Indoor Localization with RFID

RFID (radio-frequency identification), which uses radio waves to wirelessly transmit the identity (e.g. serial number) and other characteristics of an object, is an emerging positioning technology that allows for mobility tracking of objects or people. As it offers a limited range of less than a meter, RFID is not suitable for exhaustive localization, but rather for a selective object identification. It is cost-effective, easy of maintenance and provides both identification and location. This makes localization via RFID particularly suitable for tracking solutions in industrial environments (e.g. asset management).

How Does Indoor Tracking with RFID Work?

An RFID indoor positioning system typically contains of transponders (attached to objects/people) and a reader (infsoft Locator Node). In a passive RFID system, the Locator Node functions as a power source and transfers radio-frequency energy to the transponder at short distance (remote-coupling). ID and data from the transponder are then captured by the Locator Node and forwarded to the infsoft LocAware platform®, where the data is processed.

In contrast to area-wide localization technologies, e.g. via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons or Ultra-wideband (UWB), RFID tracking only enables spot localization due to its highly limited range of less than a meter.

However, if an application requires more than spot detection, RFID can be combined with real-time positioning technologies such as BLE, Wi-Fi or Ultra-wideband. For example, if you provide a forklift with an infsoft Locator Node which sensors respond to RFID and UWB, you can make a connection between the location data of the forklift and the detection times of RFID-tagged goods.