Method and apparatus for indirect asset tracking in materials handling
environments with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). In one
embodiment, receptacles in a materials handling facility may be equipped
with RFID tags. Agents within the materials handling facility may be
equipped with RFID readers, which may be integrated in or attached to
gloves, wristbands, or other devices. The location of each receptacle to
which an RFID tag is attached may be associated with the unique
identifier of the RFID tag. When an agent's hand approaches or enters a
receptacle equipped with an RFID tag, the RFID reader may detect the
presence of the RFID tag. This information, in combination with known
information such as the location of the receptacles, may be used, for
example, for information gathering and/or for quality checking in
picking, stowing, rebinning, and/or other materials handling processes.