BMW motorbikes get facial recognition as theft protection

BMW motorbikes are apparently particularly popular with thieves. In order to protect the two-wheelers against theft, the manufacturer is now taking a measure that is unique in the world of motorbikes: facial recognition – just like it is already common practice with smartphones. However, there were some special features to consider.

Instead of an ignition key, the Bavarian manufacturer’s motorbikes will in future be started with BMW iFace. The system not only uses the usual biometric facial data of the authorised driver, but also performs an iris-cornea comparison of the eyes for doubtless identification. For this purpose, electronics integrated into the TFT display of the motorbike cockpit perform a 3D scan of the face. This image is compared with a data set stored in the system. If the comparison is positive, the ignition, steering lock and other locking functions are released and the rider can start the motorbike. Since the 3D scan works with infrared illumination, this type of face recognition also works in the dark and the rider is not dazzled.

For the 3D scan, the rider must present himself to the system without a helmet. The iris-cornea scanning of the eyes also works with the helmet on. A special polarisation filter allows the scan to pass through heavily tinted and even mirrored visors, different types of glasses and contact lenses. The driver enters the type of visor currently in use and the type of visual aid before the scan process via the corresponding menu functions in the display.

Protection against theft is not the only function of BMW iFace: the system also supports the authorised owner in detecting (hopefully failed) theft attempts. In such a case, BMW iFace communicates with the electronic emergency call eCall. Using a special coding, not only does the BMW Motorrad call centre receive a corresponding message about the attempted theft, but the scan data (face or eye scan) as well as the current geographical position data are transmitted to the international central database of the federal police authorities in parallel.

The system will initially be used on BMW Motorrad Boxer models, the company said.

www.bmw.de

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