No key required: BMW uses face recognition to unlock its motorcycles

BMW’s Motorrad motorcycle division is using eye and facial recognition to help thwart motorcycle thieves.

A world-first technology for motorcycles, BMW iFace makes ignition keys redundant and complements the brand’s existing Keyless Go technology, says the company.

The system stores a three-dimensional image of authorised riders and if it makes a positive identification, the ignition, steering lock and other locking functions are released so the rider can start the motorcycle.

BMW enlisted the help of a professional vehicle thief to develop the system, which can authenticate the rider using face recognition (without helmet), or iris-cornea scanning of the eyes which allows the rider have their helmet on.