Latest News
May 2013
Aurora’s going Premier League
We are proud to announce that our software is being used in the My Player Twin website.
Our development team have designed a service which compares a photo of YOU to a massive database of 2012/13 Barclays Premier League footballers and returns a picture of the player you look most like. With over 160,000 player twins matched so far, the application has started strong and is on target to hit the back of the net!
So, if you’ve ever thought you had a passing resemblance to Steven Gerrard or even Wayne Rooney, why not give it a go: www.myplayertwin.com.
TopMay 2013
Managing your mobile workforce just got easier
Aurora are pleased to announce the completion of the integration of our FaceMobile application and our TimeKeeper system.
FaceMobile is a simple smartphone app which enables users to capture an image of their face at the same time as recording a time stamp and the GPS coordinates. This means that supervisors are able to check the identity, time and location of the field operative for each in/out record created.
Our Timekeeper software aids effective management of company workforce and essentially provides the facility to define shifts and work patterns as well as incorporating specific payroll models.
This software has previously only been linked to our ClockFace units through standard networking. Now, with the information being stored in a central cloud database, we are able to offer a complete package offering a single solution suitable for any sized company which covers all your time and attendance requirements.
April 2013
Aurora and Atkins’ continued partnership in the air industry
Aurora are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with one of our partners, Atkins, regarding the supply of our Infrared – Colour matching technology for use in the air industry and border control.
Our infrared – colour technology is unique in that we are able to compare a colour image, such as that stored on an ePassport, to a live infrared image of a person captured in real-time using our powerful infrared cameras.
Recent trials sanctioned by IATA and carried out in both Geneva and Heathrow Airport, have given us the opportunity to improve the speed and accuracy of our Infrared – Colour engine considerably.
Atkins will market and promote the technology and Aurora will sell exclusively through Atkins. The agreement builds on the mutual respect that has characterised our combined business activities to date.
Our infrared – infrared and colour – colour technologies are unaffected by this agreement any enquiries regarding these areas, should continue to be directed solely at Aurora.
To find out more, check out: www.atkinsglobal.com/communications
April 2013
Aurora’s CEO hitting headlines
Hugh Carr-Archer was in the news twice last week, featured in both The Telegraph and Metro News:
The Telegraph
Jennifer O’Mahony from The Telegraph was writing an article focused on the Boston Bombers and how investigators use technology to identify suspects.
Hugh’s expertise was called upon to describe how and why facial recognition may have been used to help search for the suspects and how the technology actually works using the sometimes grainy images picked up on CCTV and social media sites.
For the full story, please click on the link above.
Metro News
Ross McGuinness from Metro contacted Aurora for his feature piece In your face!
This article focuses on how our faces convey or hide our emotions and how, as humans, we learn to recognise each other. Hugh was called upon to explain how the technology behind biometric facial recognition systems work.
For the full story please click on the link above.
April 2013
Aurora’s technology on display at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2013
We are proud of the leaps and bounds our technology has made in the air industry over the last year. Some of our latest developments have been integrated into leading providers products and are currently being demonstrated as proof of concepts at the Passenger Terminal Expo 2013 at Geneva Airport.
The Passenger Terminal Expo is a world leading platform for the industry and is the place to hear about latest projects and industry trends and development.
April 2013
Successful self-boarding trial completion at Heathrow
Our facial recognition technology was used in the two month trial, which ended on 25th March 2013, incorporated into an e-gate controlled by Atkins’ Passenger Authentication Scanning System (PASS), carried out in Heathrow Terminal 1.
Passengers travelling with South African Airways were invited to use the self-boarding e-gate, which meant that traveller identity was only checked once by airline staff throughout the boarding process.
Use of the gate and the biometrics in turn ensured that the passenger boarding was the same as the one who checked in and they had their valid travel document at the point of boarding.
Over a 1000 passengers had been successfully enrolled into the trial and the results show that this technology has the ability to improve passenger experience, aircraft embarkation times and border security.
March 2013
Aurora assisting in the search for a doppelganger
Sophie Robehmed has been searching for her doppelganger since late 2011. Throughout her quest she has been compared to the likes of Natalie Portman, Helena Bonham-Carter and even Nancy Reagan. But it’s not the celebrity lookalike she’s hunting for, it’s a genuine, do-a-double-take, real-life double.
Sophie visited Aurora’s office with the BBC, in a bid to better understand facial recognition technology. As Hugh Carr-Archer, Aurora’s CEO explained; any face recognition technology needs to do three main things, firstly, identify a face in a frame, then select an ‘anchor’ point – we use eye points – and then an algorithm needs to create a template of the face.
