RFID localization algorithms and applications-a review

Object localization based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has promising potentials. By combining localization with its identification capability, existing applications can be enhanced and new applications can be developed for this technology. This paper starts with an overview introducing the available technologies for localization with a focus on radio frequency based technologies. The existing and potential applications of RFID localization in various industries are then summarized. Moreover, RFID localization algorithms are reviewed, which can be categorized into multilateration, Bayesian inference, nearest-neighbor, proximity, and kernel-based learning methods. Also, we present a localization case study using passive RFID technology, and it shows that objects can be successfully localized using either multilateration or Bayesian inference methods. The survey also discusses the challenges and future research on RFID localization.