Smart tags-the distributed-memory revolution

`Smart tags´ are small devices containing a combination of memory, data processing and communications capabilities. They can communicate without physical contact with purpose-specific stations over a range from a few millimetres up to several metres. Their shapes and sizes are application specific, ranging from the size of a brick right down to a capsule of a few millimetres diameter. The author discusses the technology used in smart tags which are either active or passive depending on whether or not they incorporate a miniature battery. The author then discusses some of the applications for smart tags such as car-body identification in automobile manufacture, personnel security, animal identification, manufacturing and goods transportation