Tokyo: The use of facial-recognition technology is spreading in Japan in various situations, such as buying drinks at vending machines and receiving parcels.

Panasonic Connect Co., a Panasonic Holdings Corp. unit, provides its facial-recognition system to a parcel delivery service offered at a residential development area in the suburbs of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The system uses facial recognition to allow people to receive their parcels.

The company’s system has been adopted by Osaka Metro Co., which aims to introduce facial-recognition ticket gates at all stations by the end of fiscal 2024, and others including Tokyo Dome Corp., the operator of the Tokyo Dome stadium.

“The use of facial-recognition systems has started growing as their applications are expanding rapidly, such as in finance and retail services,” Kunio Furuta of Panasonic Connect said.

NEC Corp. offers a facial-recognition system utilizing video-analysis technology.

Tea maker Ito En Ltd. has started installing vending machines adopting the NEC system. After selecting products, the customers show their faces on a tablet terminal attached to the vending machine and enter passcodes to complete payments through credit cards registered in advance.

NEC expects the vending machines to be used at hospitals and factories with restrictions on bringing in personal belongings.

Through cooperation with Sekisui House Ltd., NEC is set to provide its facial-recognition technology for condominiums in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The system will allow residents to unlock entrance doors and make reservations at shared facilities through facial recognition, which is also expected to be useful for watching over children and elderly people.

JIJI Press