University Times

This week Pitt announced the creation of a Radio Frequency Identification Center of Excellence.

Pitt’s radio frequency identification (RFID) research program has been called one of the top three such programs worldwide. Often billed as the next generation of bar codes, RFID technology allows customers to pay for items without removing them from their shopping carts, among many other applications.

The new center, to be housed in the School of Engineering, will be directed by Marlin H. Mickle, Nickolas A. DeCecco Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Telecommunications and Industrial Engineering at Pitt.

“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.

Initial funding will be provided by the School of Engineering, and future research support will be provided by grants and contracts from companies and governmental agencies.

Pitt RFID research industry partners include GlaxoSmithKline, Del Monte Foods; Supply Systems Inc.; HP; PPG Industries; Vocollect, Inc.; the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance; Matthews International Corp.’s marking products division; UPMC; Matrics, Inc.; Identifi Technologies Inc.; ADCUS, Inc.; Mobile Aspects, Inc.; FireFly; E-SOC, Inc., and ClearCount Medical Solutions, Inc.

NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse and the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority also have provided research support.