July 31, 2006
RFID Roundup #4 - Military, Government, Enivronmental Uses
A study on polar bears in Alaska, by members of the USGS (US Geological Survey) shows that some types of RFID tags can be read from as far away as 1500 feet, while the reader is in motion (in this case, a helicopter). In terms of savings, the RFID ear tags cost US$35 and the battery lasts five years. Compare this to the older satellite radio collars at US$4,000, with batteries only lasting two years. Obviously, the radio collars can be tracked at a greater distance.
While the RFID Journal article linked above does not mention it, researchers have noticed recent cases of cannibalism in polar bears in the Arctic - something that is previously undocumented.
The Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal 2007 has had a total of $17 million added for projects either directly or indirectly related toRFID. [via RFID Law Blog]
The state of Ohio has followed in the footsteps of the state of Wisconsin in barring the forced implantation of RFID chips into people.The state is, however, using RFID-enabled wristbands on state prisoners. [via RFID Blog]
Psion Teklogix has gained a US$1.8 mln contract from the DoD. [via RFID News]
The German government is considering using RFID tags for more major public events, after the success of the massive RFID trial at the FIFAWorld Cup soccer event. [via Heise Online]
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