Development of Smart Logistic Solution Using Flexible Sensor with R2R Submicron Electrode Formation Technology

The supply chain that delivers products and services to end consumers is constantly changing and is exposed to various risks such as diseases, counterfeit crimes, geopolitics, natural disasters, and economics. In order to solve these issues, it is important to visualize the end-to-end status of individual products from upstream to downstream, and to upgrade and optimize the SC based on the visualized data. One of the solutions is the realization of smart logistics and flexible sensors for understanding the status of individual products. Asahi Kasei has developed RFID labels with submicron resolution R2R electrode printing technology and a data platform using blockchain. In this presentation, we will introduce the submicron resolution R2R electrode printing technology and RFID labels, as well as the roadmap toward smart logistics and the data platform. 2. R2R electrode printing technology with submicron resolution The line width that can be achieved with existing printing processes are generally several tens of microns, and the most advanced ones are about 10 microns, but the line width of the process we have developed has an ultra-high resolution of about 250 nm. To achieve this, we developed in- house the three elements, those are conductive nano ink, submicron-resolution cylindrical mold (SRM), and the R2R high-definition printing process. The key element is the SRM, which is fabricated using a proprietary electron beam lithography process for cylindrical rollers. Furthermore, the unique R2R printing process incorporating this SRM achieves low-cost production through continuous printing. 3. RFID labels with guaranteed authenticity By using our technology, we develop an "authenticity-assured" RFID label. The label consists of submicron to several microns wide metal wires embedded with a special pattern to detect counterfeiters. The label is therefore designed to ensure the authenticity of the product to which it is affixed, while enabling RFID-based product identification and communication. In addition, the label can be attached to various products because it is transparent in appearance and does not interfere with the design. The RFID has a general dipole antenna shape, and the communication distance can be designed according to the required specifications, with a maximum distance of several meters. When read by the IoT edge device developed at the same time, it determines whether the label is manufactured by Asahi Kasei or not, and generates digitalized information with the product ID. 4. Roadmap We develop a platform configuration for digitizing label information attached to individual products and preventing tampering. Currently, only RFID labels with guaranteed authenticity are available, but in the future, flexible sensors with measurement functions for various physical quantities will be developed to create an infrastructure for the realization of smart logistics.