• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Printed Electronics
    • Raw Materials
    • Equipment
    • Services
    • Suppliers Guide
    • Resources
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Printed Electronics
  • Raw Materials
  • Equipment
  • Services
  • Suppliers Guide
  • Resources
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Breaking News
    Experts Opinion
    Financial News
    Manufacturers News
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Online Exclusives
    Personnel
    Product Releases
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Displays and Lighting
    Photovoltaics
    Printed Batteries
    Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
    Flexible and Printed Electronics
    RFID and NFC
    Sensors and Wearables
    Smart Cards and Packaging
    Touch Screens
    Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
    Chemicals, Metals and Powders
    Conductive Inks and Coatings
    Electronic Materials
    Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
    Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
    Nanomaterials
    Printed Electronic Components
    Research Reports
    Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    Energy Curing Equipment
    Lab and Testing Equipment
    Manufacturing Equipment
    Printing Equipment
    3D Printing
    Contract Manufacturing Services
    Product Design and Testing
    Research and Consulting
    Research Institutions
    Research Reports
    Universities
    Equipment
    All Companies
    Materials
    Categories
    Converting
    Printed Electronics Systems
    Associations
    Research and Services
    Used Machinery
    Add New Company
    Industry Events
    Live from show events
    Podcasts
    Videos
    Blogs
    Slideshows
    Infographics
    Webinars
    Whitepapers
    Equipment and Services
    Glossary
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Suppliers Guide
      • Suppliers Guide
      • Add Your Company
    • Printed Electronics
      • Photovoltaics
      • Printed Batteries
      • Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
      • Flexible and Printed Electronics
      • RFID and NFC
      • Sensors and Wearables
      • Smart Cards and Packaging
      • Touch Screens
    • Raw Materials
      • Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
      • Chemicals, Metals and Powders
      • Conductive Inks and Coatings
      • Electronic Materials
      • Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
      • Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
      • Nanomaterials
      • Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    • Equipment
      • Energy Curing Equipment
      • Lab and Testing Equipment
      • Manufacturing Equipment
      • Printing Equipment
      • 3D Printing
    • Services
      • Contract Manufacturing Services
      • Product Design and Testing
      • Research and Consulting
      • Research Institutions
      • Research Reports
      • Universities
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from show events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Powercast Utilizes RFID for Its Temperature Scanning System

    Award-winning system includes a wirelessly-powered temperature-scanning fob, an RFID reader and a TV monitor.

    Powercast Utilizes RFID for Its Temperature Scanning System
    Powercast’s RFID Temperature Scanning System. (Source: Powercast)
    David Savastano, Editor01.20.21

    The COVID-19 pandemic led to a lot of changes in our daily lives, and technology is playing role in these changes. Powercast, a leader in RF technology, found that its RFID technology is ideal for scanning temperatures of its employees as they entered work, and now the RFID Temperature Scanning System is drawing notice as well as commercial interest.

     

    The Temperature Scanning System is made up of a wirelessly-powered temperature-scanning fob, an RFID reader and a TV monitor. Each employee receives a personalized fob that is designed to fit onto their keychain. When held near an RFID reader, the fob charges, and employees scan their own forehead. Their temperature appears on the monitor, allowing them to enter the building.

     

    Powercast highlighted the technology at the virtual CES 2021, and was honored with 2021 BIG Innovation Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group.

     

    Dr. Charles Greene, COO and CTO of Powercast, noted that the pandemic was the driving force for the development of the RFID Temperature Scanning System.

     

    “When the pandemic hit, we joined the rest of the world in transitioning to remote working,” Dr. Greene said. “As employees began to return to the office, IR thermometers were placed at each entryway, disposable masks and hand sanitizer were made readily available, and a shared company calendar monitored how many people were in the building at any given time.”

     

    Like many other businesses, Powercast kept a handheld IR thermometer at the front door for entrants to use to check and record their temperature before entering the building. The issue was, however, that both the handheld scanner and the pen were high touch areas.

     

    “Sanitizing before and after use was effective, but we knew we could do better,” Dr. Greene continued. “Out of both innovation and necessity, our talented team of engineers designed a system utilizing the building’s existing RFID infrastructure and our wireless power technology together to keep our employees safe. We were able to eliminate the common touchpoints and keep a digital record of building entrants for contact tracing purposes.”

     

    As Dr. Greene noted, many educational facilities, offices and other large campuses have RFID readers at entryways for building access control. Powercast’s COVID-19 Temperature Tracking System utilizes those existing scan-in points to enable battery-free temperature readings that act as another layer in safe building access control.

     

    “Common touchpoints and closely shared indoor spaces are two of the leading factors that contribute to the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Greene said. “While handheld thermometers provide a way to check temperature upon entering a building, shared devices are to be eliminated wherever possible. Additionally, the time it takes for each employee to take and record their temperatures can cause bottlenecking in entryways and common areas – another behavior to be avoided.

