Disney boasts new, superfast RFID technology

Disney Research teamed up with Carnegie Mellon University to develop a new RFID technology that can effectively turn everyday objects into “connected” devices for little money. RFID tags are known for being a cheap way of keeping track of things like luggage, as the tags don't require any power to work. However, these usually take up to two seconds to work. The new system called RapID can recognize movement in 200 milliseconds.

Disney might be looking to use this technology in various interactive products for kids like board games or storybooks with added digital components. A demonstration video shows RapID being used to digitally display moves in a Tic-tac-toe board game. Another part of the video shows it being used to play Pong. There is still a little bit of a delay, making movements on the screen not quite smooth, but it's impressive considering this is being done using RFID tags.

This technology need not only be used for games, though. Disney theme parks already use RFID to control admittance. There could be more interest in using this technology for security, as well. Some industries, such as hospitality, already want to boost the use of biometrics to better control identification and access. This kind of RFID technology could also prove useful in tracking employees within certain secure facilities. China manufacturers already make security-focused RFID products.