Over the last few years we have seen a massive increase in the use of Radio Frequency Identifiers (RFID) which is a basic way of transmitting information on a pre-defined frequency so that this can be picked up by a special receiver.  Using RFID Transponders to transmit the signals and RFID Readers to pick up the signal is it possible to keep track of an array of people, animals and items.  So which industries use this system?

Toll Cards

Over the last few years we have seen much mention of tolls on UK motorways and while there has been much opposition to this, it is very common in other areas of the world.  This is a perfect use for an RFID whereby an RFID Transponder can be placed on the windscreen of a car as it passes the toll booth.  The booth will pick up the signal using an RFID Reader and the drivers toll charge is automatically added to their account.  The driver has not stopped, there is no cost to employ someone to take the toll charge and above all the traffic is left to flow freely.

Passports

In the current climate the use of RFID’s in passports has become very important in the fight against crime and terrorism.  The special chips are firmly positioned in to the passport in question and will pass an array of information to the RFID Readers as the person passes by.  This information can be used to build up a picture of a persons movements over time, profile the flights a person takes (vital for marketing purposes) and also keep track of anybody anywhere in the world.  These subtle cards have the potential to make a big impact!

Human Implants

As well as the more traditional and “sensible” use of RFID’s we have also seen some weird and wonderful attempts to look into the future and the future use of these information tags.  A British Professor ran a test whereby here implanted one of the RFID transponders into his arm and used it to pay for drinks and confirm his membership of a nightclub.  While a little bizarre, there is potential for similar uses, but who would step forward for an implant?

While some of the potential uses of RFID Readers and RFID Transponders may seem a little from the space age, they do have a growing place in society, whether we like them or not.  They make many tasks much easier and while there are some concerns about the circulation of information and the “Big Brother” scenario, used correctly they are very impressive.