Decathlon onboard as Qualcomm claims world first with launch of Dragonwing Q-6690 mobile processor

Qualcomm Technologies has announced a new processor, the Dragonwing Q-6690, which is pitched as the world's first enterprise mobile processor with fully integrated UHF RFID capabilities.

This includes built-in 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and ultra-wideband. Designed to support a range of form factors from ruggedised handhelds to retail Point of Sale systems and smart kiosks, the Dragonwing Q-6690 promises OEMs and ODMs a scalable and upgrade ready platform with software configurable feature packs that can be upgraded over the air. 

“The Dragonwing Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI, and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform, designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics, and manufacturing,” says Art Miller, Vice President and Head of Retail at Qualcomm Technologies.

“We are particularly excited about working with retailers today that need platforms that are not only powerful and connected, but also adaptable to evolving customer expectations, from smarter kiosks and handhelds to real-time inventory analytics and contactless experiences.”

Sporting goods retailer, Decathlon, has tagged all products with RFID since 2019, and with the Q-6690’s integrated RFID capabilities, it says it is now boosting efficiency and sustainability through smarter product traceability.

“We're relentlessly pursuing ways to elevate the customer experience while optimising our operations,” says Hervé D’Halluin, Leader RFID & Traceability at Decathlon. “Since 2004, we've fully leveraged RFID technology across our entire value chain.”

“By 2019, we had already achieved 100% RAIN RFID tagging of our products. Now, The Dragonwing Q-6690, with its fully integrated RFID and AI capabilities, represents a game changer. It’s set to maximise our operational efficiency, amplify smarter in-store customer experience and support our sustainability goals through enhanced product traceability.”

EssilorLuxottica, a specialist in eyewear innovation, meanwhile, is tapping integrated RFID capabilities to enhance consumer engagement and product experiences. By building on its expertise in NFC enabled applications, it sees this advancement as a way to unlock scalable, stylish solutions that align with its commitment to aesthetics and innovation.

“We believe that integrating RFID into commercial devices is a key catalyst for redefining how consumers interact with products, enabling richer, more personalised engagement while opening new frontiers of innovation,” comments Fabio Napol, Head of Business Process Innovation at EssilorLuxottica.

“Building on our expertise in NFC enabled applications, we view this advancement as unlocking even greater possibilities. It paves the way for scalable, stylish and design forward solutions, particularly in categories such as eyewear where aesthetics is essential - delivering superior, consumer centric experiences that set new benchmarks for the industry.”

“Qualcomm’s integration of RFID - also known as RAIN technology - into the Dragonwing Q-6690 empowers retailers and logistics companies to put RAIN-enabled devices into every employee’s hands, unlocking unprecedented productivity improvements and sales potential - from Digital Product Passports and circularity to automated checkout, product authentication, asset tracking and inventory management,” says Aileen Ryan, President and CEO at the RAIN Alliance.

“This represents a seismic shift that will democratise the Internet of Things, reshape industries and create entirely new markets.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

RFID will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.