NFC lock ROTHULT

NFC lock ROTHULT without keyhole

IKEA's ROTHULT NFC lock is an electromechanical locking system that can be used to retrofit cabinets, doors and drawers, for example, without a keyhole. The lock opens and closes when an NFC chip is held in the immediate vicinity, even through thin cabinet walls. A classic keyhole is therefore not necessary. The locking pin is driven by a small motor. The energy for opening/closing and communication with the NFC chip is provided by three AAA batteries. After inserting the batteries, the lock is immediately ready for use.

In the following we will explain which NFC chips can be used to open and close the ROTHULT NFC lock exactly and what role the two NFC master key cards supplied play.

Basic functions of the ROTHULT NFC lock

In principle, the NFC lock can be closed with any standard NFC chip. To do this, simply hold the NFC chip over the lock. This process ensures that the NFC lock and the NFC chip are uniquely paired and securely locked against other NFC chips. Only when the same NFC chip is held back against the lock does it open again. If another NFC chip is held against the lock, a warning signal sounds and the lock remains closed.

When open, this pairing is cancelled and the lock can be closed again with any NFC chip (see below for exact tag type types).

An exception are the two NFC master key cards supplied with the lock. With these cards the corresponding lock can always be opened, no matter which NFC chip was used to lock it.

NFC lock: Possible applications

IKEA is promoting the ROTHULT NFC lock as a quick and easy way to retrofit domestic furniture with a locking system. As it consists of only a body and the locking pin, the lock can be fitted very easily with four screws. The lock is particularly well suited for lockers and cupboards made of thinner metal or wood, as the distance between the locking spigot and the wall is less than one centimetre. 

Since the lock can only be opened with the NFC chip with which it was locked, it is also particularly suitable for use by changing persons. Possible scenarios here would be, for example, festival lockers, or lockers in swimming pools. Here, ROTHULT's NFC lock could create temporary cupboards/lockers that can be used by several people in succession, as only one NFC chip can close and open the lock at a time. A further advantage is the NFC chips themselves, which can, for example, be made waterproof in bracelets and thus have many advantages over conventional keys. The NFC lock can also be used for valuables lockers in entrance areas and depots. 

Which NFC tags does it work with?

The NFC lock can be closed with the following NFC tag types: 

• Tags of the type NTAG213, 215 or 216

• MIFARE Classic chipset

• DESFire EV1

To open it, it needs exactly the same NFC tag again. The lock can be opened and closed at any time with the NFC master key cards supplied. 

Battery replacement

A warning tone sounds from time to time when the battery is low. When the batteries are empty, the lock opens and remains open. According to the manufacturer's specifications, the batteries last for approx. 17 months, if opened/closed 3 times a day. The batteries can be changed easily with a small Phillips screwdriver.

Fazit

The electro-mechanical NFC lock ROTHULT can be used by many independent people one after the other. When the lock is open, anyone can lock it with an NFC tag. When the lock is locked, there is then only ever one NFC chip (with the exception of the NFC master key card) with which the lock can be opened again. 

The advantage of this NFC lock is that no single key needs to be passed on even when the lock is used in different ways. The user brings along the key himself, so to speak. This makes the lock a versatile way of making lockers and lockers usable for many people. If the key is lost, there is no need to replace the lock. In such a case, the lock can simply be opened with the NFC master key card, which also removes the previous link with the NFC chip. 

Here we go into more detail about NFC locking systems.

Further information:

• NFC locking systems
• Using IKEA Rothult with NFC tags