Friday, 5 September 2025
28.2 C
Singapore
31.5 C
Thailand
28.1 C
Indonesia
28.3 C
Philippines

Japan chipmaker unveils its AI face recognition tool that can detect fever

THine Electronics, a Japanese semiconductor maker, has developed a facial recognition system that can be used to record temperatures from about a foot away even if the person is wearing a mask. This new tool is among several products launched by technology industries as Japan prepares to reopen after citywide lockdown and stay-at-home orders issued […]

THine Electronics, a Japanese semiconductor maker, has developed a facial recognition system that can be used to record temperatures from about a foot away even if the person is wearing a mask.

This new tool is among several products launched by technology industries as Japan prepares to reopen after citywide lockdown and stay-at-home orders issued to help contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of emergency in the country is expected to end on May 6.

Most governments and businesses are looking for a way to balance the control of infection and restart their economies, and with worries of a second wave of the infection, such a tool can be beneficial.

According to a report from Nikkei, the government of Japan developed a tracing app that can notify persons when they encounter confirmed COVID-19 patients.

This new tool by THine Electronics uses AI and can be used in entrances of hospitals, office buildings, malls, and other avenues that have mass public gatherings. Large-scale sales of the tool that costs US$2,784 will begin late May this year.

The system can record the temperature of an individual from about 30 cm, and the readings come with an error margin of about 0.3 degrees Celsius. The tool can store up to 50,000 faces at once.

Experts have raised questions about privacy issues opposed by the tool. The Financial Times reported that almost 300 experts wrote letters issuing warnings that the tool may be co-opted for mass surveillance by some governments instead of serving the purpose it is developed to serve.

THine did not right away respond to questions regarding the ownership of data and how long the faces will be stored. The Japanese government tracing app uses Bluetooth instead of GPS to detect other app users who are close. The developers said that data would be deleted after a specific amount of time. 

Hot this week

Canon Singapore and NLB expand cartridge recycling programme with new green pledge

Canon Singapore and NLB expand cartridge recycling to more libraries with the Inkfinity Green Pledge, supporting Singapore’s Zero Waste goals.

Japan uses an AI simulation of Mount Fuji’s eruption to prepare citizens

Japan uses AI to simulate a Mount Fuji eruption, showing its potential devastation and promoting disaster preparedness.

Anker unveils high-powered Prime series with new flagship power bank

Anker launches its new Prime series at IFA 2025, featuring a 300W power bank, 14-in-1 docking station, GaN charger, and Qi2 charging station.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro rumoured to launch with brighter screen, better cooling, and longer battery life

Leaks suggest the iPhone 17 Pro will debut with a brighter display, improved cooling, and a larger battery for extended performance.

Meta accused of hosting unauthorised celebrity AI chatbots

Meta faces scrutiny after unauthorised AI chatbots imitating celebrities, including Taylor Swift, were found on its platforms.

MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete review: A robot vacuum that edges past the competition

The MOVA Z60 Ultra Roller Complete combines scrubbing mop power, strong suction, and pet-friendly AI for Singapore homes. With StepMaster threshold climbing and a self-cleaning dock, it delivers one of the most complete cleaning solutions today.

Kahoot!: Enabling the future of learning across APAC through AI, localisation and cross-sector engagement

Kahoot! expands in APAC with AI-powered tools, localised content, and a cross-sector strategy to meet the region’s evolving learning needs.

HubSpot unveils Loop Marketing playbook to drive growth in AI era

HubSpot launches Loop Marketing playbook and over 200 AI updates to help businesses grow in the era of AI search and zero-click results.

One in three Australian workers expose company data to AI platforms, Josys warns

Over a third of Australian workers upload sensitive data to AI tools, with Josys warning of rising risks from shadow AI and weak governance.

Related Articles

Popular Categories