To help protect employees from COVID-19 infection, many businesses have implemented mandatory temperature-taking upon entry to the workplace. New contactless fever-detecting systems make this task more convenient and faster. Powercast Corporation has launched a wirelessly powered temperature scanning system that streamlines fever detection using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
Unlike other systems that require a handheld device, Powercast’s system uses a small key fob. Individual employees can attach this personalized fob to their key rings. An RFID antenna at the company’s check-in location harvests energy from an RF transmitter and then rapidly transmits it to power up the temperature sensor within the key fob. The user then scans his or his temperature and the fob sends this data back to the RFID reader.
A screen then displays the employee’s name and temperature. A green light indicates the user does not have a fever and may enter the building. A red light shows when fever is present. Administrators can access timestamped temperature data to notify potentially exposed employees if someone receives a diagnosis of COVID-19.
Powercast’s RF-harvesting chip converts RF energy to DC current, eliminating the need for batteries. An RFID chip links the temperature data to the specific employee to ensure that they’re using the correct key fob and to support contact tracing when necessary.
Using RFID technology makes the fever detection process safer and more efficient. It’s important to note, however, that not everyone who contracts the coronavirus has a fever. That’s especially true in the early stages when COVID-19 is particularly contagious. But when combined with symptoms screening and appropriate social distancing procedures, Powercast’s system offers a simple, low-contact option to help employers maintain a safer work environment.
