The Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform (WISP) is an extension of standard RFID. RFID systems typically have two devices, a tag and a reader. When a tag is brought close enough to a reader, the tag wirelessly collects energy from the reader and can send back information. However, typically, tags are pretty limited in what they send. It’s usually only a unique identifier.
WISP devices are tags that can do more than standard RFID, performing computation and taking sensor readings on-board. Tags have been made with temperature sensors, accelerometers and even cameras. The data they capture is sent wirelessly to the reader within close range (up to 5 meters with ideal conditions).
I’ve been working on developing the next generation of WISP (version 6.0) which brings a modular RF board and microcontroller with add-on boards for various sensor types. Additionally, this next generation comes with greater support for usable readers and a new desktop application.