These Tags Turn Everyday Objects Into Smart, Connected Devices
(World News Science)

Engineers have developed printable metal tags that could be attached to everyday objects and turn them into `smart` Internet of Things devices. The metal tags are made from patterns of copper foil printed onto thin, flexible, paper-like substrates and are made to reflect WiFi signals. The tags work essentially like `mirrors` that reflect radio signals from a WiFi router. When a user`s finger touches these mirrors, it disturbs the reflected WiFi signals in such a way that can be remotely sensed by a WiFi receiver, like a smartphone. The tags can be tacked onto plain objects that people touch and interact with every day, like water bottles, walls or doors. These plain objects then essentially...