RF Controls has formed a strategic deployment with the University of Memphis where it installed RF Controls’ CS-445B Smart Antennas, at their AutoID Lab to establish a premier academic demonstration site for scalable RFID and artificial intelligence (AI) integration.
RF Controls is a Missouri-based pioneer in advanced, passive, battery-free, real-time location systems (RTLS). The company’s antennas provide overhead, hands-free RFID tracking with unmatched accuracy and scalability. RF Controls serves Fortune 500 manufacturers, Department of Defense (DoD), defense contractors, and logistics providers across North America and Europe, helping them unlock next-generation operational intelligence.
At the core of RF Controls’ technology is a breakthrough in overhead passive RFID performance, offering unmatched range, accuracy, and density handling capabilities. The Smart Antennas scan zones between 1,000–5,000 sq. ft. from ceilings up to 50 feet high— capabilities previously unattainable with legacy overhead systems. The installation of four CS-445B antennas transforms the AutoID Lab into a live testbed for next-generation passive RTLS applications.
Hands-On Environment
Dr. Kevin Berisso, Director of the AutoID Lab, said the facility now serves as a hands-on hub where students, researchers, and industry partners model and test real-world use cases across high-impact sectors like parcel logistics, defense, and healthcare.
“RF Controls is a preferred RFID solution for passive, RTLS, AI projects because of its scalability and unique install height and pinpoint location accuracy data-generating capability, which unlocks promising IoT and AI opportunities,” said Dr. Kevin Berisso, Director of the AutoID Lab and keynote speaker at RFID Journal LIVE! 2025.
Taking the Next Step
As governments, Fortune 500s, and academic institutions seek scalable automation solutions, RF Controls is positioned to meet the moment— transforming passive ceilings into intelligent data networks and enabling real-time visibility across complex environments.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our team’s innovation scale into mission-critical deployments,” said Tom Ellinwood, Founder and CEO of RF Controls. “We’ve always believed in the power of American engineering, and today we’re proving it to the world.”
RF Controls’ system brings several key advantages to enterprise and academic environments:
- Up to 300 Dynamic Scan Points: Configurable based on ceiling height, throughput requirements, and object velocity.
- Optimized for High Tag Density: Maintains performance in zones with thousands of tags, unlike traditional systems.
- Minimal Overlap, Maximum Accuracy: Enables wide area coverage without sacrificing precision.
- Proven 50-ft Install Capability: Operates effectively in high-bay warehouses, aviation hangars, and manufacturing facilities.
American-based Innovation
The AutoID Lab at the University of Memphis is a leading research and development center focused on advancing Automatic Identification technologies, including RFID, IoT, and real-time location systems. Part of the Herff College of Engineering, the lab collaborates with industry, government, and academia to drive innovation in smart logistics and supply chain visibility. Through applied research and field testing, the lab helps shape the next generation of identification and sensing technologies
Dr. Berisso said the lab is more than a research space— it’s a proving ground.
“We’re using RF Controls’ technology to show how AI, IoT, and RFID work together to build intelligent, adaptive systems. It’s a mix of serious science and real-world application—with a touch of fun,” he said.
To schedule a live demonstration at the University of Memphis or an active RF Controls deployment site, visit www.rf-controls.com.