Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: ThingMagic Partners with Ford Motor Company and DeWALT to Provide First RFID Enabled Trucks

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Abstract:
High-Performance Mercury5e-based Embedded RFID System Enables Wireless Asset Tracking of Costly and Critical Construction Tools and Materials

ThingMagic Partners with Ford Motor Company and DeWALT to Provide First RFID Enabled Trucks

Chicago, IL | Posted on February 6th, 2008

ThingMagic, Inc. (www.thingmagic.com), the leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, today announced a partnership with DEWALT and Ford Motor Company to equip 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty pickups and E-Series vans with an embedded RFID asset tracking system enabled by ThingMagic's Mercury5e readers. Ford Work Solutions Tool Link by DEWALT uses a specifically designed RFID reader system powered by ThingMagic's Mercury5e embedded module and a pair of antennas, in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings mounted in the pickup box, to enable Ford and DEWALT customers to track RFID-tagged assets, such as tools, construction equipment and materials, in the truck and ensure that vehicle contents are easily accounted for and quickly located at all times.

Ford is the first automotive manufacturer to offer passive, embedded RFID technology in its vehicles, allowing customers to capitalize on RFID's capabilities, including asset tracking and inventory control, to ensure crews arrive and leave the job site with the right tools and materials for their jobs. As part of the Ford Work Solutions, a collection of affordable technologies that will assist Ford customers in better running their business, Tool Link by DEWALT is the result of a partnership between leaders in the embedded RFID technology space, professional power tool industry and the automotive business.

Building on DEWALT's knowledge of the professional power tool market, ThingMagic's Advanced Development Group has also designed rugged, reliable RFID labels that allow truck operators to tag, scan and track expensive tools, equipment and other assets using the ThingMagic-designed system. Additionally, Ford Works Solutions Tool Link by DEWALT is designed to support loss prevention of equipment and supplies through real-time inventory updates. Ford is debuting the ThingMagic RFID-enabled vehicle line during the industry's annual Chicago Auto Show.

"Construction companies and professionals turn to Ford Trucks for rugged, reliable and technically-advanced vehicles," said William Frykman, Ford Work Solutions product and business development manager of Ford Motor Company. "Working with ThingMagic, the industry expert in embedded RFID technology, and DEWALT, the industry leader in professional power tools, we've developed an RFID system ‘Built Ford Tough' that increases our customer's productivity and saves them money."

"DEWALT is dedicated to developing new products that provide professional contractors with innovative solutions to help meet their needs," said Chris Allen, vice president of DEWALT's Security Business Group. "Tool Link will help contractors easily track what tools are in their vehicles and ultimately help increase job site productivity."

"ThingMagic's Advanced Development Group, DEWALT and Ford have worked closely over the past year to design and implement a rugged, reliable and accurate RFID solution for Ford and DEWALT customers," said Ravi Pappu, ThingMagic co-founder and head of ThingMagic's Advanced Development Group. "Ford Work Solutions Tool Link by DEWALT is ideal for wirelessly tracking tools and equipment to and from the job site."

The ThingMagic Mercury5e embedded reader module can read hundreds of RFID tags per second, regardless of environmental conditions, and achieve more 100 percent read rates through its use of the embedded version of the MercuryOS. ThingMagic Mercury5e embedded reader modules are also designed to survive physically challenging deployment environments.

For more information about Ford trucks and vans equipped with Ford Work Solutions and Tool Link by DeWALT visit www.fordworksolutions.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About DeWALT

DeWALT is a leading manufacturer of industrial power tools with more than 300 power tool and equipment products as well as 800 power tool accessories, including corded and cordless drills, saws, hammers, grinders, routers, planers, plate joiners, sanders, lasers, generators, compressors and nailers, as well as saw blades, metal and masonry drill bits, abrasives, screw driving accessories and more. DeWALT tools can be found wherever tools are sold, nationally and internationally. With over 1,000 factory owned and authorized locations, DeWALT has one of the most extensive service and repair networks in North America. www.dewalt.com.

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About ThingMagic, Inc.
ThingMagic is a leading developer of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, with broad experience in applying RFID in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. ThingMagic's customers include some of the world's largest retailers, consumer companies, automotive firms, manufacturers and industrial automation firms. ThingMagic products include fixed and embedded RFID readers and antennas, embedded and OEM RFID technology, and professional services to facilitate the OEM integration of RFID into a wide range of industrial and consumer products. ThingMagic is “The Engine in RFID™.”

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Ford Motor Company
Afaf Farah, 313-845-0307

or
KMC Partners Public Relations for ThingMagic
Kathryn Ghita, 617-6182-3792

or
Warschawski for DeWALT
Michele Tomlinson, 410-367-2700

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