Advancements in AI have revolutionized the field of biometrics. The ability to model more complex problems and process more data much faster have raised the bar substantially in terms of performance and accuracy. For starters, the sheer amount of data available combined with the computing capabilities brought about by deep learning make biometric algorithms more accurate than ever before. While facial recognition is perhaps the best example of the impact AI has on biometrics, deep learning has also driven advancements in fingerprint technology, and is just starting to scratch the surface in the realm of iris technology as well.
In the early days of facial recognition algorithms, it was only possible to identify a face when positioned directly in front of a biometric terminal. Progress in this field, mainly driven by AI increasing efficiency, has improved the user experience.
Today’s AI facial recognition technology requires very little of the user while their identity is verified—the process is faster, more efficient and frictionless. For example, a user’s face can be accurately analyzed whether they are moving or static, wearing glasses or smiling, facing the biometric terminal or looking in another direction. AI algorithms can even achieve liveness detection without asking the subject to perform any specific pose or movement. Liveness detection—or the ability to confirm that the analyzed face or fingerprint is, in fact, actually presented, in person, by their real owner (versus a photo, silicone mask or a spoofed fingerprint)—drastically improves anti-fraud systems.
When it comes to fingerprint biometrics, deep learning technology makes it possible to read even damaged fingerprints or accurately verify identity via a fully contactless access control system.
Today’s access control systems can also rely on facial biometric data to identify visitors and employees from a distance as they enter a building. Advanced algorithms can create a truly seamless biometric identification experience by enabling in-motion recognition while ensuring the highest accuracy. The strength behind this technology resides in the ability of AI algorithms to analyze the entire situation around access points, enabling group access and detecting suspicious behaviors simultaneously.
And as the world in general veers more and more towards contactless methods, so, too, does the field of access control. Quite simply, using an AI facial recognition system means that no direct contact is needed with an access control equipment, a much more hygienic alternative in a post-pandemic climate.
