Automobile Biometric Features, Personalized Experiences, and the Car Market
The comfort and security of its passengers have become top priorities for the automotive industry as a result of technological advancements. This article examines the various forms of biometric technologies in cars, the benefits associated with automobile biometric features, and the state of biometric car access in today’s market.
The increasing popularity of biometric access control
The usage of keys is the conventional approach to entering a car. Car keys were first created by Chrysler in 1949 to enhance the vehicle’s security system. With time, mechanical keys were invented between the 1940s to 1980s, remote keyless keys were invented in the 1990s, and transponders and smart keys were invented later on. A lot of thefts have taken place when drivers have left the keys inside the car. These thefts have risen by 56% between 2015 and 2018. Every day, 209 cars are stolen in the United States. Despite an overall decline in auto thefts since 2003, there was a significant increase in 2016, partly due to the 69,351 thefts that happened due to the keys left inside the vehicles.
The states with the most theft reports were Ohio, Nevada, California, Florida, and Texas. With the growing popularity of connected and autonomous vehicles, biometric technology is becoming more and more important in preventing unauthorized access, enhancing security, providing a personalized driving experience based on personal preferences, and minimizing theft and fraud.
There are two categories of biometrics out there:
- Biometrics based on physiological processes – Examines a person’s face, voice, and hands as its basis for operation.
- Biometrics based on behavior- Analyzes signatures, communication patterns, and keystroke dynamics.
Fingerprint recognition in automotive security
Fingerprint Recognition is a popular feature in mobile phones in providing security for that specific device. Nowadays, automakers are assessing use cases for fingerprint recognition technology in passenger automobiles because of its popularity and compatibility. Nonetheless, a fingerprint sensor in a car operates under significantly different standards than one in a smartphone. As a result, there are several options available for automakers regarding integrating the use of fingerprint recognition technology.
There is a widespread use of the biometric fingerprint security method. Since every person’s finger is unique, this is a more secure option. These days, car security is more crucial than ever. More cars are taken, and they are never recovered again. Particularly in autos, security systems like fingerprint systems help lower theft. Arduino and a fingerprint sensor are coupled. The car’s starting system has been altered. The Arduino is primarily connected to the ignition switch, which provides voltage to the voltage regulator, which in turn switches the Arduino on and off. The fingerprint sensor scans the user’s finger when input is provided. When two fingerprints match, the starter relay’s control relay is activated. The engine begins operating as a result.
Face recognition technology
Face recognition works on a concept that is not overbearing. Every time users get into the car, the artificial intelligence “recognizes” them and gives them access to preset capabilities such as starting the car. Car owners can also grant permissions or constraints to other people to access their vehicles. As their children are learning to drive, they could set time or speed limits or prohibit access without an adult present. It is a significant benefit of facial recognition technology. If someone enters the car without permission, the device can notify the owner or stop the car from starting. This discourages theft and gives the owner better control over their car.
Sensors located externally on the car’s B-pillar and under the driver’s console activate the vehicle and start the drive system when they identify the driver’s biometric face authentication.
Many applications of biometrics
Biometric authentication systems authenticate the driver’s identity before authorizing access to auto functions including turning on the engine, opening the doors, and modifying settings. This contributes to the vehicle’s protection. By restricting unauthorized individuals from accessing essential systems and data, the car’s access control system improves security and privacy for its occupants. Integrated tracking using GPS and remote monitoring features increases vehicle
security and reduce theft through the provision of vehicle tracking and recovery in the event of theft or illegal use. The vehicle’s biometric features can track drivers’ health and well-being utilizing physiological measurements and readings. Biometric sensors included in the dashboard, seat, or steering wheel can identify vital indicators such as heart rate, breathing rate, and stress levels to provide information about the driver’s health and well-being. Advanced driver monitoring systems use biometric data to recognize signs of fatigue, drowsiness, or impairment of attention to encourage safe driving practices. Specific settings, including seat placements, mirror adjustments, entertainment preferences, and driving assistance settings can be stored in biometric profiles. Personalization enhances comfort, convenience, and the overall driving experience for car occupants, accommodating individual preferences and making driving more enjoyable.
The market for biometric recognition systems in automobiles
The high standard of security in cars that have biometric features makes them the preferred choice for many global organizations. It’s a simple and convenient solution for drivers as well. Among the popular automobile brands, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, and Ford offer discrete biometric auto entry. Due to its great consistency and ease of use, fingerprint recognition systems hold the majority of the international marketplace.
Cybersecurity and biometrics
Concerns about biometric technology include data privacy and the safe and proper transfer, storage, and administration of biometric data. The risk of harm can be higher if one of these databases had been compromised than if a password had been forgotten. There are problems with data security when biometric data is used. To avoid unwanted access, misuse, or exploitation of biometric data, manufacturers and service providers need to include robust data protection mechanisms, encryption protocols, and privacy controls.
Access control and vehicle security are changing as a result of biometric technology like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. These are advanced techniques that guarantee passenger security and comfort while replacing conventional keys. Biometric access control has been effectively adopted by automakers like Hyundai and BMW getting excellent feedback and user approval. With their safe, intuitive, and customized vehicle access and interaction features, these technologies are poised to completely rewrite the rules. The advancement of biometric technology is propelling the integration of automobiles into users’ daily lives, resulting in improved security and convenience.
