Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a powerful technology that uses electromagnetic signals to pinpoint and track chips tagged to various objects. In contemporary times, it is commonly deemed the latest future technology in the industrial sector, as an increasing number of businesses adopt RFID to reinforce precision and transparency in their operations. Remarkably, RFID is not a recent innovation; its roots trace back 84 years ago to the era of World War II.
Initial innovation
During World War II in 1935, Sir Robert Alexander Watson-Watt’s radar invention struggled to distinguish between Allied and German aircraft. To address this, the German pilots maneuvered their planes in a specific way to change the radar signature, prompting the development of the Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) system by the British. In 1946, the technology akin to RFID was used by the Soviet Union to eavesdrop on the US ambassador for 7 years.
Continuous development
Beyond wartime uses, RFID gained traction for long-distance communication in the 1970s. Harry Stockman’s 1948 article, “Communication by Means of Reflected Power,” laid the groundwork for RFID understanding. Mario W. Cardullo’s 1973 patented system featured rewritable memory, while Charles Walton’s passive responder enabled keyless entry, now common in hotel rooms. RFID then became a vital logistics solution, exemplified by Los Alamos National Laboratory’s system tracking nuclear material cargo by reading truck and driver information.
Commercialization in today’s world
In the contemporary landscape, RFID technology finds widespread application in diverse sectors such as biomedical research, aerospace, engineering, and logistics for item tracking. Furthermore, notable suppliers and retailers in the fashion industry are embracing RFID in their manufacturing and production workflows, recognizing its significant impact on sales and market share. As RFID continues to advance, it is poised to emerge as the dominant technology across all facets of industry.
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About TradeLink Technologies,
TradeLink Technologies, founded in 1999, is a supply chain technology solutions provider for global and retail companies. We provide a complete set of packing and shipping solutions to enhance accuracy and visibility using the latest in barcoding technology, including RFID. Learn more about the technology and TradeLink here.