With the increasing application of RFID technology in daily life, in recent years, some technology companies have combined RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology with drones to improve their intelligence. UAV delivery has become a trend, and Amazon and SF Express are all doing tests. In addition to delivery, drones also play a role in many applications. The integration of RFID technology enables drones to read data during flight.

The California Institute of Technology (CalPoly) research project found that drones using RFID readers can read tags attached to steel drills or public pipes with an accuracy of more than 95%. Oilfields usually need to store thousands of pipe fittings (steel pipes used in drilling operations). These pipe fittings are stored in different areas of the oilfield, so inventory management is a very time-consuming task. Using RFID technology, when the RFID reader is within the range of the RFID electronic tag, it can read.

However, in a large storage site, it is not realistic to deploy a fixed RFID reader, and it is also time-consuming to regularly use a handheld RFID reader to read. By attaching RFID electronic tags to dozens of pipe caps or pipe insulators, drones with UHF RFID readers can usually read passive UHF RFID electronic tags at a distance of about 12 feet. This solution not only solves the errors that are prone to manual management, but also greatly improves work efficiency. However, in large storage areas, a dedicated person needs to be arranged to "look after" the drone so that the battery can be replaced in time.

The MIT research team has achieved more convenient inventory search by combining RFID technology and drones. Compared with bar codes, the information contained on RFID electronic tags can be more widely and easily changed, and it is also cheaper.

UAVs equipped with RFID card readers can replace inventory staff and complete work faster with less trouble. A person needs a ladder or elevator to enter the tall box, which can be easily reached by a drone. The drone can be programmed to independently navigate the space, and they perform large-scale repetitive tasks more accurately and efficiently than manual management better.

By equipping the drone with a tiny relay, it acts like a Wi-Fi repeater. The drone receives the signal sent from the remote RFID reader, and then forwards it to read nearby RFID electronic tags. Because the relay is small, it means that a smaller drone can be used, plastic parts can be used, and it can be adapted to a narrow space without causing the risk of personal injury. This not only reduces the configuration of additional RFID readers, but also allows Small drones do the same job as large drones.

The combination of RFID technology and drones can manage inventory and coordinate the supply chain, benefiting from the deployment of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) in the warehouse. RFID drones help staff improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, optimize inventory levels, and track assets.