RFID technology use grows

Just as magnetic strip technology lead to many innovations in the past, so is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the modern era.

For example an Austrian company is developing a RFID-based solution for slalom skiers – among other things it lets them know if they zigged instead of zagging.

The RFID transponders are on the skis with readers located along the slopes with the data generated enabling coaches to more accurately address problems with a skier’s technique.

In the United States the Atlanta-based Hothead Technologies has a wireless heat monitoring system embedded in a football helmet. The aim is to prevent footballers from suffering potentially life-threatening heatstroke.

Hothead Technologies is also planning to market the RFID technology application to others including the military and firefighters.

The switch to RFID-enabled baggage tracking solutions have just been made by two airports in Lisbon Portugal and Milan Italy.

A Danish logistics systems integrator Lyngsoe Systems and Times-7 a New Zealand RFID developer hope to score even more European airports with the system.

Casinos around the world are also being turned onto to RFID-enhanced gaming chips.

- Amateur Radio Victoria
www.amateurradio.com.au