Tokyo 2020 Games NEC's facial recognition system implemented

NEC (a Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner) will implement its facial recognition system for identity verification when Games personnel enter venues during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and NEC held a joint press conference in Tokyo on August 7.

The system utilizes NEC's facial recognition AI engine "NeoFace" and will be implemented for approximately 300,000 Games personnel, including athletes, staff, and volunteers. It links ID cards equipped with IC chips to facial images captured and registered in advance within the system. At entry gates, facial recognition devices verify identity using both the face and the ID card.
In one test case, entry was approximately 2.5 times faster compared to manual verification by staff.

Organizing Committee Security Director Takeshi Iwashita stated, "The Tokyo Games lack an Olympic and Paralympic Park, with competition venues scattered across multiple locations. This necessitates security checks at each venue for every entry. Introducing the facial recognition system will enable a smooth, efficient, and rigorous check system while also helping attendees cope with the heat. We will continue conducting verification tests to further refine the system."
NEC Executive Officer Masaaki Suganuma noted that deploying facial recognition systems across all staff areas at every venue is a first in Olympic and Paralympic history. "Using cutting-edge technology with proven results worldwide, from crime investigation to entertainment, we aim to provide 'discreet security' that doesn't detract from the excitement and emotion of the Games," he said. "We will contribute to the success of the Games while globally advancing our 'Social Solution Business' that creates safe, secure, efficient, and equitable social value." We will contribute to the Games' success while globally advancing our 'Social Solutions Business' that creates safe, secure, efficient, and equitable social value."