     

    “Powercast’s personal scanners eliminate both of these issues and encourage quick, individualized health screenings that permit or deny entry without the need for a third party monitoring whether or not entrants are obeying policy,” he added.

     

    When moving throughout a facility, other RFID readers placed throughout the building are able to capture location data for each scanner device. This location data is stored and can be used for contact tracing purposes. Utilizing the uniquely identified fob devices for contact tracing allows users to maintain the security of their personal information while still participating in a vitally important virus mitigation process.

     

    Cost is also key.

     

    “Most importantly, the devices are relatively low cost – each personal unit employs only a small IR temperature sensor, LED, RFID chip, and Powercast’s Powerharvester technology,” said Dr. Greene. “The device functions with existing RFID access control systems, lessening the need for additional infrastructure investment and making the system easily accessible to companies of all sizes.”

     

    Dr. Greene observed that there were some challenges, the Powercast’s RFID team overcame them quickly. The first issue Powerceast encountered was with unique device identification.

     

    “If there was more than one person/device near the scan-in location at a time (i.e. two people in the lobby area queuing to scan in), the software would attempt to retrieve data (i.e. a temperature) from whichever tag was seen by the reader first,” he pointed out. “So, when there was a person attempting to scan in, the reader would occasionally try to retrieve data from another fob that was six or more feet away, which of course was problematic. To solve this, our firmware engineer implemented an RSSI threshold to identify which of the fobs is closest to the reader antenna. If there is more than one tag in the scan area, the reader will only interrogate the tag with the highest RSSI value.

     

    “Setting up the system beyond that was relatively simple, but did require training sessions with employees,” Dr. Greene added. “Different from traditional RFID access points, our temperature scanning system requires the user to briefly hold the fob near the reader. This pause allows our power harvesting technology to convert the RF energy from the reader to DC power, charging a small capacitor that powers the embedded temperature sensor. Once our employees practiced a few times allowing the fob to charge, the system was able to be launched to keep our Pittsburgh, PA facility safer.”

     

    Powercast has been deploying wireless power solutions for more than 15 years, so the power harvesting technology came easy for them.

     

    “Our temperature monitoring system is an extension to our PCT product line of wirelessly powered sensors, and is a great fit for the high functionality RFID space,” Dr. Greene said. “Our technology also powers small sensors, LEDs, small radio modules, charges batteries, and more. Other applications include our Wireless Charging Grip for Nintendo Joy-Con controllers, our battery-free RFID sensing tags, British Airways’ TAG, and SportCor’s SmartBall, to name a few.”

     

    Dr. Greene said that the RFID Temperature Scanning System has proved to be a success.

     

    “The system is deployed in Powercast’s Pittsburgh, PA facility and has taken over 900 individual temperature readings to date,” he noted. “Thankfully, no employees have yet been denied entry due to a high temperature. If there were an instance of a potentially sick employee, a screen in the lobby area of the building would alert the user that their temperature is too high and that they should return home and alert HR.

     

    “Other available temperature scanning devices employ batteries to function, while Powercast’s system does not,” Dr. Greene added. “This solves two pressing issues – battery waste and dead batteries. Employing a solution that utilizes wireless energy as its primary power source eliminates the need for replaceable batteries, which could otherwise end up in a landfill.

     

    “The lack of battery also means that there is no worry about the fob not being able to function due to a dead battery – as long as the user is at an entry point, the device will be operational. Once the user leaves the entryway and moves throughout the facility, other RFID infrastructure can track the location of the fob devices for contact tracing purposes.”

     

    Since the RFID Temperature Scanning System worked well for Powercast, the next step is commercialization.

     

    “Powercast has productized the system and has deployed it at their Pittsburgh, PA facility. We are actively talking with partners to deploy this system, and offer customization to fit each partners’ needs. Use-case data from Powercast’s own internal deployment use can be applied as an illustration of the scalability and trustworthiness of the system as we begin to shape the post-COVID-19 world,” Dr. Greene observed.

     


    Suggested For You
    RFID Journal Live! 2023 RFID Journal Live! 2023
    CES 2024 CES 2024
    Jabil’s May Yap Awarded 2021 CIO of the Year by IDC Singapore Jabil’s May Yap Awarded 2021 CIO of the Year by IDC Singapore
    Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx
    The 2021 Conductive Ink Market The 2021 Conductive Ink Market
    RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT
    Sustainability and the Flexible and Printed Electronics Industry Sustainability and the Flexible and Printed Electronics Industry
    SEMI: North American Semiconductor Equipment Posts $3.65 Billion in Billings in August 2021 SEMI: North American Semiconductor Equipment Posts $3.65 Billion in Billings in August 2021
    Sensirion Opens New Sensor Production Site in Hungary Sensirion Opens New Sensor Production Site in Hungary
    Jabil Board of Directors Appoints CEO Mark Mondello as Chairman of the Board Jabil Board of Directors Appoints CEO Mark Mondello as Chairman of the Board
    Sensirion Acquires Machine Diagnostics Start-up AiSight Sensirion Acquires Machine Diagnostics Start-up AiSight
    Sogegross Group Increases Productivity with Zebra Technologies Sogegross Group Increases Productivity with Zebra Technologies
    Flex Receives Third Consecutive European Lenovo Logistics Excellence Award Flex Receives Third Consecutive European Lenovo Logistics Excellence Award
    JOLED Display Adopted for Newly-Announced ASUS OLED Monitor for HDR Content Creators JOLED Display Adopted for Newly-Announced ASUS OLED Monitor for HDR Content Creators
    ams OSRAM to Showcase Sensor Portfolio at Sensors Converge 2021 ams OSRAM to Showcase Sensor Portfolio at Sensors Converge 2021

