Touch Technologies, a provider of bar-code, RFID and temperature-monitoring solutions, has unveiled r-touch, an ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) handheld reader that docks with a smartphone or other device. At present, the reader is designed for Apple iOS devices (iPod Touch, iPhone 5, 6 and 6 Plus), but the company says it is currently in the process of developing readers for iPad tablets as well.

The r-touch reader and case

The r-touch system is composed of three components: a smartphone, a dock that includes the reader engine, and a case that holds the smart device and dock reader together. As new models of the iPhone are released, Touch Technologies explains, customers simply need to change the case and they can continue to use their existing docks. The r-touch supports EPC Gen 2 and ISO 18000-6C RFID specifications. According to the company, it has an ultra-compact design for easy carrying and handling in all environments, measuring 141.9 millimeters by 64.4 millimeters by 17.8 millimeters (5.6 inches by 2.5 inches by 0.7 inch). The reader has 24dBm (250mW) of output power. Its battery is charged wirelessly, via a magnetic charger that has the same effect as plugging in a cable, but is much simpler and is not as fragile as a mini-USB connection, the company reports. There are multiple options: the multi-charger, and stand-charger and the mobile-charger.

The r-touch is commercially available worldwide. Other versions include the c-touch, which combines RFID and a 2D bar-code scanner, and the t-touch, a rugged RFID reader.

In addition, Touch Technologies has introduced several versions of its b-touch bar-code scanner. The b-touch 1D works with 1D bar codes, the b-touch 2D is for scanning bar codes and QR codes, and the t-touch 2D is a rugged 2D bar-code scanner.