​A System for Managing Modules Using RFID Technology —​ System Development Update

December 2020 | 20 min., 11 sec.
by John Wanjura
USDA-ARS

Summary

​Since 2016, an open-source system for managing cotton modules using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been under development by the USDA ARS CPPRU in Lubbock, Texas. The plastic wrap used on new cylindrical, or “round," cotton modules formed by John Deere harvesters contains RFID tags programmed with a serial number unique to each module. Being able to identify individual round modules of seed cotton has opened up new opportunities for the U.S. cotton industry in terms of module management, transportation logistics, product traceability, and precision agriculture. The system, known as the Electronic Module Management System, is a compilation of mobile and stationary hardware and software tools developed to scan modules and collect/assign module-related data at various stages during postharvest processing. This open-source development was funded by Cotton Incorporated, and Bohn Technology Solutions has provided instrumental technical assistance.​

About the Presenter

John D. WanjuraJohn D. Wanjura graduated from Texas A&M University with degrees in agricultural systems management (BS, 2002), agricultural engineering (BS and MS, 2005), and agricultural engineering (PhD, 2008). He has worked for the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Cotton Production and Processing Research unit, in Lubbo​​ck, Texas, since 2005. John's research program is focused on developing new technologies for cotton harvesting and ginning that help to reduce production costs, improve fiber quality, and improve producer profitability. John also leads the air pollution engineering research​ program at ARS in Lubbock, which serves to design improved particulate abatement technologies and develop accurate emissions data for agricultural operations.

Contact Information:
Email: John.Wanjura@usda.gov

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