Face recognition is becoming increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected, and our identities further digitize themselves away from passwords and PIN numbers. The latest advancements in technology have paved the way to answer one of its challenging problems: security.

Today, biometric sensors are not just available in dedicated security devices, but also in smartphones to secure the owner from data breaches. Most premium mobile devices on the market are now leveraging other biometric technologies, too.

Facing up to change

Innovations such as fingerprint sensors and iris scanner are now being widely used. However, experts predict that facial recognition will soon rule the biometric security market, offering another level of data security.

#FaceRecognition unsurps #Fingerprint as preferred biometric https://t.co/y7zQ0rRO2X

— Kairos (@LoveKairos) August 16, 2017

Based on the recent Markets And Markets research centered on the facial recognition market, it’s set to be worth $6.84 billion by 2021 compared to the $3.35 billion in 2016. The report also cited the top drivers in the market:

• Growing video analytics industry
• Increasing public sector deployment
• Rising applications in diverse industry sectors

3D facial recognition is expected to grow at the highest compound annual growth rate as the technology will be applied in various areas, including monitoring public spaces, identity management, and document verification.

Sensors transforming business

Businesses will take advantage of face recognition to add another layer to their data security. As facial recognition re-enters the smartphone arena, you should expect companies to further adopt mobile technology in their business processes. Currently, mobile devices have become a vital business tool in the enterprise, especially in keeping tabs with offshore, mobile, and field-based workers.

In fact, some businesses have initiated the use of smartphones and tablets in managing employees' hours of service and duty status to replace paper-based reports.

For example: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the final ruling to bring in the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) that will affect drivers and fleet operators across the United States. In a post about ELD compliance by Fleetmatics, mobile gadgets will be used by drivers in logging their hours automatically while their managers will receive real-time reports about their field employees, as well as being sent alerts to prevent violations. With the facial recognition sensor technology on mobile devices, this type of data will be kept safe and secure due to this extra layer of security.

Retailers can also maximize the technology to enhance their marketing approaches. Through analyzing customers’ faces, it can assist them in tailoring their marketing strategies for people of different ages, gender, and ethnic backgrounds. What’s even more useful is that it can help them get to know their customers better and their spending habits.

For example, facial scanned data can be used to replace loyalty cards. Customers can walk into a store and the staff can immediately know what they have bought the last time they shopped. It can enhance customer loyalty and retention by retargeting them with personal offers that fit their personal needs.

Airport and airlines will implement it soon

Businesses are not the only ones who will take advantage of facial recognition, as airports and airline companies can also make use of this technology to improve security and increase efficiency.

With the recent changes in immigration rules, the US government plans to use facial recognition to reshape airport security. Administered by the Customs and Border Protection, the idea is built around the Biometric Exit program that requires each visitor to register using face scanners upon leaving US soil.

However, Russell Brandon reported, in an article for The Verge, that a new statement from the national agency shows that they plan on using facial sensors in documenting US citizens too when they re-enter the country or pass through airport checkpoints. It is expected to create an airport-wide system, which they officially called ‘The Biometric Pathway’.

“Why not make this available to everyone? Why not look to drive the innovation across the entire airport experience? We want to make it available for every transaction in the airport where you have to show an ID today.”

- John Wagner, deputy assistant commissioner at CBP

Meanwhile, Condé Nast Traveler reported that British Airways has started using the technology inside Heathrow’s Terminal 5 main security screening area. A representative of the company said they view facial recognition as a way to reduce boarding time by capturing travelers’ faces along with their boarding passes to allow them to board the plane even without showing any documents at the gate.

Now any business can benefit from face biometrics technology

Face recognition technology has historically been complex, expensive and out of reach for most. Kairos has done the heavy lifting by eliminating the difficulties that are typically associated with face recognition integration.

What we have created provides developers the building blocks to add the benefits of face analysis to any product, app or service - affordably and easily. Kairos navigates the complexities of face analysis technology, so you don’t have to. We offer APIs and SDKs any developer can integrate with ease.

To learn more - DISCOVER THE INDUSTRIES KAIROS IS TRANSFORMING