Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is already established in numerous industrial and commercial applications. In particular, RAIN RFID, a UHF-based technology, plays a central role in logistics, production and retail. With Qualcomm’s announcement that it will integrate RFID into the upcoming Snapdragon® mobile platform, another area of application is now coming into focus: direct interaction with end customers via smartphone.
UHF-RFID in transition: from logistics to the consumer. Traditionally, RAIN RFID is used mainly in two areas:
- Industrial use: optimization of production processes, asset management, toll and parking systems.
- Consumer goods: warehouse and inventory management, logistics and self-service payments.
A new and as yet untapped area is the direct use of UHF RFID by consumers. Through integration in smartphones, it could be possible in the future to read products directly with your own mobile device and use interactive services.
Technological advances and challenges:
The integration of RFID into smartphones places high demands on energy efficiency, range and interoperability. Thanks to modern chip technologies, reading ranges of up to 120 cm are now possible. The RAIN RFID air interface protocol, standardized by ISO 18000-6C, also ensures global interoperability.
Despite the progress, there are challenges, particularly with the selective reading function. As several devices could read the same tag, standards must be further improved to ensure precise data collection. In addition, proprietary solutions from individual manufacturers must not restrict interoperability.
Comparison with other technologies: QR code, NFC and barcodes
UHF RFID competes with established labeling technologies such as barcodes, QR codes and NFC. While barcodes and QR codes are inexpensive and widely used, RFID offers significant advantages in terms of automation and range.
An interesting aspect is the combination of NFC and RFID in dual-frequency chips. These could offer added value in particular in areas such as toll systems or vehicle registration. Over the next five years, it is expected that 20-30% of smartphones will be equipped with UHF RFID, which could enable broader market penetration.
Comparison with statements from leading RFID providers.
Major providers such as Impinj, Zebra Technologies and Avery Dennison also see the development of UHF RFID as a key technology of the future. Impinj emphasizes that UHF RFID goes beyond pure logistics applications and will increasingly be used for consumer applications in the future. Zebra Technologies also sees an increasing demand for RFID-enabled mobile devices to optimize real-time inventory management.
However, a crucial point is the range: while Qualcomm assumes up to 120 cm, other manufacturers state that in practice many environmental factors could limit this performance. Avery Dennison emphasizes that integration into smartphones remains challenging due to smaller antennas and power supplies, but at the same time could mean a revolution in the way consumers interact with products.
Outlook: UHF RFID in industry and for end customers
The further development of RFID-capable handheld devices and their increasing prevalence in smartphones are paving the way for new applications. While industrial devices will continue to require long ranges, compact, multifunctional readers could be developed for retail and end customers.
Possible scenarios range from personalized product recommendations via smartphone to smart self-checkout systems. The increasing production of RAIN RFID chips – over 4 trillion were produced in 2023 alone – demonstrates the enormous potential of this technology.
Conclusion
The integration of UHF RFID into smartphones represents a significant milestone in the development of RFID technology. It not only enables more efficient logistics and inventory management, but also innovative applications for end customers. With further technological development and standardization, UHF RFID could establish itself as an essential part of everyday digital life in the coming years.
Classification in the German security landscape
The integration of UHF RFID in smartphones raises security-related questions in Germany. Data protection and IT security are key issues here, particularly with regard to the protection of sensitive customer data. The Federal Network Agency and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) play a crucial role in the regulation and standardization of the technology.
One important aspect is preventing unauthorized access to RFID tags, for example by using encrypted authentication or temporarily deactivating tags after purchase. In addition, clear legal regulations for the use of RFID in retail and for data processing could ensure greater transparency and trust.
With the right balance between innovation and security, Germany could play a pioneering role in the secure implementation of UHF RFID technology.
