AsReader expands RFID basket reading solutions into North American market as it bags new patent
AsReader, a US-based provider of RFID and retail automation technologies, has announced the expansion of its RFID basket reading solutions to now include the entire North American market.
While its Asterisk soluton has previously obtained US patents related to RFID technologies, a new one provides broad patent protection for RFID basket reading technology in retail operations in environments such as apparel stores, supermarkets, and other retail applications.
Called the AsReader RFID Reading TUB, the Point of Sale device has been developed, tested and implemented in Japan by parent company Asterisk. AsReader’s RFID technology enables retailers to instantly identify multiple tagged items placed together inside a shopping basket, tote, container, or checkout area. The technology has been deployed in apparel and specialty retail environments where RFID-based inventory management and checkout systems have become widely adopted, but not approved for us in North America until now.
“Our goal is to bring proven RFID technologies from Japan to retailers throughout North America,” says Paul Whitney, Vice President and COO at AsReader. “Retailers are increasingly looking for ways to improve customer experience, reduce labour requirements, and gain real-time inventory visibility. RFID enables all three.”
AsReader says it will work directly with retailers while also expanding partnerships with PoS system providers, RFID tag manufacturers, system integrators, and technology partners throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. "The broadscope patent strengthens the intellectual property framework supporting RFID Reading TUB deployments and reinforces AsReader's long-term competitive position in one of the world's largest RFID markets," says Whitney.
While retail apparel remains one of the fastest growing RFID sectors due to its already established infrastructure, the company also sees significant opportunities in grocery, supermarket, healthcare, logistics, warehouse, and supply chain applications.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
RFID will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
