RFID Ink

Chipless RFID Ink by Somark Innovations

Somark Innovations has announced the successful testing of a Biocompatible Chipless RFID Ink on laboratory rats and cattle. The metal-free, chemically inert ink will initially be used to "tattoo" cattle, and will then be licensed to secondary markets including laboratory animals, dogs, cats, prime cuts of meat, and military personnel. Integration of the passive RFID tattoo is expected to combat the spread of Mad Cow Disease in cattle and help the track and rescue of soldiers.

The RFID ink, which can be either colored or invisible, is administered by a geometric array of micro-needles. The process takes five to 10 seconds to stamp onto the skin of an animal. Ink can be applied and read through animal hair within a range of four feet. A 15-digit identification number, as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is assigned to each animal and linked to a database that tracks where the animal has been and with who it has been in contact. The 100% biocompatible ink is an improvement to the current ear tag identification method where tags can become detached from the cattle.

As a military enhancement, the tattoo could help prevent friendly fire by distinguishing friends from foes. Visit www.somarkinnovations.com.