News Physics

Bar codes could be next to check out

New radio frequency tags would use nanotechnology to identify and track products

By Lisa Grossman

- More than 2 years ago

Lines at the grocery store might become as obsolete as milkmen, if a new tag that seeks to replace bar codes becomes commonplace.

NO WAITING Radio-frequency identification tags printed in carbon nanotube ink on paper or plastic could make checkout lines obsolete — or at least a lot shorter.