Antenna Concepts for RFID on Forklift Trucks

Using radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas with forklift trucks to identify goods and stock shelves automatically will help to increase efficiency of logistic processes. RFID components designed for integration into forklift trucks have not been investigated yet. This paper discusses different approaches to integrate RFID antennas into a forklift truck. The different influences to RFID systems are discussed by consideration of logistic environments. Different antenna concepts are introduced and benchmarked by using simulation and measurement of electric field strength as well as functional tests. The results lead to an optimal system design for different tasks.