Abstract Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is an emerging technology, which promises to advance the modern industrial practices in object identification and tracking, asset management and inventory control. This technology is being evaluated and implemented successfully in many manufacturing and distribution environments, retail stores and defense installations. The scope of RFID is rapidly shifting from tracking objects (present or absent) to monitoring the condition (where and how) of engineering systems. The integration of sensors with RF tags (Smart Sensors) enables RFID technology to gather and process sensor data in addition to identifying and tracking the object. The deeper ramification of such RFID systems for monitoring manufacturing systems remains largely unexplored and untapped. The focus of the presentation will be to present the results of our in-depth review of the current and emerging technologies and applications based on RFID and Smart sensors for depot support and logistics environments and for machine condition monitoring.

Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) Radio-Frequency identification (RFID) is generic term for technologies which use RF waves to identify, track or categorize any object RFID is fast, reliable, and does not require physical sight or contact between reader and the tagged object

RFID System Components Tags (Transponders) Attached to the object to be identified, stores information (unique code) about object and sends this information back to reader when receives appropriate frequency signals Reader/Interrogator Reader sends signals of appropriate frequency and facilitates data transfer Antenna Antenna radiates the RF signal to, and receives signal from the transponder Interface This unit interfaces the reader to an intelligent device / controller Host/Controller (PC/Laptop) Computer with suitable software controls RFID readers

How system works? Controller activates RFID reader to send RF signals Reader sends the signal of appropriate frequency (LF,HF,UHF,MW) Tag receives and modifies the signal Tag sends modified signals back through tag antenna Reader antenna receives the modified signal and reader decodes it Controller analyzes the results

RFID and Smart Sensors Sensors can be integrated with RF tags (Smart Sensors) and sensor data can be communicated using RF waves This enables RFID systems to gather and process sensor data in addition to identifying and tracking object Applications: Machine Health Monitoring, Fluid Composition Detection.

Applications in Depot Support Environment Warehouse Vehicle Inspection Material request sent to the warehouse and material retrieved as per history sheet Vehicle brought to maintenance shop Vehicle history sheet retrieved Vehicle tag detected by readers mounted in the gates Benefits Automatic Operation ERP System Shop Time Management Quality Management Vehicle sent to appropriate machines and database updated after each operation Appropriate technician informed as per schedule via mobile communication Operation Sequencing and Scheduling done as per availability of machines Poka - Yoke Material Management

Applications in Logistics Warehouse Supplier Site Transit Parts recognized and database updated at warehouse gate Mode of transit tracked at every designated halt by Through satellite communication Parts properly tagged at supplier site and inventory database updated Benefits Real Time Inventory Tracking Parts grouped and stored in the ASRS Eliminating Inventory Shrinkage Request sent to ASRS Cycle time Reduction Readers mounted on forklift trace and track the parts out of the warehouse to appropriate shop Information Visibility ERP System Delay Reduction

Applications in Monitoring Health of Machines DEPARTMENT OF MACHINE MAINTENANCE Lubrication & Coolant Tool Engineering Tribology Metrology The database sorts data & sends to appropriate department Benefits MACHINE CONDITION MONITORING DATABASE Reduction in response time Lubricant level Table alignment Tool wear Bearing condition Quality management Reduction of scrap Predictive maintenance RFID based Smart Sensors send critical information about machine parameters to the central database

Environmental Conditions Tag Selection Guide Factors affecting Tag Selection TAG / TRANSPONDER Application Read Range Form Factor Standard Compliance What is application? Short Range Long Range ISO/IEC EPC Gen 1, 2 Frequency Range Functionality Environmental Conditions Passive Active Semi Passive LF 125,134 KHz HF 13.56 MHz UHF 902-928 MHz Microwave 2.45 GHz RF friendly Vicinity of Metals & Liquids

Reader Selection Guide Factors affecting Reader Selection Reader/Interrogator Application Read Range Form Factor Standard Compliance What is application? Short Range Long Range ISO/IEC EPC Gen 1, 2 Frequency Range Functionality Environmental Conditions Passive Active Semi Passive LF 125,134 KHz HF 13.56 MHz UHF 902-928 MHz Microwave 2.45 GHz RF friendly Vicinity of Metals & Liquids

Coupling, field & applications based on frequency Short Range Applications Long Range Applications Powered by EM field Powered by Radio-waves Coupling, Field & Application Near Field Communication Far Field Communication Induction Coupling Propagation or Backscatter Coupling LF HF UHF Micro-Wave 902-928 MHz 13.56 125-134 KHz 2.45 GHz

Frequency Allocation as per region Geographical Regions Micro-Wave LF HF UHF Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 125 – 134 KHz 868-870 MHz 2.4 – 2.48 GHz 13.56 MHz 902-928 MHz 950-956 MHz Europe, Middle East, Africa, Former Soviet Union US & Canada, Pacific East of international date line Japan

Air Interface Protocol Air Interface Protocols standards over frequency range EPC Gen 1 EPC Gen 1, Gen 2 Air Interface Protocol ISO/IEC 18000-2 ISO/IEC 18000-3 ISO/IEC 18000-6 ISO/IEC 18000-4 LF HF UHF Micro-wave 125-134 KHz 13.56 MHz 902-928 MHz 2.45 GHz

Max. Possible Read Range based on frequency range

Typical applications based on frequency range Long Range Applications Applications requiring large data transfer Micro-Wave 2.45 GHz Automatic Toll Collection Systems Supply Chain Applications UHF 902-928 MHz Long Range Systems: Range>1m Dock Door Reading Asset management in Warehouse Overhead reading Smart Shelves Baggage Tracking Short Range Systems: up to 1 m Applications in vicinity of metals and liquids HF 13.56 MHz Frequency Range Animal Identification Item Level Tracking – Baggage handling Smart Shelves Short Range Systems LF 125-134 KHz Electronic Door Locking System Contact less Smart Card System POS applications Typical Applications