RFID component supplier KSW Microtec AG has announced an enhanced version of its VarioSens label. The new device features an integrated temperature sensor that enables it to track and record temperature fluctuations.

IBM has announced a partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to deploy a large RFID system at one of the company’s plants. The end-to-end tracking solution will be one of the largest RFID deployments in India and will involve infrastructure services, business consulting services and middleware solutions from IBM as part of the $2.2 million deal.

Recent sales figures released by a major supplier of gaming equipment illustrate the widespread adoption of RFID technology by casinos around the world.

Gaming Partners International Corporation (GPI), a producer of casino chips and table game equipment, announced that 41% ($8.6 million) of its revenue for the first half of 2008 from worldwide chip sales were for chips with embedded RFID. This included 40% of the chip sales in the North American market and 48% of the chip sales in the gambling center of Macau. In 2004, RFID-enabled chips accounted for just 3.4% of GPI’s sales, the number was up to 26.7% in 2007.

FreedomPay, a payment management company, will begin powering stored value accounts on Precision Dynamics’ RFID-enabled wristbands now used in water parks and resorts for automated admissions, guest identification, cashless point-of-sale, keyless entry and other applications.

FreedomPay’s proprietary cashless solution enables owners to offer their guests the option of paying without cash. That also means quicker lines, streamlined reconciliations and closeouts and reduced cash handling.

Manor AG, one of the largest retailers in Switzerland, has launched an RFID-enabled tracking system at two of its distribution centers and the stores they service. The retailer expects the system to improve warehouse inventory processes, outbound shipping accuracy and inbound store receiving practices.

RFID hardware supplier iDTRONIC has announced it will showcase its new active RFID system, Active NOW, at the RFID World conference this month in Las Vegas.

The new system is designed to support a broad range of RFID applications and solutions, while being easy to integrate into existing networks. Component of the Active NOW system include a WiFi controller and range expander, as well as the 2.45 GHz Active NOW Tag Controller, which includes an antenna which provides a communications range of up to 60m. The tag controller is available in serial and WiFi versions.

The Port of Seattle has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand a program that equips trucks with RFID devices. The Truck Radio Frequency Identification project uses an RFID system that enables trucks passing through marine terminal gates to be identified without stopping, cutting congestion.

A pilot version of the project began at the port’s Terminal 18, operated by SSA Marine, in 2005. During the pilot program, 1,500 trucks belonging to 50 companies were equipped with tags connected to a central eModal database system. Trucks identified by the system are authorized to access terminals and are given expedited routing through the terminals.  

Favite, an RFID component manufacturer based in Taiwan, has announced the opening of a new production line for RFID antennas, inlays and tags. The company claims the new production facility has the capacity to produce up to 600 million components per year.

A new organization, the RFID Security Alliance (RFIDSA), has been created to drive market education and discussion about security and privacy issues surrounding the use of RFID. The group was founded by a number of companies involved in the industry and hopes to become an important resource to the community.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas are using one cutting edge technology to explore the potential benefits of another. Using a detailed virtual hospital created in Second Life, the researchers are examining the ways that RFID-enabled devices can improve health care in the real world.