When it comes to the utilization of RFID, aspects such as precision, resilience, etc.—and smart solutions—are crucial. Now, what happens when those properties are tested under extreme conditions? Exactly that is what Schreiner Group’s research and development department has found out. With a specially developed demonstrator it impressively shows the resilience of the company’s proprietary Robust RFID technology—unconditionally, reliably, and impressively.

Everything started with a simple but crucial question: How can the resilience and functionality of the Robust RFID chips be demonstrated vividly and understandably? “Our customers expect absolute reliability even under harsh conditions. We wanted to make that tangible in a new way,” said Johannes Becker, Head of the Schreiner LogiData competence center. In contrast to the typical in-house quality inspections, a mobile test setup was to be created this time—specifically developed for use at the LogiMAT logistics trade show.

The first stage of the project was an investigation of physical feasibility: what weight can be dropped on the label from what height to effectively demonstrate the protective effect of the technology? “The next stage was focused on the general conditions: what size may the design have? And how can the test be designed to be reliable and reproducible?” added the director of the Services competence center, Michael Reineke. The solution: a simple setup consisting of a drop tower, base plate, and weight. Designed on a computer, the prototype created by the Schreiner Services competence center ultimately took shape.

A Design for Extreme Situations

The demonstrator is somewhat reminiscent of a mini guillotine: The mechanism is activated by pulling a string. Operating a lever activates a mechanism that causes a weight to fall on the RFID chip from a defined height. Subsequently, the chip is read to check the function. Of course, the demonstrator is designed to ensure that no-one is injured by the test setup–which is an important aspect for using it at trade shows or on customers’ premises. The setup is handy, robust, and, above all, safe.

Compact but Effective

With a height of just under one meter and a weight of roughly ten kilograms, the demonstrator is compact but impressive. It stands not only for the robustness of RFID technology but also for the cross-functional collaboration at Schreiner Group. And what about the “free fall”? That’s far more than just a test because it impressively shows that reliability and resilience aren’t mere marketing promises but a commitment to living technology.