The US military is developing a handheld facial recognition device. Not just any one: this is capable of identifying individuals a kilometer away.
SOCOM, the US Command for Special Operations, developed this facial recognition system. His name is Advanced Tactical Facial Recognition at a Distance Technology.
The relentless eye
The research, which began in 2016, already produced a working prototype last December. They are now developing a version for use in the field.
Initially designed for portable use, this technology is now being modified to be used by drones as well.
An extract of research
TARGET. Develop and demonstrate innovative advanced tactical face recognition technologies at a distance between 650 meters and 1 kilometer. Improve tactical situational awareness and support positive identification of people of interest.
DESCRIPTION. SOCOM requires the ability to identify hostile people with a high degree of accuracy in a short period of time. The emerging advanced facial recognition algorithms are showing improved performance, even when confronted with non-ideal facial images (covered faces, beards, bandanas, hijabs).
PHASE I: Conduct a thorough technological feasibility study, including an analysis of critical technical factors. The study aims to identify and demonstrate prototype and scalability technologies necessary to obtain a portable version.
FASE II: in this second step a project must be developed in all its details. Also conduct a scalable prototype demonstration of all technologies included in the device. The development path of the project towards a robust portable operating capacity is also detailed point by point.
PHASE III - Applications for both uses: Long range facial recognition technologies are introduced and used. The field of application is twofold. Partly the Department of Defense, partly law enforcement and security.
Facial recognition, there will no longer be a drone that misses a shot
I summarize: we are on the eve of Phase III. Soon, as in the James Bond films that seemed like science fiction, people from a small remote controlled plane will be able to identify people from a kilometer away. Name, surname and other identification data will make the drones and controls relentless.
