RuBee: applying low‐frequency technology for retail and medical uses

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore RuBee, which is a new form of automatic identification technology that can complement many of the new developments for the use of radio frequency identification (RFID). This is a timely piece, which examines the technology behind RuBee and the uses of this new identification tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This technology is explored through a review of the available information on RuBee, examining the emerging standards for the technology from the The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Findings

Through the use of magnetic energy for communications, RuBee provides superior reading capabilities vs RFID in environments involving metal and water. RuBee also provides many of the advantages found in active RFID, with unlimited life span and far lower costs.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study center on the fact that RuBee is an emerging technology and while the IEEE will be providing a standards framework, much work remains to be done to see how the technology will be applied in appropriate and cost‐effective ways.

Practical implications

This paper will allow executives as well as technologists to examine RuBee as both an alternative and a complement to RFID technology for use in myriad settings.

Originality/value

This article will be of value to both practitioners and academicians in several fields, including retail and health care management as these people consider RuBee, RFID and other automatic identification technologies as a means of providing solutions to business problems and return on investment from technological applications.

Citation

Wyld, D.C. (2008), "RuBee: applying low‐frequency technology for retail and medical uses", Management Research News, Vol. 31 No. 7, pp. 549-554. https://doi.org/10.1108/01409170810876107