Virginia Tech deploys MorphoWave contactless biometrics for dining hall access

Virginia Tech has deployed MorphoWave scanners to campus dining halls to allow students to use fingerprint biometrics to for access in an effort to keep line-ups to a minimum as the school welcomes hundreds of extra students for the 2019-2020 school year. Students can enrol to connect their biometrics to their student ID numbers to have their Flex dining plan charged for a meal on entry into the dining hall.

The MorphoWave scanners from Idemia have been installed at the D2 dining hall, allowing students to be verified by waving their hands through the scanner, so those who have forgotten their Hokie Passport ID Card can still be served. Students wishing to pay for a guest will need to use their physical ID card at a cashier-operated register.

The school touts the hygienic benefit of the contactless scanners, as well as its convenience, and the cost savings of the automated system.

The program is voluntary, and offered at no cost to students aged 18 and older. The website description of the system puzzlingly assures students that “it does not map your biometrics,” and outlines the laws, regulations, and school policies that govern the program.

Idemia announced late last year that it would move its North American headquarters to Virginia.

Article Topics

access management  |  biometrics  |  contactless biometrics  |  fingerprint biometrics  |  IDEMIA  |  identity verification