Radio Frequency Identification Technology for Logistics, Tagging and EPC

European airports deploy RFID-enabled baggage tracking

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Two major European airports have made the switch to RFID-enabled baggage tracking solutions. The systems, installed in high-traffic airports in Portugal and Italy, are the result of a partnership between Danish logistics systems integrator Lyngsoe Systems and Times-7, an RFID developer headquartered in New Zealand.


In December, Lisbon’s international airport became the world’s first to introduce RFID-only baggage transfer tagging. Using the new system, all transfer bags received at Lisbon airport are tagged with RFID tags on arrival and tracked only via RFID. Bar coded tagging has been eliminated completely from the airport’s system for transfer baggage.

Milan’s Malpensa Airport took the commitment to RFID-enabled tracking a step further. The airport, Italy’s busiest with 24 million passengers passing through it each year, became first airport in Europe, and the third worldwide, to implement comprehensive RFID baggage tracking across the entire baggage handling system from baggage check-in onwards.

Both systems use middleware and baggage handling control software designed by Lyngsoe Systems. The solutions use RFID antennas provided by Times-7. [end] 

Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a pair of encapsulated RFID mini-transponders designed for applications in animal tagging and asset tracking.

The 12mm TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC mini-transponders were developed to enable users a battery-free solution for embedding RFID tags into smaller objects across a broader range of applications. These transponders come ready-to-use and are 100 percent backwards compatible with all of TI’s RFID software and readers including power modules, control modules and micro readers.

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ImageWare Systems announced that the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), an agency that oversees Los Angeles International (LAX) airport, LA/Ontario International airport and Van Nuys airport, has placed an order for a number of biometric identity management and credentialing solutions.

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SITA, an IT provider for the air travel industry, has unveiled its first proof-of-concept for a solution that enables travelers to check in at the airport, gain access to members’ lounges and board their flight all with a simple tap of an NFC-enabled phone.

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HID Global unveiled the latest addition to its portfolio of RFID tags, with the announcement of the IronTag 176 ultra-high frequency (UHF) transponder.

This durable tag is suited for tracking a variety of metal parts and equipment. Originally designed for tracking aircraft parts during assembly and maintenance, the IronTag endures the harsh conditions of manufacturing and processing as well as vehicle and equipment operation.

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IC-TAG Solutions announced it has earned certification from Alien Technology to use its EPC Gen 2 RFID inlays.

IC TAG utilizes Alien Technology’s EPC Gen 2 Squiggle, Squiglette, and Square inlays in their IC-TAG RFID labels and tags. Alien uses its own proprietary microchip, Higgs 3, to produce its ultra-high frequency RFID tracking devices.

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HID Global announced an expanded portfolio of RFID asset tracking solutions designed to meet the demands of industries including logistics, automation and manufacturing, medical and health care, returnable transport items and waste management.

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