Osaka Metro replaces tickets with facial recognition system

A woman walking through a facial recognition ticket gate

Travelers on the Osaka Metro will soon be able to board a train using their face instead of a ticket.

Walk-through facial recognition ticket gates have been put in place at 130 of Osaka Metro’s 134 stations and will soon allow users to depart without using the normal paper ticket or IC card based ticket gates.

These new ticket gates represent a significant technological upgrade to Osaka Metro’s infrastructure and have been introduced with the aim of enhancing passenger convenience and station efficiency.

The Osaka-Kansai Expo taking place this year is expected to bring a large influx of visitors and this new system has been implemented in part to handle the expected increase in traffic caused by the expo and future international events.

A route map of the Osaka Metro subway network — The new ticket gates have been rolled out to 130 of the 134 stations in the Osaka Metro network

The new gates combine Panasonic Connect’s facial recognition technology with Takamisawa Cybernetics’ expertise in developing automated ticket gate systems.

The resulting system allows for seamless passenger transit, with facial recognition authentication occurring at speeds comparable to traditional IC card systems, eliminating the need for passengers to stop or tap cards.

Passengers can utilize the facial recognition system by linking a pre-purchased digital ticket from the Osaka Metro’s “e METRO” mobile application with their registered facial information. This integration enables a hands-free, walk-through experience at the ticket gates.

Two screenshots showing a user registering their facial information in the eMetro app — Users will have to register their facial information in the eMetro app before using the new ticket gates

Key Features of the New Facial Recognition Ticket Gates

Design:
- The gates feature a modern, futuristic aesthetic, deviating from conventional ticket gate designs.
- Asymmetrical designs are employed for the entrance and exit sides, creating a welcoming and farewell experience for passengers.
- Illuminated arches are incorporated to enhance facial recognition accuracy.
- Transparent, crystal-like door materials with integrated illumination are used to guide passengers through the gates.
Passing Speed:
- Panasonic Connect’s facial recognition technology enables rapid image extraction from moving subjects, ensuring authentication speeds comparable to IC card systems.
- The lighting system is designed to provide consistent illumination for reliable facial recognition in various environments, while minimizing glare for users.
Functionality:
- Passengers register their facial images and link their digital tickets through the “e METRO” app.
- The system performs facial matching during passenger transit, verifying ticket information and authorizing passage.
- Data is transmitted to a central server for processing and authorization.

The use of advanced facial recognition systems allows for faster processing times, reducing congestion and improving the overall passenger experience.

The design elements of the ticket gates, such as the illuminated arches and transparent doors, contribute to a modern and user-friendly environment.

Two images showing the entry and exit of new facial recognition ticket gates — The new ticket gates will standout compared to those currently in use

The integration of the “e METRO” app with the facial recognition system provides a seamless and convenient experience for passengers, eliminating the need for physical tickets or cards.

Osaka Metro first began trialing and demonstrating the facial recognition system in their stations in 2019. Full scale installation subsequently began in November 2023.

The new walk-through facial recognition ticket gates are now scheduled to commence full-scale operations on March 25th 2025.

Source: Panasonic