Delta ID developing affordable iris sensor units for Aadhaar-enabled smartphones

Delta ID is working on developing more affordable and accurate iris recognition technology for the Indian market to be integrated into smartphones so that they can be used in Aadhaar biometric verification, according to a report by Digit.

The company recently held tests at MGNREGA in Telengana, as well as passed the Standardization Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) tests by achieving 99 percent accuracy.

In January, the Indian government called on local smartphone vendors to develop sub-Rs 2,000 (US$29.36) smartphones with capabilities to “scan for Aadhaar-based financial transactions” and eventually perform digital payments.

Affordable iris sensors for smartphones is considered a key driver in bringing irs-enabled Aadhaar biometric verification to the mainstream, as most smartphones currently rely on fingerprint sensors due to their lower cost.

However, recent studies show that fingerprints and corresponding sensors go through significant physical wear and tear over time, which means they have a considerably lower longevity and accuracy.

The contactless nature of iris sensors and the fact that the iris itself does not degrade with age leads to significantly longer stability and higher accuracy.

Delta ID is hoping to take advantage of this opportunity by trying to convince more smartphone vendors to include iris sensors in their products.

Earlier this year Fingerprint Cards acquired Delta ID for US$106 million (approximately 938 MSEK) in combined cash and debt.

Article Topics

Aadhaar  |  biometrics  |  Delta ID  |  identity verification  |  iris recognition  |  smartphones