The development of the small form factor RFID label applicator is intended to be utilized for the purpose of small free flyer applications. Alternatively with minimal repackaging of the form factor the unit can be reconfigured as an end effector on a robotic arm assembly. For an alternate use case the RFID label applicator could easily utilize non RFID labels. These labels could contain printed information to help astronauts identify items or be used for science in the sense of placing visual cues such as fiducial markers often utilized by computer vision based systems. The NASA roadmap is focuses on future human space habitats and long duration space missions which require asset tracking and labeling. The small form factor RFID applicator can satisfy these future needs.
Additional application use cases beyond NASA missions consist of commercial level shipping and receiving, and manufacturing. Many large manufacturing entities operate on Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory architecture. This model only works with extensive asset tracking infrastructure which includes a large amount of automation and robotic systems. The core unit can be reconfigured to integrate into product picking robots or facilities with dynamic inventory which evolves through manufacturing processes. Another benefit to an item of this form factor is the use of placing labels or RFID information on hazardous products or in hazardous environments such as containers with biomedical or toxic contents.
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