Hitachi unveils 'stealth barcode' system

Hitachi Power Solutions has developed a system based on covert 2D barcodes that can be used to track production items.

The 'stealth barcodes' are printed using an ink that is only visible under ultraviolet light but can be applied to just about any type of product and read at very high speeds, potentially as high as 160 meters per minute, according to a Diginfo report.

The speed is currently around half that but is still faster than what can be achieved with other technologies, and is a cheaper alternative to printed labels and RFID tags, according to the company.

Hitachi has developed the approach with the aim of increasing manufacturing and supply chain visibility and efficiency, for example handling customer complaints, but brand protection and anti-counterfeit/diversion applications are a logical extension of that objective.

So far the technology has been applied to food packaging but looks likely to also find applications in electronic and automotive components.

Diginfo has prepared a video about the technology which can be viewed below: