Skip to main content

Asif Shaikh: RFID technology transforms everyday objects into interactive interfaces

Tampere University
LocationKorkeakoulunkatu 1, Tampere
Hervanta campus, Tietotalo building, auditorium TB109 and remote connection
Date13.12.2024 12.00–16.00 (UTC+2)
LanguageEnglish
Entrance feeFree of charge
A person is sitting next to a wall, holding a mobile phone.
Photo: Tiina Vuohijoki
In his doctoral dissertation, Asif Shaikh explored the use of passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a customizable platform for human-technology interaction. This research responds to the growing need for solutions that seamlessly integrate digital functionality into our physical environments, enhancing user engagement and interaction.

MSc (Tech) Asif Shaikh’s doctoral dissertation presents the RFID Interaction System, an approach that integrates inexpensive, battery-free RFID tags into clothing, furniture, and other everyday objects. This system enables the detection of gestures and body movements, allowing users to trigger a variety of outputs, such as media playback, gaming interactions, and communication with smart devices. By focusing on the versatility of RFID technology, Shaikh highlights its potential to create engaging and interactive environments that enhance everyday experiences. 

“By leveraging passive RFID technology, we can transform physical spaces into interactive environments that respond to natural human gestures. This research not only enhances the way we interact with technology but also opens up new possibilities for smart homes and ambient technology”, says Asif Shaikh.

The significance of this research lies in its practical applications for various sectors, including entertainment, education, and smart home automation. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the need for user-friendly interaction methods is more critical than ever. The RFID Interaction System offers a solution that is not only cost-effective but also eliminates the need for complex sensors or on-board power sources, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments.

By providing a customizable platform, Shaikh aims to empower users to define their own human-technology interactions, fostering a more engaging and interactive digital landscape.

Public defence on Friday 13 December

The doctoral dissertation of MSc (Tech) in the field of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering titled RFID-based Platform for Ubiquitous Human-Technology Interaction will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology at Tampere University at 12.00 on Friday 13.12.2024 at Hervanta campus, Tietotalo building, auditorium TB109 (Korkeakoulunkatu 1, Tampere). The Opponent will be Professor Juha Röning from University of Oulu. The Custos will be Associate Professor Johanna Virkki from the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University.

The doctoral dissertation is available online

The public defence can be followed via remote connection