Japan Airlines announces new low-cost RFID system

Japan Airlines announces new low-cost RFID system Japan Airlines and Nihon Unisys Ltd. said Tuesday that the two firms have developed a low-cost system that uses radio frequency identification tags to facilitate loading and weight information storage of airborne cargo.
   A device reads information from RFID tags attached to each cargo container, while the container's weight is measured by a forklift. The data from the RFID tags and the weight information are then stored on JAL's computer server and are used to decide how the cargo should be loaded onto airplanes.
   The RFID tags used in the new system cost just under $7 apiece because they do not require batteries, far cheaper than the $67 price for a conventional tag with an embedded battery.
   The new system allows data to be stored on JAL's server in Tokyo, where the old system required special servers to be installed at airports and limited its use to major airports.
   JAL has already started operating the new system at 13 airports across Japan, it said.