Innovative passive BLE technology as an alternative to UHF RFID: Preliminary lab performance test results for main use cases

In recent years, an innovative passive Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, namely Wiliot technology, has emerged as an alternative to passive UHF RFID. This paper proposes an experimental campaign aimed at measuring and evaluating the performance of Wiliot technology, when applied to typical use cases of passive UHF RFID technology. In particular, 9 laboratory tests were conducted to assess read distances, temperature tests, inventory accuracy, and tracking. The results provide interesting feedback, especially regarding reading distances, inventory accuracy, and temperature, suggesting that Wiliot technology could be successfully utilized in these use cases. The tracking tests, however, revealed some limitations, primarily due to the requirement for the tag to remain stationary in front of the bridge for at least 10-15 seconds to obtain consistent results. Although the number of tests conducted is limited, they represent a first experience with the targeted technology, and the results can be useful to both researchers and practitioners. The former can find suggestions for further tests to enhance the technology and its potential use in real operating environments, while the latter can derive suggestions for possible practical implementations.