Expanding RFID
Two pieces here discuss development in radio frequency identification tags—passive or battery-less tags developed at Cambridge University that are highly accurate (and presumably inexpensive) that have up to a 45’ reading range because of multiple antennas in its system, and active (battery powered) ones from Iotera (Redwood City, CA)than can detect a signal at a four mile range. (Iotera takes its name from the internet of things + era). Both systems have their uses in tracking hospital equipment, with the passive tags mostly for less expensive items, and active ones for the more costly, though they can be used to track such things as hand washing compliance, locations of key personnel, and the status of refrigerators and freezers. MORE
RFID tag with four mile range. MORE
Image Credit: Iotera and RFID Journal