Face recognition technology is quickly finding a wide variety of applications. Smartphones scanning the owner’s face to unlock are common enough, as is the use of this technology at banks. However, the possibilities offered by computer identification are much wider – from tracking down criminals to collecting data for market analysis. One of the leading players in the market is VisionLabs.
From student to business leader
Alexander Khanin, the founder of VisionLabs, became interested in computer vision technology and artificial intelligence back in 2008, when he was a third-year student at Bauman Technical University. In 2011, he earned a degree in Engineering Robotics, and then a Master’s in Robots and Robotic Systems. In April 2012, Alexander was joined by partners with expertise in key areas – computer vision (Ivan Laptev, professor at the French National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control, INRIA) and IT technology (Alexei Nekhayev, director for key client relations). Together they established VisionLabs. The founders note that computer vision still offers big opportunities for new developments and players. But entering the startup market is sometimes complicated by high requirements on new technologies.
How it works
Recognizing faces sounds simple enough. But training a computer to do it quickly and correctly requires a complex multi-level program. A neural network reads the code from a photo, compares it with its databases and makes identification. At the same time, its accuracy should not be affected by variable parameters such as tan. All these problems are being handled by specialists in machine learning and computer vision. VisionLabs proposed a unique innovative face recognition platform, LUNA, which can quickly and accurately recognize and identify a person in real time. The solution is helpful in criminal investigation – to pick out wanted people in a crowd, or to expose fraudsters trying to get a bank loan with forged identification documents.
“Today more than 40 banks and national credit bureaus in Russia and the CIS use the LUNA platform,” Alexander Khanin said.
But the possibilities of computer vision are much wider. The ability to instantly identify customers helps companies significantly improve the level of service – serve a VIP client first thing or send a good deal offer to a regular customer right as they enter the store. This function is facilitated by the Fase IS cloud app, which records the customer’s purchase history and helps build their relationship with the brand.
Many computer users have security concerns. VisionLabs does not store images or other personal data. The neural network processes information in digital form. Even if the system is hacked, it will be impossible to generate a person’s appearance.
Financing
Large companies offer financing of the development of new technology in exchange for VisionLabs shares. Thus, in 2016, Sistema Joint-Stock Financial Corporation invested RUR 350 mio ($5.4 mio) in research and received 25% of the company’s shares. In order to keep the controlling stock, VisionLabs founders issued additional shares. At the same time, the company itself was valued at RUR 1.4 bln ($22 mio). VisionLabs was also provided subsidies worth RUR 30 mio by the fund of the Russian Ministry of Education and the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (Bortnik Fund). In addition, VisionLabs took part in a business accelerator program at the Internet Initiatives Development Fund, which invested RUR 1 mio. Before the contract with Sistema, the fund owned 2.2% shares. In 2017, Sberbank provided large sums and acquired a 25.07% stake. VisionLabs founder, Alexander Khanin currently has 42.28% of the shares, which allows him to control all processes and make management decisions. According to the Spark Interfax business analysis firm, in 2015, the company’s revenue was over RUR 31 mio ($480K) and net profit was almost RUR 24.5 mio. The founder did not disclose the revenue in the subsequent years but said it increased significantly.
Team
VisionLabs employs some 90 people, most of whom work at the company’s Moscow office. Some work remotely, from other Russian cities and abroad. In addition to experts that are engaged in the development and improvement of computer technology and artificial intelligence, the company has a sales department and a back office. Some of the employees also perform administrative functions and are engaged in PR.
Banks, hotels and cars: We know you
The intelligent facial recognition technology is currently being introduced to various business sectors. VisionLabs has over 50 clients from retail companies, banks (including Sberbank) and security providers. Each customer has their own goals and expectations of the new technology. Banks want to improve security and make customers feel comfortable. Facial recognition is also a way to identify clients and reduce fraud risks. The improved verification system allows for additional identification of clients when necessary.
Mobile payments are yesterday’s news, the developers of innovative virtual payment apps believe. In 2018, VisionLabs and the Russian payment system SWiP started a joint project and launched the SelfieToPay service of selfie payments. The cardholder can verify their identity via facial recognition technology by taking a selfie photo on their smartphone. In June 2018, the service was launched in test mode at Mediacafe, Papa John’s and Cofix. It is currently widely used in Moscow restaurants and cafés.
Hotels embraced the opportunities offered by the facial recognition technology as well. For registration, a special scanner was developed that receives all necessary information from a guest’s booking QR code and their passport. The terminal device actually performs the function of a receptionist by comparing the photo scan with a guest’s face to identify a person. Regular guests can only show their passports, in accordance with the Russian laws. Along with greater accuracy of identification, the face recognition technology also allows for faster registration.
Replacing doorkeepers
The use of the remote facial recognition technology is already rather extensive. Remote scanning of a driver’s face could replace the ignition switch. VisionLabs’ technology was chosen by the Nvidia company and introduced in its platform. Computer vision is also expected to be used for monitoring a driver’s condition.
The technology is also being introduced in the housing sector. In the residential complex Litsa (Faces), with its intelligent video surveillance system installed, resident can enter their apartments without using keys, while the elevator will take them to their floor. The system also helps monitor cars entering the compound, which allows distinguishing guests from residents and transfer necessary information to the local security team. The system of online facial recognition can replace doorkeepers as well. It has been introduced at School 21 – a project of Russia’s Sberbank where future IT specialists take training. The system’s memory stores the images of staff members and students that can enter the building without their ID cards.
The algorithm developed by VisionLabs can be used not only as tool for identifying clients but also for collecting analytical information. At Moscow Sea Aquarium, online scanning of visitors’ faces has allowed collecting actual data on their gender and age and analyzing attendance. This provides vast opportunities for conducting market research in the sea aquarium and organizing interactive communication with visitors.
Endless opportunities
All in all, the facial recognition technology is being extensively introduced in all business spheres. VisionLabs cooperates with many developers of innovative applications and takes efforts to modify the program’s opportunities depending on each client. The company leaders are confident that the future belongs to AI, and the areas of its use will only expand, ranging from computer games to fashion industry, cinema, and VR.
“The company is actively developing and introducing its solutions both in the Russian and international markets. The AI technologies are currently at their development peak and used everywhere extensively, and the scope of activities is very vast and diverse”, Alexander Khanin noted. This year, Russia for the first time will host CeBIT, the world’s largest trade tech fair, which is an excellent platform for seeking partners and like-minded people”, he said.
By Christina Firsova