“ZoOm’s 3D face recognition algorithms verify that only the authorized user has access to the vehicle, and the 3D depth and liveness detection proves that individual is present in person – not a photo or video spoof.” – Kevin Alan Tussy, CEO, FaceTec

FaceTec has announced that its latest partnership with IAV Automotive Engineering will result in biometric connected car access demonstrations at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. FaceTec’s ZoOm 3D facial recognition software has been chosen by IAV to provide secure access and driver personalization for the later company’s  ‘James’ connected car project.

“As vehicles increasingly rely on digital access operation management it is imperative that only authorized individuals gain access and control of the vehicle,” said Kevin Alan Tussy, CEO, FaceTec.

ZoOm, FaceTec’s flagship 3D facial recognition technology, is an easy-to integrate software solution bolstered by machine learning, artificial intelligence, and baked-in liveness detection. The contactless nature of ZoOm makes it ideal for connected car deployments, where hands-free interface is expected (and in many cases legally required).

As early connected car and autonomous vehicle projects enter consumer usage, the question of security is becoming a pressing one. High profile smart car hacks continue to highlight the need for driver authentication and strong access control, and it’s becoming clear that biometrics have a role to play in next generation automotive safety. It’s safe to say that biometric access could have prevented a recently publicized smart car theft in Birmingham, England, in which hackers bypassed the keyless access on a Mercedes.

“ZoOm’s 3D face recognition algorithms verify that only the authorized user has access to the vehicle, and the 3D depth and liveness detection proves that individual is present in person – not a photo or video spoof,” said Tussy.

Of course, convenience is another part of the connected car equation, and the ZoOm integration in question has that covered as well.

“In addition to being ultra-secure and fast, [ZoOm]’s selfie-style login will make it very easy for nearly anyone to use daily, one of the most important and most practical aspects of any security measure,” said IAV Project Manager Danny Thiel. “Truly secure access opens the door to a personalized, richer and much more comfortable overall driving experience that includes driver settings, seamless upgrades and intelligent repair.”

The ‘James’-ZoOm integration exemplifies the versatility of 3D facial recognition software solutions. FaceTec’s ZoOm Developer SDK – which is available for free on the company’s website – has applications in a wide range of vertical and consumer markets including banking, insurance and healthcare, in addition to the emerging field of automotive access. With 3D facial recognition on the receiving end of an Apple-boosted wave of mainstream popularity, it is fair to expect more of such integrations in the year to come.

The CES exhibition runs January 9-12. IAV and its partners, including FaceTec, will be at booths NP-13 and NP-13b at the Las Vegas Convention Center North Plaza.