2023, there were many exciting events in the lab. Between a visit from Walmart Executives to a lab-wide Christmas party, the hustle and bustle of year-end activities was no stranger to our building. The visit from Walmart allowed us to show the executives not only the progress that the lab has already made in RFID research but also gave them a glimpse into the future of the lab’s work in supply chain management and inventory tracking solutions. 

2023 also brought on new partnerships for the Lab. The Los Alamos National Lab has signed a contract with Auburn University to expand collaboration and research efforts, as well as open opportunities for students to create connections with industry professionals.

Internally, the Lab has grown throughout the year. The Lab now employs over 100 student workers and is made up of 9 teams that carry out the daily functions of the Lab. The newest team is the BUZZ team and is focused on advancing the communications and marketing efforts of the lab. 

All in all, the Lab experienced growth in 2023, and we are excited to see where 2024 will take us! Make sure that you are following us on all our social media platforms to get all the latest information about what is going on in Auburn!

War Eagle!