BMW iFace is the Face ID for motorcycles that eliminates the key. BMW Motorrad Boxer motorcycles are among the most popular and popular, yet they are also a favorite among thieves. BMW Motorrad is now the first motorcycle manufacturer to address this challenge with the BMW iFace system, which uses facial recognition technology instead of the previous ignition key, integrating seamlessly with the already existing Keyless Go technology.
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The BMW iFace system was developed in collaboration with Professor Gerhard Lesjöh, head of the world’s leading institute of ophthalmology at the University of Munich. The system used by BWM offers facial recognition of the rider’s face on the one hand, and on the other, a comparison of the iris and cornea of the eyes for even more secure identification.
3D scanning technology and infrared scanning are used for facial recognition, which is integrated into the TFT display. Obviously, the face is scanned in a three-dimensional and biometric way when the helmet is removed.
This three-dimensional image is compared with a data record stored in the system. If the comparison returns a positive datum, then it will be possible to start the bike and unlock all its functions. Note that facial recognition also works in the dark thanks to infrared scanning.
In the event of an attempted theft, the BMW iFace communicates with the eCall emergency service. The BMW Motorrad call center receives a message about the theft attempt via a special code, and the scan data (facial or eye) and geographic location data are transmitted to the international central database of the federal police authorities.
If data relating to the person attempting to steal the motorcycle is found, the search for the person concerned is immediately initiated. If no data is available, however, the transmitted data will be archived in this database for possible later use.
BMW iFace was developed and tested in the field over a period of more than three years. The system will be presented at one of the autumn motor shows in 2023 and will initially be used in the BMW Motorrad Boxer models.