A groundbreaking new wireless sensor technology, developed by engineers at the University of Glasgow, is set to transform the way we track and monitor objects. This chip-free system, which eliminates the need for traditional RFID microchips, has the potential to significantly reduce electronic waste and lower costs across various industries.
Unlike conventional RFID tags, which rely on silicon-based microchips, the new sensors utilize an innovative combination of inexpensive coils and a sensing material made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and carbon fibers. These lightweight and flexible tags can absorb electromagnetic signals from a handheld reader, allowing them to function without batteries or complex electronic components.
With over 10 billion RFID tags used globally each year—many of them single-use and non-recyclable—the environmental impact of electronic waste is a growing concern. The new chipless tags offer a sustainable alternative, as they can be produced at a lower cost and disposed of more responsibly.
Dr. Mahmoud Wagih, a lecturer at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering and the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of this development: “By eliminating the need for microchips, these chipless tags could significantly reduce both cost and electronic waste compared to traditional RFID sensors.”
In addition to object identification, these sensors can monitor real-time temperature changes, making them ideal for applications in food safety, healthcare, and smart clothing. They can detect temperature variations between 20°C and 110°C, with optimal performance in the 20°C to 60°C range—critical for ensuring food freshness and medical safety.
The technology’s ability to provide immediate feedback makes it highly useful for supply chain monitoring. Future versions of these tags could also measure pH and humidity levels, further enhancing their utility in various industries.
The potential applications for these sensors extend beyond retail and logistics. They could be integrated into smart packaging to detect spoilage risks, as well as wearable health devices to monitor vital signs in real-time. The ability to read multiple tags simultaneously, even from varying distances, makes them highly adaptable for commercial use.
Co-author Dr. Benjamin King highlighted the practical advantages of this innovation: “The new technology uses cheap and widely available materials, and the tags can be manufactured using a simple, scalable process. Our hope is that these unique characteristics will drive widespread adoption and help reduce the environmental impact of RFID technology.”
Published in the journal Advanced Science, this research demonstrates a major leap toward sustainable, cost-effective electronic tagging. With further development, these chipless sensors could become the industry standard, paving the way for a future where tracking and monitoring technologies are both eco-friendly and highly efficient.