Ford Embraces RFID Technology, Integrates Tool Link Radio Frequency Tracking into On Board F-150 Truck Computers
Ford believes that its clients’ biggest and most encountered problem is forgetting to bring important tools with them. So Ford has gone ahead and “developed a system” that rectify this situation.
At the Chicago Auto Show, Ford nveiled it’s RFID tracking system in a demonstration using the new Tool Link identification system. With its help, owners of F-150 pickups will always know whether their tool kit is complete.
Developed with DEWALT and ThingMagic, Ford’s Tool Link offers owners the capability to mark and scan high-value tools, safety equipment, and other important assets using RFID tags. Cable Lock security system assures the drivers that the tools can be kept safe from thieves, inside the truck.
The computer that monitors the radio frequency tags is built into the F-150 truck’s center stack, in the space normally taken up by a standard radio. It uses a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, two gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for additional memory, a USB port and includes a wireless keyboard and mouse.
It won’t be long before Ford realizes the next biggest problem is its customers forgetting their keys. Should a driver forget them, a simple RFID tag embeded within the skin could be used to open the door, or better yet, tell an onboard computer than they do indeed own the truck and as such should be allowed to operate it.
Why not store a digital drivers license on such an RFID chip? What about a digital registration? Why not allow police officers to send a digital ticket to a speeding driver? After all, no officer wants to get out of the car in the rain.
Then there’s the matter of privacy. Should someone else be on the lookout for tools you believe are locked away safely in your pick up truck… well, thieves always find ways to break the law and now they’ll be able to scan your F-150 to see what valuable tools you’ve got stowed away inside. Sometimes it’s better to leave crooks guessing whether or not you’ve left your high-value tools at home.
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