Radio frequency identification will one day replace barcodes, allowing customers to pay for items without removing them from their shopping carts. This is but one of the RFID applications that will change the world of things.
Today, the University of Pittsburgh is announcing the creation of a Radio Frequency Identification Center of Excellence, which will enable the University to expand its powerful capabilities in the RFID field and remain a leader in directing RFID research. Pitt's RFID research program is one of the top programs in the world. The center will be directed by Professor Marlin H. Mickle.
"The RFID Center will be a powerhouse of creativity and technological innovation that should lead to significant improvements in the economy and simplify the lives of consumers," said Engineering Dean Gerald D. Holder.
"We're confident that this center will take us the final mile down the road to the widespread use of RFID technology in business and industry," said Mickle. "It's not an overstatement to say that when the University of Pittsburgh perfects the technology, we may play a role in changing how the world does business."
The RFID Center will be hosted in the John A. Swanson Institute for Technical Excellence in the University's School of Engineering, which comprises the John A. Swanson Center for Micro and Nano Systems (SCMNS) and the John A. Swanson Center for Product Innovation (SCPI). A collaboration between School of Engineering researchers and industry partners, SCMNS offers opportunities for companies to work with faculty in developing intellectual property, while the SCPI gives companies access to the University's state-of-the-art product development technology through the consulting services of its students, faculty, and staff.