An unusual, new program is becoming the norm at a technology company in Sweden. The company, called Epicenter, offers to place a microchip in its workers. It asks them for permission to inject the electronic device in the employee’s body. Each microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It works like a ‘swipe card’ an employee might use to enter an office building. It can open doors, operate printers, and even buy food, all with just a wave of the hand. The injections have become very popular. Epicenter even has parties for its workers who want to get microchips implanted. The biggest benefit, I think, is convenience, said Patrick Mesterton, Chief Executive Officer of Epicenter. It basically replaces a lot of things you have, other communication devices, whether it be credit cards or keys, he adds. The technology itself is not new. Some pet owners use virtual collars with microchips on dogs or other animals. Companies use microchips to follow the movement of products to buyers. Yet this technology has never before been used to follow so many people.
