Imagine a world where not just currency, but product packaging, luxury goods, and even art works can carry hidden, scannable codes.
Korean startup INOFriends, founded in 2018, has developed URCODE – a next-generation code system that aims to replace traditional barcodes and QR codes.
At its core, URCODE is a smart product identification system that creates a unique digital signature for each user, allowing for seamless integration with various tech platforms and services – we’re talking about everything from codes placed on product packaging to menus to fashion items.
URCODE combines line codes, invisible ports, and AI codes to overcome the limitations of existing barcodes and QR codes. It’s a versatile, secure, and efficient way to authenticate products, track distribution, and collect customer data.
Unlike traditional barcodes and QR codes, URCODE can be invisibly printed on any surface, and breaks free from the rectangular shape constraint we’ve grown accustomed to with traditional labels.
URCODE boasts faster recognition speed over traditional barcodes, potentially reducing checkout times by up to 5 seconds. This efficiency could save companies and consumers years of cumulative time in the long run.
And unlike traditional barcodes, URCODE allows for scanning multiple items simultaneously, which is a game-changer for inventory management everywhere from libraries to shops and factories.
But it’s not just increased efficiency that URCODE brings to the table – the technology has the potential to revolutionize the counterfeiting industry thanks to its improved security and ability to offer robust anti-counterfeiting measures.
URCODE is already making its mark across several industries. INOFriends has successfully implemented its solution in over 6 million cases, spanning sectors such as food, cosmetics, and books. They’ve partnered with major corporations like Tata in India and a top skincare company in Korea, and are implemented in 17 factory locations. They’re in talks with luxury conglomerate Richemont Group, who owns Cartier, to integrate their anti-counterfeit technology.
INOFriends is also venturing into the world of digital content protection. Their website allows everyday users to add invisible watermarks to images, providing copyright protection and authenticity verification for digital assets.
While URCODE currently requires a special app for scanning, INOFriends is working on integrating their technology with major smartphone manufacturers like Samsung. This strategy could potentially make URCODE as ubiquitous as QR codes are today.
This story has been brought to you in partnership with Aving.NET and Pangyo Techno Valley. Pangyo Techno Valley, a global innovation hub in South Korea, hosted the ‘Pangyo Global Media Meet Up’ to share issues from Pangyo and its innovative companies with the world. The event facilitates networking between Pangyo companies and global innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, Station F, and China’s Zhongguancun. It also promotes Korean businesses through global media channels. All thoughts and opinions are 100% our own.