Digital Vivarium – RFID Census Database and Scanning Application

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RFID scanner with application on screen

Invention Summary:

Traditional research animal census methods rely on manual counts or generic inventory tools that are error-prone, inefficient, and not designed for cage-level tracking. Existing RFID systems from other industries are often too complex or poorly suited for animal facility workflows. 

Rutgers researchers have developed the Digital Vivarium – RFID Census Database and Scanning Application, a streamlined, standalone solution that automatically captures and transmits cage-card RFID data through an integrated database and mobile scanning app. This delivers an accurate and automated census workflow specifically built for research animal operations. Along with the software, Rutgers will provide a deployment “playbook” that includes hardware product recommendations (printers, scanners, RFID card stock), supplier contacts, and detailed instructions for integration.  

Market Applications:

• Academic and university vivaria 

• Pharmaceutical and biotech preclinical research facilities 

• Contract Research Organizations (CROs) 

• Government and institutional animal research programs 

• Nonprofit and translational research institutes 

• Animal facility management software providers 

• Lab equipment and cage manufacturers incorporating RFID-enabled systems 

Advantages:

• Fully automates census collection entirely, eliminating manual counting errors and labor. 

• Simple Android-based workflow makes use fast and intuitive. 

• Purpose-built for animal research, unlike generic inventory tools. 

• Is scalable, improves compliance and record reliability with seamless database syncing. 

• Integrated mobile scanning + database enables real-time accuracy through RFID tag detection. 

• Easy and fast deployment with hardware/playbook guidance.  

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu