FKI highlights innovations in RFID technology
integrated equipment loop at the ongoing ProMat 2005 exhibit in
Chicago USA, with particular emphasis on RFID.
The company is presenting an interactive display of its RFID technology that is designed to give show attendees hands-on experience with the latest in RFID equipment, including RFID tags and scanners.
Indeed, RFID is an important component of this year's FKI Logistex ProMat exhibit. In addition to the interactive RFID demonstration, the FKI Logistex equipment display features RFID scanning technology integrated into the machine loop.
The firm is also presenting sessions at the RFID Pavilion entitled "Deploying and Managing Multiple ID Technologies in a High-Speed Distribution Environment."
RFID tags are tiny computer chips connected to miniature antennae that can be affixed to physical objects. The most commonly application of RFID contains an Electronic Product Code (EPC) with sufficient capacity to provide unique identifiers for all items produced worldwide.
When an RFID reader emits a radio signal, tags in the vicinity respond by transmitting their stored data to the reader. Passive (battery-less) RFID tags, read-range can vary from less than an inch to 20-30 feet, while active (self-powered) tags can have a much longer read range. The data is then sent to a distributed computing system involved in supply chain management or inventory control.
The development of this technology comes in response to the growing demand for RFID solutions. All food manufacturers in Europe must now comply with tough new traceability laws, and this demand has obliged food manufacturers and suppliers to find means of achieving complete control of their supply chain.
Other new supply chain innovations on display include an articulated arm robot, pick-to-light and voice-directed picking technology, the Accutronic belt-driven accumulation conveyor and the newly redesigned Accuzone accumulation conveyor.
FKI is also displaying the Condor aisle-changing crane, the S-3000CB cross-belt sorter, the S-3000E tilt-tray sorter and the UniSort Linear Belt Sorter (LBS).
"From North America to Europe to Asia, FKI Logistex is providing the very latest in automated material handling solutions to keep production lines moving and product flowing around the world," said Steve Ackerman, president, FKI Logistex North America.
"Whether it's high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, palletisers, order fulfilment systems, RFID or AS/RS, FKI Logistex offers the right mix of equipment, solutions, and real-world experience to take on the toughest material handling challenges."
