In today's world, things that were once considered science fiction are now becoming the norm. Virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home are common in homes and offices around the globe. Self-driving cars are no longer just a concept, but rather a reality that is making its way onto our roads. From IoT to VR, there are many new technological advancements that we have witnessed in recent years. Smart cities are one of these fast-evolving fields and we are going to see a real case of how an RFID system can be applied to a smart city project.
A smart city is an urban center where everyone is connected through technology to make living and working there more convenient and efficient. A smart city is also a city that uses technology to improve the lives of its residents. A city may be "smart" when it has the potential to use technology to improve lives, either because its residents wish to, or because it can afford to, or a mix of both. A smart city should be more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive. It should also be resilient in which, able to withstand and recover quickly from disruptions.
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It is a technology that uses radio waves to identify items and track them in real-time. With RFID technology, it's possible to track everything from inventory to people. It allows for seamless communication between devices and people, which can reduce traffic congestion, improve public safety and security, and so much more!
Let's start with what makes up an RFID tag. An RFID tag is just an object with an integrated circuit, (RFID chip) and antennas that can be read remotely by an RFID reader. RFID readers consist of antennas that emit and receive radio signals back from tags. Simply said, the antennas transmit and receive radio signals while the chip stores data. The chips convert the data into information sent to a master database where it is stored, analyzed, and communicated to other parties if necessary. These tags can be attached to any object or product for tracking purposes, meanwhile, these readers are handheld or attached to the poles of a building, such as in toll booths.
A smart city that uses RFID for its infrastructure will help improve security, manage traffic, provide efficient and effective healthcare, and improve the overall quality of life of its residents. The technology will also help the city save money and time by reducing operational costs and increasing productivity. RFID systems are also environmentally friendly, as they use less power than other technologies such as barcode systems and can help cities reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Smart cities use smart technologies to improve the lives of the people living there. Many factors can contribute to the success of a smart city, but one of the most important is the implementation of advanced technologies. RFID technology is one of the most important components in a smart city because of its wide range of applications.
