Not only do barcodes do the job but better and cheaper image sensors and processors allow even 1D barcodes to be read at greater distances and from multiple ang

Not only do barcodes do the job but better and cheaper image sensors and processors allow even 1D barcodes to be read at greater distances and from multiple angles. This was one of the promises of RFID, pallets could just stream off a truck and their ID could be read by some fixed reader on the loading dock. A robot could zip past shelves and take stock of everything. Better barcode reading allows a lot of the same advantages for none of the marginal cost or dealing with extra regulation. Even handheld barcode scanners are starting to use cameras rather than lasers because they're more flexible.