Japan’s Marubeni Corporation and Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau Leading the Way in Facial Recognition Technology for Payment Services
In a groundbreaking move towards digitalization, Japan’s Marubeni Corporation and Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau have successfully conducted a facial recognition payment service demonstration experiment. This innovative technology allows passengers to pay for their fares in just about two seconds simply by pointing a tablet at their face. Developed by RDWorks in Shibuya, Tokyo, the AI facial recognition technology boasts an impressive recognition accuracy of over 99%, even with passengers wearing masks. The full implementation of this cutting-edge technology is expected to be realized by 2024.
The driving force behind the adoption of this pioneering technology stems from the slow digitization process of local transportation systems and the high costs associated with existing payment methods that require specialized equipment. With factors such as a declining birthrate contributing to a challenging operating environment for local institutions, cash continues to be the primary method of payment. Introducing facial recognition payment technology is envisioned to enhance payment efficiency and address the accessibility issues faced by the rural elderly population when utilizing transportation services.
While Marubeni and the Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau are at the forefront of facial recognition payment systems, they face competition from other industry players. For instance, JR-West introduced similar equipment last year, and Panasonic Connect is working in collaboration with Osaka City Rapid Railway on similar initiatives. Marubeni’s strategic plan includes expanding the facial recognition payment service to other local transportation systems to adapt to the unique operating environment of different regions. Additionally, Marubeni aims to extend this technology to retail stores and other locations, with a vision to further expand and enhance facial recognition services both domestically and internationally.
As the world continues to embrace technological advancements, Japan’s Marubeni Corporation and Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau are setting a new standard with their forward-thinking approach to facial recognition technology for payment services. This innovative solution not only underscores their commitment to improving efficiency and accessibility but also positions them as leaders in the evolution of transportation systems in the digital age.