Vending machines that use facial recognition for payment are currently in the trial period. Developed by major beverage company Dydo Drinco Inc., this is the first time in Japan that facial recognition payment has been introduced for vending machines. The company, which is based in Osaka, aims to put the service into practical use by 2021.
Under the new service, customers can register images of their face and credit card information on an exclusive website in advance. Then when buying drinks, the vending machine's camera will read the customer's face and they will be required to enter their pin. This innovative service enables customers to purchase items without wallets or smartphones.
The facial recognition technology, provided by NEC Corp., will identify people by features such as their eyes, nose and mouth. For about three months from July, five such machines will be installed at the headquarters of Dydo Drinco and NEC as well as other locations to confirm the convenience and safety of the certification technology.
About 80% of Dydo Drinco's domestic beverage sales come from vending machines. The facial recognition payment system can reportedly be installed in already existing machines. If the system is put into practical use, the company plans to set up about 1,000 such vending machines nationwide.
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