Internet of things to come

The “Internet of things” is being realized and may be in your pocket faster than your expected.. This week, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy selected the consortium to lead RFID development for mobile phone. Consisting of SK Telecom, SK C&C, Phychips, and Incheon International Airport Corp, it will develop RFID-reader smart-phones and Internet services infrastructure.

RFID technology was included in the new governmental scheme so-called “3-3-7” as a “potential items” for new growth engines. Intelligent tags have already proved benefits in supply chain management and inventorying. It is now commonly used by giant retailer Wal-Mart and CHEP, the global leader in pallet and container pooling services. Various Korean public organizations such as museums and veterinary services already have used the technology. Now experimented chip manufacturers, Korean companies are eager to move to the next stage, to service providing.

Therefore, the participation of an airport-managing company in phone application development is a natural evolution. Incheon International Airport will become a test-bed for developers to operate a new system, which bring information to the users wherever is located, through enhanced connectivity.
According to “The Internet of Things “( Lu Yan, Yan Zhang, Laurence T. Yang ; 2008 ), the technology involved has to disappear from user consciousness. One of the three key factors identified is “Pervasive networks to process and convey the contextual information where it is relevant”.

The undergoing development fits this description. The current standards for RFID chips allow less than 128KB of memory embedded in the chip, and this maximum is reached only in military-grade active chips. Average passive tags are under 1KB and contain limited information. Thus, the purpose of RFID reader inside cell phone is to include the reader device in the mobile internet network (WiBro?). It will provide additional and up-to-date information and other services. “RFID on air” will be tested to operate a new air cargo information system shared by sector’s players. The government will support $4 million to the consortium too.

Beyond industrial needs, end-customers applications are near. Incheon International Airport is a part of Incheon Free Economic Zone, a project to build a world class hub by providing state-of-the-art services. Next to Incheon International Airport, New Songdo City often described as the most ambitious ‘ubiquitous city.’ Sensors will provide information to inhabitants concerning pollutions or traffic jamming. RFID will be included in street furniture such as recycling bins.

Science-fiction? No, the city opening is in two weeks. Commercial applications for mobile phone are expected for the end of next year. Welcome in Digital Korea.