A Primer On The Internet of

Things & RFID

What is the Internet of Things?
Companies and organizations explain the Internet of Things in various ways, but the
Internet of Things, or IoT, is most commonly described as an ecosystem of technologies
monitoring the status of physical objects, capturing meaningful data, and communicating
that information through IP networks to software applications. The recurring themes in all
definitions of the Internet of Things include smart objects, machine to machine
communication, RF technologies, and a central hub of information.
Since Kevin Ashton first coined the phrase in 1999, the definition of IoT has evolved over
the years. Initially, it was used to describe the limitations in the relationship between the
internet, computers, and the physical world. Ashton was describing how nearly all the data
available on the internet originated from a human. With available and emerging
technologies, Ashton believed information about things need not be dependent on a manual
interaction; it could be an automated process.
UPDATE 1: On January 2014, Google announced they were acquiring Nest for a
whopping $3.2 billion in cash. Thats a ringing endorsement for the internet of things
movement. Google already dabbles in driverless cars and personal robots, so with the Nest
acquisition, they are bringing a wealth of automation and product talent under the Google
umbrella. Larry Page, CEO of Google, envisions a future where the Star Trek computer is
a reality, and he obviously wants Google to be the central nervous system powering our
smart products.
UPDATE 2: In April 2014, Zebra Technologies purchased Motorolas enterprise business
for $3.45 billion. Thats a very bullish stance on the internet of things, especially in the
enterprise industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and retail, among
others. Zebra is mostly known for their barcoding and RFID printers, but in recent years,
they have been venturing into the internet of things with their Zatar platform, which is
billed as a social network for enterprise devices. With the Motorola acquisition, Zebra will
now offer a full suite of mobile RFID devices bringing the internet of everything to the
modern workplace.
Update 3: On June 02, 2014, Apple unveiled HomeKit at WWDC, their annual developers
conference. HomeKit is an API feature for iOS that allows users to control smart devices
with their iPhone. Apples platform-first strategy is an interesting approach to joining the
internet of things and smart home market. However, it gives third-party developers
simple tools to integrate the iPhone with home automation devices currently on the market.
Technologies used with IoT
The Internet of Things requires a few necessary components to enable communication
between devices and objects. Objects need to be augmented with an Auto-ID technology,
typically an RFID tag, so that the object is uniquely identifiable. Also, an RFID tag allows
the the object to wirelessly communicate certain types of information, which leads us to
another requirement the ability to monitor data.

Example of embeddable RFID tags
Truly smart objects will be embedded with both an RFID tag and a sensor to measure data.
The sensor may capture fluctuations in the surrounding temperature, changes in quantity, or
other types of information.
As mentioned previously, wireless communication is an important feature. While wired
communication doesnt preclude an object from being part of the Internet of things, it does
limit that objects range of motion and general usefulness. As the the smart object reports
data, the information travels over IP networks to a central database which stores and sorts
the data into a human-readable format.
Why do we need the IoT?
With objects reporting data in real-time, users have the ability to make quicker, more
accurate decisions. In the supply chain, managers will be able to monitor the status of
shipments like a crate filled with fruit. With sensors, RFID tags, and RFID readers, the
manager sees in real-time the exact location of the crate inside the warehouse, the fruits
point of origin, days until expiration, and temperature.
A visible, transparent process improves efficiency, reduces waste, and allows traceability.
If a shipment is determined to be unsuitable for consumption due to disease or other
circumstances, the source or cause of the defection will quickly be discovered because of
the great wealth of information available.
Examples of IoT & RFID
Internet of Things proponents point toward the interconnected home as the ultimate
application, or killer app if it were. Home automation is a growing industry, yet still leans
toward the hobbyist and not the everyday consumer. Products like Nest, a smart thermostat
which adapts to the users preferences, are introducing the concept of home automation to
the general public.

Nest Thermostat & iPhone app
With objects tagged with RFID or NFC chips and paired with an Internet of Things
application, consumers can improve their everyday well being and even save time and
money in the long run. A grocery list could be automatically populated as produce nears its
expiration date or nears complete consumption. An accurate, real-time list reduces waste as
the consumer doesnt purchase unnecessary items which leads to an overabundance of
items with nearing expiration dates.

Courtesy of Cisco & Beecham Research
IoT has many applications in healthcare as well. Smart prescription drug bottles and cases
could send reminders to the consumer promoting prescription adherence. In a nursing
home, wearable patient monitors could update in real-time the electronic records stored on
a doctors secured tablet. Accurate, automated, and real-time information is a key feature of
IoT applications.
Whats driving IoT & RFID?
The adoption of RFID and other similar technologies is spurring innovation and the
development of the Internet of Things. IP networks are commonplace throughout
households, offices, warehouses, parks, and many other places. Industry and government
mandates are regulating technologies leading to accepted standards across industries
allowing for interoperability among devices. Additionally, the cost and size of devices
continues decreasing which allows companies to embed smaller, common items with RFID
chips and sensors.
Sources: Kevin Ashton, Rob Van Kranenburg, Zebra Technologies
Have you experimented with the internet of things or do-it-yourself home automation
projects? Share your experiences in the comments below.
FILED UNDER: RFID INFORMATION

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About James Thrasher
James is a contributor to RFIDinsider and the Digital Marketing Manager for atlasRFIDstore. When he's
not following the latest news in tech, James is probably watching a basketball game. He currently resides
in Birmingham, AL with his wife.
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