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McMaster opens RFID lab
Hamilton—McMaster University has established a dedicated RFID (radio frequency identification) research and development lab, in conjunction with key industry stakeholders.
Called the McMaster RFID Applications Lab (MRAL), the initiative is supported by EPCglobal Canada, Hewlett-Packard, IPICO, Deloitte, Sun Microsystems, LRNI, RF Code and Ontario Centres of Excellence.
The lab is the only one of its kind in Canada, and will provide a hub for applications-oriented RFID research and development between academia and industry. It will focus on the technology, social policy, commercialization and business process behind RFID, according to McMaster.
"RFID has tremendous growth potential and if Canada is going to reap the benefits, it needs to innovate at home and attract talent here," said Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president of research and international affairs at McMaster.
"This lab provides the opportunity to conduct much needed forefront research and to support an emergent technology and its applications."
The lab was announced at the RFID Journal Live! conference in Toronto November 9. The lab is currently working on a pilot project with Hamilton Health Sciences to develop an equipment management system.
"Locating and determining the availability of equipment in large hospitals to ensure they are fully utilized is a challenge," said William MacLeod, vice-president of research and corporate development with Hamilton Health Sciences. "MRAL is helping us develop a centralized tracking system that will lead to improved patient care, greater efficiency and cost savings."
McMaster is also collaborating with private and public sector organizations to provide research services, oversee proof-of-concept facilities, and to train students and professionals on RFID.
The technology is poised for substantial growth. The total value of the global RFID market, including systems and services, will grow from US $2.71 billion in 2006, to $26.3 billion in 2016, according to research firm IDTechEx (Cambridge, UK). It's being adopted in supply chain management, manufacturing, retail, financial services and public health.
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