Artificial Intelligence Technology
Face recognition in industrial applications: smart, secure, and embedded
How face recognition with embedded AI makes machines safer, smarter, and more efficient – without compromising data protection. By Andreas Precht, head of marketing, AITAD
All images were created by AITAD using Gemini.
Figure 1: In industrial face recognition, faces must be reliably recognized even under difficult conditions.
Humans and machines in dialogue The digital factory doesn’t just connect machines – it connects people with technology. Among the most intuitive human-machine interfaces is biometric face recognition: fast, contactless, and secure. What has become standard in smartphones and airports is now transforming industrial environments.
Thanks to embedded AI, facial recognition can now be implemented without cloud dependency – fully compliant with data protection regulations and integrable into existing machine landscapes. This article explores how industrial face recognition works, where it adds value, and why embedded AI is the key to success.
What is industrial face recognition? Face recognition refers to the automated identification or verification of individuals using unique facial characteristics. While the human eye might differentiate 10–20 features like jawline or eye spacing, AI-
14 October 2025
Figure 2: While humans can distinguish between around 10 and 20 features, AI-supported systems can capture hundreds of markers.
based systems analyse hundreds of microscopic markers – from pore structure to symmetry axes.
These features are converted into a unique biometric “face print” – a mathematical vector – which is then compared with reference data. The result: access is granted, machines are activated, or user profiles are loaded – all automatically.
Unlike consumer-grade systems, industrial face recognition must perform reliably in demanding environments. It must: Work under variable lighting conditions Recognise faces despite masks, helmets, or safety goggles
Operate offline to meet strict data privacy standards
Be robust, fast, and integrable into complex systems
This requires purpose-built embedded hardware – not repurposed smartphone technology.
Components in Electronics
Figure 3: AI can also reliably recognize people who are difficult for humans to distinguish, such as twins.
Where it’s used: practical applications Access control & area authorisation Who may enter a restricted zone or activate a machine? Facial recognition replaces keys and badges with secure, contactless authorisation – essential in hazardous areas or for regulated machinery. Machine authorisation & personalisation Only trained staff should operate complex equipment. Facial recognition ensures compliance, while personalising the machine settings such as interface language or ergonomic adjustments. Time tracking & shift management Recording start and break times via facial recognition eliminates physical cards or PINs. It’s hygienic, efficient, and tamper- proof – ideal for shared workspaces or rotating shifts. Emotion detection & ergonomic assistance Using AI-driven facial analysis, systems can detect signs of fatigue, stress, or discomfort. Automated recommendations for breaks or
workstation adjustments can reduce risks in repetitive or safety-critical tasks. Quality assurance & audit trails In industries like medical technology or aerospace, regulations demand detailed process documentation. Facial recognition creates reliable, real-time user logs – without the need for manual entries.
How it works: the technology behind it
AITAD’s embedded AI systems follow a clear process:
1. Face detection
A camera – either visible light or infrared – captures the user’s face. Infrared offers better results in low-light or high-glare environments. 2. Feature extraction
The system identifies 60–70 biometric landmarks, both macro (e.g. eye distance, nose shape) and micro (e.g. pore pattern, skin texture).
www.cieonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
