When we misplace our phones, it’s easy to ring them, but what about all our other stuff?
The Ugrokit now lets you tag your gadgets with a thin radio frequency identification (RFID) so you can find them with a sensor.
Finders like these, such as Click N’ Dig, have been available before, but they pose a problem because of the size and cost of their receivers. Traditional finders often come with bulky receivers that can be inconvenient to attach to smaller items, and their cost can add up quickly if you need to track multiple objects.
Scalability and Versatility of Ugrokit
With Ugrokit, object locating has been made more scalable. The unlimited RFID tags are thin, washable, and adhere to almost all surfaces. This makes them incredibly versatile for a wide range of applications. Carrie Requist, co-founder, hopes to see Ugrokit reach a wider audience, including researchers and students. The potential for educational use is significant, as students can use the technology for various projects and experiments, learning about RFID technology and its applications in real-world scenarios.
UGrokit’s core is the “Grok,” an orange RFID scanner that connects to a smartphone and sends out radio signals. The RFID tags can either adhere to a surface or be looped around a cable or keyring. This flexibility means you can tag almost anything, from your keys and wallet to your remote control and even your pet’s collar.
Cost and Functionality
The tags cost $1 each and use a flat antenna and a small chip. They require no electricity to keep them running, which is a significant advantage over other tracking devices that need regular battery replacements. The Grok is powered by a smartphone app, and each item has an assigned tag to it. This app not only helps you locate your items but can also keep a record of all tagged items, making it easier to manage and track multiple objects.
Each Ugrokit has a hefty price of $159 per kit when it is released. While this might seem expensive initially, the long-term benefits and the ability to track numerous items can justify the cost. For instance, businesses can use Ugrokit to manage inventory, ensuring that valuable equipment and tools are always accounted for. Similarly, households can benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can quickly locate essential items.
Now, I have just one question. What would you do if you lost your Ugrokit? This humorous yet thought-provoking question highlights the importance of keeping track of the very device designed to help you find lost items. Perhaps future iterations of Ugrokit will include a built-in tracking feature for the Grok itself, ensuring that you never lose your finder.
In conclusion, Ugrokit represents a significant advancement in the field of object tracking. Its thin, versatile, and cost-effective RFID tags, combined with the powerful Grok scanner and smartphone app, make it a compelling solution for both personal and professional use. Whether you’re a student, researcher, business owner, or just someone who frequently misplaces items, Ugrokit offers a scalable and efficient way to keep track of your belongings.
Source: Venturebeat
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