Key Takeaways
- AsReader is bringing its RFID basket-reading system to the North American market, allowing retailers to identify multiple items in a basket at once during checkout.
- The company says its newly allowed U.S. patent strengthens protection for the technology as it targets grocery, retail, healthcare, logistics, and warehouse applications.
AsReader has expanded its RFID basket-reading solutions to now include the entire North American market, enabling consumers to speed through self-checkout lanes and help retailers with more accurate checkouts, reducing loss of missed items in carts.
The AsReader RFID Reading TUB is a point-of-sale device developed, tested and implemented in Japan by parent company Asterisk. AsReader’s RFID technology enables retailers to instantly identify multiple tagged items placed together inside a shopping basket, tote, container, or checkout area.
The technology has been deployed in apparel and specialty retail environments where RFID-based inventory management and checkout systems have become widely adopted, but not approved for us in North America until now.
AsReader’s Paul Whitney on Expanding Use of RFID
AsReader received a Notice of Allowance and Issuance (NOA) from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in June 2026 covering important aspects of this RFID reading technology. The newly approved broadscope patent further strengthens AsReader’s intellectual property portfolio and complements existing patent protection developed in Japan and other international markets, while making retail operations easier for both consumers and retailers alike.
“Our goal is to bring proven RFID technologies from Japan to retailers throughout North America,” said Paul Whitney, Vice President and COO of AsReader in a statement. “Retailers are increasingly looking for ways to improve customer experience, reduce labor requirements, and gain real-time inventory visibility. RFID enables all three.”
RFID Reading TUB Advantages for Retailers, Consumers
While Asterisk has previously obtained multiple U.S. patents related to RFID technologies, this latest patent is particularly significant because it provides broad patent protection for RFID basket-reading technology in retail operations in environments such as apparel stores, supermarkets, and other retail applications.
A key advantage to consumers and retailers of the AsReader platform is its proprietary RFID reading architecture, which creates a controlled reading zone capable of accurately identifying tagged items placed inside the basket while minimizing unintended reads from surrounding products. This enables both high read accuracy and operational reliability in busy retail environments.
By combining innovative products with a broadscope patent portfolio, AsReader is committed to providing retailers with confidence in adopting next-generation RFID solutions while continuing to expand its presence throughout the United States.
Where AsReader Sees Growth Sectors
AsReader will work directly with retailers while expanding partnerships with POS system providers, RFID tag manufacturers, system integrators, and technology partners throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Company officials see significant opportunities in grocery, supermarket, healthcare, logistics, warehouse, and supply-chain applications.
AsReader’s Whitney believes that advances in RFID technology will carve a new path for a new generation of checkout and inventory management systems, helping retailers improve efficiency while delivering a more seamless customer experience.
“The broadscope patent strengthens the intellectual property framework supporting RFID Reading TUB deployments and reinforces AsReader’s long-term competitive position in one of the world’s largest RFID markets,” said Whitney.