    Related Industry Events

    • RFID and NFC

      RFID Journal Live! 2023

      ...
      03.09.23

    • CES 2024

      ...
      01.21.23

    • Breaking News | Contract Manufacturing/Printing | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Personnel
      Jabil’s May Yap Awarded 2021 CIO of the Year by IDC Singapore

      Jabil’s May Yap Awarded 2021 CIO of the Year by IDC Singapore

      Award recognizes her exemplary work in digital transformation.
      09.23.21


    • Manufacturers News | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Research Reports | Suppliers News
      Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx

      Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx

      Among other applications, IME is an efficient approach to making curved touch-sensitive interfaces.
      IDTechEx 09.22.21

    • Conductive Inks and Coatings | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Manufacturers News | Photovoltaics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Sensors and Wearables | Smart Cards and Packaging | Suppliers News
      The 2021 Conductive Ink Market

      The 2021 Conductive Ink Market

      The conductive ink industry is growing with new applications on the horizon, but silver prices remain a concern.
      David Savastano, Editor 09.22.21

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Trending
    • Onsemi Presents Path To Accelerate Revenue Growth
    • Printed Electronics Now Interview: Francisco Melo Of Avery Dennison
    • Japan Display To Acquire JOLED OLED Business
    • HID Unveils Eco-friendly Bamboo Access Cards
    • Ambiq Receives 2023 Bronze Stevie Award
    Breaking News
    • DIC Acquires Photoresist Polymers Manufacturer PCAS Canada
    • Arkema Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
    • Vitesco Technologies, onsemi Sign SiC Long-Term Supply Agreement
    • Ambiq Receives 2023 Bronze Stevie Award
    • onsemi Presents Path to Accelerate Revenue Growth
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Winter 2021

    • Printed Electronics Now’s International Suppliers’ Directory
    • The Automotive Market and Flexible and Printed Electronics
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics in Healthcare
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics Make Gains in Smart Packaging
    • PAPERONICS: Low-cost multisensory paper and packaging applications
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, Selected to Lead NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing
    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Teal and Mackrill Director Geoff Mackrill Honored by BCF
    Evonik's TEGO Airex 923 Wins 2023 Ringier Technology Innovation Award
    120 Years HOFFMANN MINERAL - Success Through Innovation and Responsibility
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    LifeQ Unveils New 24-Hour Sleep Solution
    Babson Diagnostics Welcomes New Clinical Advisor, Andrew Carroll
    EvoEndo Names CEO and Chief Operating Officer
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    WuXi Increases Manufacturing Capacity in Germany
    Sterling Joins Partnership to Advance AI Flow Chemistry Techniques
    MilliporeSigma Invests €35M in Biosafety Testing in Scotland
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    L'Oréal North Asia President Discusses China's Consumer Sector Recovery & Premium Beauty Trends
    Kiehl’s Celebrates Pride by Supporting The Trevor Project
    L’Oréal & UNESCO Announce 2023 Laureates of the For Women in Science International Awards
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Beauty & Wellness Brand Veracity Hires Chief Hormone Officer
    Skincare Brand Three Ships Beauty Expands Retail Partnership With Whole Foods
    Uoma Beauty Founder and CEO Sharon Chuter Steps Down
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    WestRock Advances its Commitment to a Sustainable Future
    Roland DGA Announces Key Service Department Personnel Changes
    The 2023 CPIPC Golf Outing is Teeing Off on June 21
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Appvion announces new, sustainable coatings for label facestocks
    Epson teams with 5 Gyres Institute to battle plastic pollution
    Maxcess opens new facility in India
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Harper Hygienics Launches Hemp-Based Intimate Care Wipes
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Biodiapers Signs Agreement with Sicam
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Augmedics Debuts New Features, Indications for xvision Platform
    Artelon Closes $20M Series B Funding
    Orthofix Unveils Seven-Year Outcome Data for M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    DIC Acquires Photoresist Polymers Manufacturer PCAS Canada
    Arkema Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
    Vitesco Technologies, onsemi Sign SiC Long-Term Supply Agreement

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login