EECS News Final 1.30.indd - Electrical Engineering and Computer ...

Industry Licenses New KU-Tag to Track Assets
Among a myriad of applications, radio frequency identification (RFID) systems can track assets
in offices, warehouses, hospitals, and throughout supply
chains. Such transparency allows organizations to more
accurately and efficiently monitor their resources.
A RFID tag consists of a microchip with an antenna that
“listens” for a radio query from an electronic reader. The
tag then transmits its unique ID code and other information
contained on the microchip. Deemed the next generation
bar code, multiple tags can be scanned simultaneously over
longer distances without readers needing to “see” the tags—
advantages RFID has over traditional bar codes.
However, when RFID tags are placed on or near metal or
liquids, performance degrades to the point where tags are
no longer usable. Metals and liquids interfere with the
operation of RFID tag antennas. ITTC Research Assistant
Professor Dan Deavours developed the KU-Tag to solve
this problem. It is one of the best-performing, least costly,
and thinnest RFID systems specifically designed to work on
metal or objects containing liquid.
“The KU-Tag provides a long-needed solution to the RFID
industry,” says Toby Rush, president of Rush Tracking
Systems, an RFID systems integrator.
Two companies
licensed the KU-
Tag this spring. In
March, Container
Technology,
Dan Deavours, ITTC research assistant
professor, explains the KU-Tag that he
developed. The system is one of the
best-performing, thinnest, and least
costly radio frequency identification
(RFID) tags specifically designed to
work near metal or liquids.
Photo Courtesy of University Relations
Inc., obtained the tag to improve monitoring of its liquid
containers. The following month, Kansas City-based
Starport Technologies, LLC, bought the right to manufacture
and market the KU-Tag system. Starport recently signed a
contract to produce 30,000 tags for a Fortune 500 company.
Two prototypes of the KU-Tag are shown
above. The tags will more accurately and
efficiently monitor assets.
Photo by Megan E. Gannon
“The KU-Tag is another important tool in our expanding
range of RFID solutions,” says Jeff Nedblake, managing
partner of Starport Technologies. “ITTC researchers
found an innovative solution to address the metal/liquid
problem, which is a common problem we keep hearing from
customers.”
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