Internet of Things: Empowered by Auto-ID Technologies
Auto-ID technologies are becoming widespread and widely used. We highlight the key offerings and build a picture for comparison to find what suits you best.
Auto-ID technologies—including barcodes, RFID, QR codes, and NFC—each excel in different scenarios. But in 2026, the conversation has shifted from 'Identification' to 'Identity'. New contenders like UWB (Ultra-Wideband) and the mandate for Digital Product Passports (DPP) are rewriting the rules of engagement.
We are at the dawn of the Sovereign Internet of Things. In less than a decade's time, sensors and trackers have evolved from passive tags into active agents. It is imminent that interests in solving business problems using said infrastructure will overtake the hype of building the infrastructure itself.
The Classic Stack: Barcodes, RFID, QR
The traditional stack still powers 90% of global trade. The barcode (1D) remains the king of Point-of-Sale due to its near-zero cost. RFID dominates the supply chain for mass-read capability. QR codes bridge the gap to the consumer mobile experience.
The New Contenders: UWB and Bluetooth Mesh
However, two new giants have entered the arena. UWB (Ultra-Wideband) offers centimeter-level precision, allowing a forklift to know exactly *which* pallet it is lifting, preventing loading errors before they happen. Bluetooth Mesh enables 'Swarm Intelligence', where tags talk to each other to form a resilient network without central gateways.
Comparison: Passive vs. Active vs. Agentic
| Feature | Passive (Barcode/RFID) | Active (BLE/UWB) | Agentic (RedBite/DePIN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Source | None (Reader Powered) | Battery / Harvested | Self-Sovereign (Wallet) |
| Function | Identity Only | Identity + Telemetry | Identity + Negotiation |
| Cost | $0.01 - $0.10 | $5.00 - $20.00 | Value Accreditive |
| Trust Model | Database Lookup | Encrypted Stream | Zero-Knowledge Proof |
The Digital Product Passport (DPP)
The EU's DPP mandate has forced a convergence of these technologies. It is no longer enough to just have a barcode. A product must carry its full lifecycle history—materials, carbon footprint, and repair manuals—in a tamper-proof digital format.
"Identity is no longer just a serial number. It is a biography.
This is where Auto-ID meets Web3. By anchoring the DPP on-chain, we create a permanent, portable history that travels with the item, independent of any single manufacturer's database.
At RedBite we believe that technologies are mere tools. This is why our software solutions adopt all mentioned Auto-ID technologies. We address your business needs by empowering you with the choice and any combination of Auto-ID technology.
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