Biometrics for wide range of auto applications showcased at CES 2020

Automotive applications are the next logical step for biometrics after implementation in smartphones and to reduce password use, according to a new report available from ResearchandMarkets.com.

According to the “Analysis of Biometrics in Passenger Cars, 2020 Edition” by Auto Research Analysts, automakers are exploring the potential of fingerprint sensors, eye scans, voice and facial recognition to provide access to the car and start its engine. Other applications include driver health and sobriety monitoring, vehicle security and personalization.

The 37-page report explores the market’s main drivers, opportunities and challenges, considering the status and prospects of various modalities for auto applications, and asking if the auto industry is facing a biometrics boom.

One answer to this question is suggested by the prevalence of automotive biometrics at CES 2020.

EyeLock partners with SiriusXM

EyeLock has announced a collaboration to apply its iris biometric authentication technology to the SiriusXM e-Wallet in a prototype of a highly secure, touchless gateway.

SiriusXM plans to offer the e-Wallet to automakers to secure the multiple services offered through the gateway with EyeLock’s proprietary technology. Drivers and passengers will be able to find and pay or pre-pay for coffee, gas, movie tickets or parking while on the go, according to a company announcement.

The Voxx International subsidiary is showing its prototype, which it says eliminates driver distractions during transaction processes, capturing driver or passenger iris biometrics with EyeLock’s custom-designed, visor-mounted prototype, which will be demonstrated on two models at CES 2020.

“We are thrilled to team with SiriusXM to deliver highly secure biometric solutions in the automotive marketplace. SiriusXM’s network of automotive manufacturers and established consumer interfaces, combined with our security expertise, will help keep drivers safe and secure with the highest form of biometric authentication,” states Jeff Carter, CEO of EyeLock.

Byton SUV uses voice and facial biometrics

Also at CES 2020, electric carmaker Byton is showing off its new M-Byte SUV with personalized dashboards provided for different users through biometric facial recognition, according to Mashable. The vehicle also features voice control with biometric voice recognition to enable drivers and passengers to call up playlists, contacts, and preferred apps.

The massive 48-inch dashboard screen is a standout feature, and the vehicle also understands seven languages, can open apps, find directions, make calls and send money. Voice will be critical to the vehicle’s operation, as the dashboard screen is not a touchscreen.

The M-Byte is expected to reach a commercial launch in the U.S. in 2021 with a $45,000 starting price.

Synaptics fingerprint recognition

Synaptics is showcasing is fingerprint technology tailored to vehicles, along with its TD7850 Automotive TDDI solution for touchscreens up to 15 inches. TDDI solutions integrate sophisticated touch and display technologies on a single chip, for superior optical performance, according to the announcement. Demonstrations also include a display with an integrated capacitive-based physical knob on the panel.

The company will also showcase premium on-cell features including face detection, and technologies for Smart Home Edge Computing, AR/VR headsets, wireless audio, PCs and smart cameras.

Synaptics Director of Concept Prototyping Dr. Andrew Hsu told Biometric Update in a recent interview that the company’s fingerprint biometrics will imminently be integrated into a commercially available vehicle.

Sensory and Aiquido partner for voice solution

Sensory and Aiquido have partnered for a white label voice solution with biometrics and action execution for vehicles and other applications[link to voice wrap].

The automotive market is the initial integration target for the companies, who will showcase their combined technology, which enables seamless use of mobile devices through voice control.

“Users just need to enter the cabin with their smartphones,” explains Aiquido CTO Rajat Mukherjee. “There’s no registration required, and the personalized wake word and voice biometrics allow users to instantly access their personal apps seamlessly and securely.”

Gentex iris authentication system

Gentex is showing off a variety of new technologies at CES 2020, including its in-vehicle biometric system with iris authentication, and a smart lighting system with machine learning-enabled camera to monitor flight crew activities.

The auto iris recognition system includes a mirror-integrated display, near-infrared emitters, an iris-scanning camera, and system-level intelligence.

“2020 stands to be a hallmark year for us,” comments Gentex Chief Executive Officer Steve Downing. “As a tech company, we’re committed to leveraging our skill sets in unique ways, so at CES, we’re debuting new features in every product category – features ready for immediate vehicle integration along with technology concepts ideal for new mobility models and the coming autonomous age.”

Bosch sun visor and Wallbox EV charger

Bosch has developed an innovative sun visor for vehicles which combines biometric face detection and a transparent LCD panel to block the sun’s glare without impeding the driver’s view of the road, PCMag.com reports.

The Virtual Visor, which uses a facial recognition-enabled camera facing the driver, and uses AI to analyze shadows, won Best of Innovation recognition from the CES 2020 Innovation Awards. The visor shades the driver’s eyes, and remains otherwise transparent.

Due to cost, the technology may be first implemented in luxury vehicles.

Leading EV charging station-maker Wallbox, meanwhile, is at the show demonstrating its new Quasar smart home charger, which features optional advanced face recognition and gesture control technology for easy, secure access and use, with the flexibility to extend credentials to friends and neighbors.

The Quasar, which the company says is the first bidirectional EV charger for home use, can also perform authentication through Bluetooth, the Wallbox app, and RFID. The Wallbox Copper also offers facial recognition for access control.

Article Topics

automotive biometrics  |  biometrics  |  biometrics at the edge  |  EyeLock  |  facial recognition  |  fingerprint identification  |  gesture recognition  |  iris recognition  |  Sensory  |  Synaptics  |  voice biometrics