What is RFID?
RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification and involves the wireless transfer of information using small micro-chips and an antenna. The chip part acts as an identifier so that when it’s scanned, the unique information associated with it can be accessed.
Unlike similar technology such as bar codes or QR codes, RFID tags have a much higher ‘read range’. Passive tags on a low frequency (those which do not have their own power source connected – such as Noodle Live’s RFID smart badges can be read easily within a few centimetres with no need to align them perfectly as you will have struggled with the self checkout machines in busy supermarkets! Use a high, or even ultra-high, frequency RFID and the read range can reach up to tens of metres.
You may be mistaken for thinking that RFID is a new technology, but it’s been around for about 50 years. It’s simply the teaming of it with modern technology and devices that have given it a new lease of life.
What is RFID used for?
You may have already used RFID in your daily life and not even been aware of it. Passive RFID tags, such as the ones used in Noodle Live’s RFID smart badges, can be slipped between two sheets of paper to create stickers which you may have encountered in library books, or on expensive joints of meat in a supermarket to set off an alarm when read by scanners at the exit. The same tags are commonly used in warehouses and factories to track objects as they arrive and leave certain areas of the building.
On the London public transport system, Oyster cards have utilised RFID for several years now as a form of payment, and within the last few years contactless payment credit and debit cards with an embedded RFID chip have become commonplace on all newly issued cards.
Why use RFID for events?
So you may now be wondering how you can utilise RFID at your event, conference or exhibition. There are many uses, and not just for tracking objects or paying for things. At Noodle Live, we specialise in using RFID technology embedded in delegate badges or wristbands to create a seamless experience for attendees. We primarily use RFID at events to collect, store and share information.
We can use it in the following ways:
- Instant content collection
- Personalised information points
- Check in & access control
- Unique sponsorship opportunities
- Social media amplification
- Data & lead capture
Using RFID at events helps to make systems more efficient, greener and what we care about at Noodle Live – more fun!
So if you’d like a demo of our RFID system in action, give us a shout, we’d show off our event tech box of tricks!