To demonstrate Aurora’s software, Dr Tom Heseltine, our Biometric Consultant, loaded a collection of over 20,000 faces into our unique database along with an image of Sophie. Within seconds, the system returned its ‘Best Match’; the person in the database with the most similar facial structure. Our software ignores things such as age, hair and even head angle and lighting. However because our collection of images were taken from the web, mainly made up from celebrities, Sophie’s hunt for her lookalike continues.
You can find out more about Sophie’s search at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21383109
You can follow Sophie’s mission on: https://www.facebook.com/doyoulooklikeme and https://twitter.com/sophierobehmed
To watch the video of Sophie’s visit to our office, as featured on the BBC, you can click on the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20699973
To listen to Tom and Sophie discussing the search for a doppelganger and what facial recognition technology looks for with the Radio 5 Live DJ’s, click here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/109097032/Radio5LiveBreakfastInterviewDoppelgangerClippedStereo.mp3 and https://dl.dropbox.com/u/109097032/TH%20Doppel%202.mp3
To hear Tom and Sophie talking to BBC Radio Newcastle click here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/109097032/TH%20BBC%20N%27Castle.mp3
To hear Tom talking to BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester, click here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/109097032/TH%20BBC%20Here%26Wor.mp3
February 2013
Aurora’s technology being used in new trial at Heathrow
Heathrow’s Terminal 1 passengers are being invited to take part in a two month self-boarding trial with South African Airways. These passengers are the first in the world to use the innovative technology which combines our infrared facial recognition system and a specially adapted self-boarding gate.
People who take part in the trial pass through an automatic electric barrier which takes an infrared scan of their face. This information is then checked against the biometric data which was taken at check-in. When the two sets of data are successfully matched, the barrier opens and the passenger can pass through and board their flight. The personal data is stored securely and will be destroyed at the end of the trial.
Heathrow’s Terminal 1 Director, Ian Hanson said: “We are working in partnership with our airlines to trial this technology which should help make our passengers’ journeys smoother and simpler. Since its introduction we have had positive feedback from both airlines and passengers.”.
February 2013
Dunne implements ClockFace to assist with site security
The Dunne Group operates throughout the United Kingdom and has developed its operational and management systems to become recognised as a leading Civil Engineering Contractor, specialising in reinforced concrete substructure and superstructure work.
Dunne initially installed our ClockFace units in 2010 and were impressed with the results both on site and with the reporting software, ClockFace Manager. When their latest projects got under way in Manchester and Ferrybridge, they were happy to approach Aurora for additional support.
By using the ClockFace Manager software, administrators can access numerous reports including attendance by trade, company or individual details of training skills and qualifications, emergency contact details and many more. Our ClockFace units ensure only authorised personnel are on site and because your face is your pass, it prevents buddy-punching and ghost workers.
January 2013
Passenger Survey reveals most travellers are receptive to the idea of using Biometrics during the border control processes
IATA’s Global Passenger Survey was formed as a result of nearly 3000 respondents from over 110 countries. It showed that of those respondents, 77% were comfortable using biometrics if available and 71% preferred to use self-boarding gates.
This is good news to Aurora considering our technology, in partnership with Atkins is already in use within Heathrow to assist with the passenger process and will soon be in use within another large UK airport.
2013 promises to be a strong year for Aurora and we look forward to continued developments within the airport environment.
December 2012
Xervon Palmers install second ClockFace unit on London site
Xervon Palmers is one of the industry’s leading access, scaffolding and related industrial service providers. They originally adopted our facial recognition technology to assist with time and attendance in April 2012.
Having seen benefits from the ease of usability our hardware offers and the reporting functions that our software provides, they made the decision to install a second unit on site to speed up the clocking in/out process.
November 2012
IATA Trial Results
Following the five day trial which took place at Geneva airport in September, Aurora are pleased to presents the results of the Passenger Experience Survey. Most notable; 94% of the passengers who used our technology reported a Good or Excellent experience.
October 2012
UAE Based ALEC Construction Adopt Aurora Face Recognition
Al Jaber L.E.G.T Engineering & Contracting (ALEC) LLC is one of the leading contractors in the UAE; having completed such diverse projects as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort and Spa, Park Hyatt Hotel – Saadiyat Island, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai Marina Mall; Hotel and Apartments, Yas Links Golf Club, Dubai International Airport Expansion - Phase 2, Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 1 Refurbishment (ALEC Fitout) and Al Falah Community Development (ALEMCO – MEP works).
The new face recognition systems will help ALEC efficiently manage their labour and staff resources by creating a fully integrated attendance system linked to their ERP and HR. The first projects to be installed will be the Dubai Airport Concourse 4 and the Dubai World Central Expo Hall and Royal Pavilions.
