Antenna-less RFID tags designed to work where others don't – on metal objects

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A new type of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag doesn't have an antenna of its own, but instead uses the metal object that it's attached to as its antenna

One of the antenna-less RFID tags, on a metal flask

Article Summary

Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are definitely a handy way of tracking shipments. Instead of simply crossing their fingers and hoping for the best, importers and exporters can check the location and condition of shipped items in real time, by remotely accessing the data being transmitted by RFID tags attached to those items. Unfortunately, many such tags don't work on metal objects such as shipping containers or oil drums, as the metal interferes with the functioning of the tags' antennas. A new tag developed at North Dakota State University gets around that limitation, however - it uses the metal object as its antenna.

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