RFID in retail: why handhelds, antennas, drones and robots should work together

Inventory management has always been a challenge for retailers. Over the years, we at PAL Robotics have seen how the industry’s needs have evolved—not just in terms of performance but also in sustainability,  flexibility, ease of use, and integration with broader retail strategies. RFID technology has improved stock tracking, but retailers today expect more than just automation. They need real-time insights, seamless omnichannel operations, and solutions that adapt to changing scenarios and customer demands.

At NRF 2025, we saw firsthand how RFID is evolving to meet these expectations. Retailers are no longer relying on a single solution; instead, they are combining handheld scanners, fixed antennas, drones, and mobile robots to create more efficient workflows. StockBot, PAL Robotics’ autonomous RFID reader, is part of this shift, bridging the gaps left by traditional methods. Here’s how these technologies compare.

RFID method comparison:

Handheld readers: ⬆️ portability ⬇️ time limitations

Handheld RFID readers are a common entry point for retailers adopting RFID. Their portability makes them practical for small stores or targeted stock checks. However, their manual operation means staff must actively scan items, which takes time and increases the risk of errors such as missed scans or duplicates.

While useful for specific tasks, handheld readers require significant effort, making them less practical for large-scale inventory tracking. Additionally, human error is an unavoidable factor, with missed scans – so called “spray reads” – or duplicate readings undermining inventory accuracy. Item positioning can also represent a challenge with this method, as handheld scanners do not provide item level positioning with precise location data, requiring staff to physically search for items within the store.

Fixed antennas: ⬆️ automation ⬇️ flexibility

Fixed RFID antennas provide automated tracking by scanning inventory in key areas such as entrances, exits, and stockrooms. They can minimize the need for manual scanning depending on the retailer’s context, and ensure continuous monitoring within their coverage zones.

However, they only track stock in designated areas. Expanding coverage in large or changing store layouts often requires multiple installations, adding complexity and cost. Retailers looking for full-store visibility often combine them with mobile RFID solutions for complete coverage.

RFID drones: ⬆️ coverage ⬇️ safety

RFID drones offer flexibility in inventory tracking, scanning from above to quickly cover high shelves and large areas. This makes them ideal for periodic stock counts—but they come with a challenge: they can’t operate alongside people, limiting their use during store hours.

With short flight times, drones are better suited for scheduled scans rather than continuous tracking. Their real value comes when integrated with ground-level RFID solutions, ensuring frequent, detailed stock monitoring that keeps operations running smoothly.

StockBot, the RFID Robot: ⬆️ automation & coverage

StockBot is an autonomous RFID robot developed by PAL Robotics after years of working in retail technology and collaborating with global partners like Decathlon. Designed to solve inventory challenges, it automates stock tracking without manual input, allowing employees to focus on customers. It counts and localizes each tag and can also be used as a portal to register items moved into the sales floor.

Unlike handheld readers, which require constant scanning, or fixed antennas, which only cover certain areas, StockBot moves through stores independently, providing full inventory visibility. Another advantage is that the robot can safely operate alongside with humans, as another colleague in the store or warehouse.

Its real-time tracking helps retailers maintain accurate stock levels, reduce overstock, and  adapt to changing environments such as the layout of a store. As RFID technology evolves, businesses are looking for integrated solutions that combine automation, flexibility, and efficiency. This was a key discussion point in our webinar on RFID robots, where PAL Robotics, Decathlon, and SML Group explored how automation is shaping the future of retail. Watch the webinar to learn more.

The bigger picture: transforming accuracy with technology

As retailers embrace omnichannel strategies, inventory visibility is becoming more critical. Jordi Pagès, Head of Intralogistics & Retail at PAL Robotics, explains:

“Knowing what’s on the shelf matters as much as knowing what’s being sold.”

Without accurate stock tracking, retailers risk overstocking, misplaced items, and inefficiencies. StockBot contributes to guarantee OSA (on shelf availability). Pagès also highlights automation’s role in addressing these challenges:

“Manual inventory counting is prone to error. Robots like StockBot automate tracking while collecting detailed stock data, giving retailers deeper insights to optimize operations.”

How to be a step ahead?

StockBot does more than streamline inventory processes—it provides real-time data that helps retailers improve supply chain efficiency and customer experience. Its impact extends beyond logistics, supporting key areas like:

Item positioning

Knowing exactly where products are located speeds up order fulfillment, restocking, and in-store customer service, improving overall efficiency.

Software shielding

One of the biggest issues in retail is knowing what’s in the backroom vs. what’s on the sales floor. Cross-readings between these areas create stock inaccuracies, leading to supply chain errors and costly mismatches. StockBot solves this automatically. Its precise item positioning ensures inventory data is reliable, eliminating confusion between storage and display areas.

Money mapping

By tracking stock levels in real time, retailers can see where their capital is tied up and adjust purchasing to avoid excess inventory and cash flow issues.

* IHL Group report titled “Retailers and the Ghost Economy”

With accurate inventory tracking, employees can quickly locate items for click-and-collect orders, prevent stockouts, and ensure shelves are always replenished. As Jordi Pagès, Head of Intralogistics & Retail at PAL Robotics, points out, robots like StockBot are evolving beyond single-task automation.

A smarter, more adaptive RFID ecosystem

Each RFID solution—handheld readers, fixed antennas, drones, and autonomous robots—plays a role in efficient inventory management. Instead of competing, they work together to create a stacked-up system of solutions that adapts to retail’s changing needs. Handheld readers handle detailed tracking, fixed antennas monitor key areas, and mobile robots like StockBot provide full-store visibility with automation.

A major benefit of combining these technologies is more frequent stock counts, improving accuracy and preventing stockouts. This reliability helps businesses scale with confidence.

Beyond efficiency, a well-integrated RFID system also supports sustainability. Better stock visibility reduces waste, optimizes restocking, and ensures smoother product movement. With real-time insights, retailers can make smarter decisions and minimize avoidable supply chain impacts.

Discover how StockBot can revolutionize your inventory management. Visit our website to learn more or reach out to our experts today.

Follow PAL Retail on LinkedIn for insights, trends and relaxing images of robots doing the heavy work.

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