Fingerprint Cards, Gentex collaborate to bring iris authentication to auto industry

Fingerprint Cards and Gentex today announced an exclusive partnership agreement to bring iris-scanning technology to the automotive industry.

“Collaboration is key within the automotive ecosystem, and as a leading provider of smart mirrors and automotive electronics, Gentex brings an unmatched platform and vehicle real estate through which we can deploy our ActiveIRIS technology,” explained Christian Fredrikson, president and CEO of Fingerprint Cards.

The ActiveIRIS iris recognition system was developed by Delta ID, which Fingerprint Cards acquired last year for US$106 million in combined cash and debt. ActiveIRIS includes a cloud-based solution and is also certified for use with Aadhaar, India’s national biometric identity system.

Locating an iris authentication system in or around the mirror would allow auto manufacturers to offer the solution in varying vehicle trim packages, without requiring substantial redesign of the vehicle’s interior. For auto manufacturers that use key fobs, or car sharing providers that leverage phone apps to identify the driver, iris recognition could act as a second layer of security.

“The ActiveIRIS system could enable future vehicles to quickly and accurately identify drivers and personalize the in-vehicle experience. It would also enable two-factor authentication, securing and customizing everything from vehicle operation to in-vehicle functions such as speed limiting, geo-fencing, home automation control, toll payments, and in-vehicle transactions,” said Steve Downing, president and chief executive officer of Gentex Corporation.

The agreement also allows for system integration outside the vehicle.

Article Topics

automotive biometrics  |  biometrics  |  Delta ID  |  Fingerprint Cards  |  Gentex  |  iris recognition