Exciting new RFID technology

A California company called Wirama (last syllable rhymes with gamma) has invented a new type of RFID reader software which seems to be a dream come true. Using an algorithm programmed into software that can be loaded on a mobile Gen2 RFID reader, Wirama can locate a passive RFID tag within 6 inches of its actual location. It does not require special hardware for either the reader or the tags. The read range for the algorithm software (or "locationing engine") is about 15 feet; that is, tagged objects more than 15 feet away from the current location of the mobile reader cannot be precisely located.

Current location software for passive RFID tags can locate objects within an area, but not as specifically as the Wirama software is promising. For example, with the industry's current software, Dynamic staff can use RFID to track whether an item is in our inventory area or not, but we can't tell exactly where in the area that particular item is located. If we were to use the Wirama code, we could zero in on the object's exact location within our inventory.

Wirama hasn't announced a production schedule or a time frame for bringing the product to market; but they do plan a public demonstration at a conference in April. I can't wait to see it in action!