Antennas that are capable of transmitting radio waves turn
components into intelligent objects. Researchers have now found a way to embed
these antennas in fiber composites. As a result, the technology also works with
carbon and glass fibers.
It is barely visible to the naked eye: the work pieces in
the production hall look normal. But the first impression is deceiving. The
airplane components are “intelligent” and can communicate with the skilled
workers in their vicinity. Not only can they tell them what they are, they can
also provide information on who has worked on them as well as on the next work
step. A radio frequency identification chip (RFID) transmits the information.
It measures just a few square millimeters and transmits details about the
component quickly, efficiently, and consistently to a receiver via radio waves.
Until now, only a handful of companies use the technology for documentation
purposes in production processes. Most often, RFID is used for access control
purposes, or to record time, for instance on employee smart cards.