September 2012
Aurora trials latest technology at IATA's head office in Geneva
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) represents some 240 airlines comprising of 84% of the world’s total air traffic.
Earlier this month, Tom Heseltine, Aurora’s Biometric Specialist attended IATA’s head office in Geneva for a week-long trial of our infrared to colour passport recognition technology to assist with IATA’s concept of ‘Checkpoint of the Future’. The concept is designed to enhance security while reducing queues and intrusive searches at airports, using intelligence driven risk-based measures.
Our software was trialled in IATA’s offices as well as in the live environment of Geneva airport, with very positive results.
August 2012
Striding ahead in the air industry
Aurora are pleased to announce that since our technology went live this year in Heathrow, we have more facial recognition installations in the UK air industry than all of our competitors combined.
Our infrared (IR) Facial Recognition solution, approved by the UK Border Agency for use at T1 and T5, was chosen after extensive trialling as it works at any point in the terminal independent of the ambient lighting conditions. It is part of the latest upgrade to Atkins Passenger Authentication Scanning System (PASS), which has operated successfully at Heathrow for the past five years, to further enhance the security of passengers.
For further information please see:
www.facerec.com/solutions_aether.html
July 2012
Wilson’s School to use faceREGISTER to assist with sixth form registration
Wilson’s School, in Wallington are the latest school to adopt our facial recognition technology to assist with sixth form registration.
A spokesperson for the school has said that they already have a very high attendance rate in the sixth form and they are hoping that the installation of the faceREGISTER units will encourage the boys to take responsibility for their own registration whilst freeing up staff to provide quality individual tutoring for the sixth form.
The faceREGISTER units will be set up at convenient entry/exit points around the sixth form block where the boys will be able to sign themselves in and out.
June 2012
Biometrics 2012 Speech Confirmation
Aurora are pleased to announce that we will be attending Biometrics 2012 to speak about the merits of our Infrared Facial Recogniton Technology, how it works, what we are doing next and why we believe it is the future of biometric facial recognition.
Biometrics 2012 is the leading international annual event for advanced identification technologies, it is a chance to highlight and demonstrate applications of biometrics and related technologies, with the conference and exhibition attracting highly qualified participants and visitors.
The conference and exhibition is being held at the QEII Conference Centre, London on 29 – 31 October 2012.
May 2012
Aurora is delighted by the interest generated by the Passenger Terminal Expo 2012
The Passenger Terminal Expo is the leading international airport terminal conference and exhibition, providing the opportunity for airport and airline industries to debate current issues and form business relationships on a global scale.
This year two of the air industries major players showcased self-boarding gates which integrated Aurora’s AIR engine and the Image+ IR camera technology.
Both systems generated a buzz and Aurora is proud to be making more of a name for itself within the air industry.
April 2012
ClockFace to monitor time & attendance at one of London's regeneration projects
Xervon Palmers have become the latest construction company to adopt Aurora's technology to act as a time and attendance solution.
The ClockFace unit has been installed at one of the companies London based site. Workers will be enrolled using Aurora's face recognition technology combined with a unique PIN number.
Logs generated by the unit will be used to assist in the monitoring of time and attendance of employees as they sign in and out of their shift. By using face recognition, Xervon Palmers will ensure prevention of buddy punching and ghost workers.
March 2012
Smart Phone Application Snapped Up
Aurora are pleased to announce that the Ardmore Group have been so impressed with our latest development in the smartphone market that they have snapped up the system themselves.
Ardmore was formed over thirty years ago and has grown into one of the largest privately owned Design and Build contractors in the UK.
They will be using the smartphone application for use by approximately 100 people working on Ardmore's more temporary sites. It will be used to send user log records directly to a central database using the Cloud, which can then be incorporated into their existing reports. They will also be able to generate reports using the GPS location recorded when a person uses the phone to sign themselves in. This allows administrators to view the exact location of the phone when the transaction was recorded, as well as the mobile number of the phone being used to log the records.
February 2012
Aurora live in Heathrow
Atkins and Aurora announce upgrade to Passenger Authentication Scanning System for BAA
Atkins and Aurora Computer Services have implemented an upgrade to the Passenger Authentication Scanning System (PASS), to enhance the security of passengers using the Common Departure Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 1. PASS, developed by Atkins with BAA, has operated at Heathrow successfully for the past 5 years and the upgrade now includes Infrared Facial Recognition from Aurora Computer Services. This enhancement assures the identity of passengers as they exit to the boarding gate.
The Infrared (IR) Facial Recognition solution, approved by the UK Border Agency for use at T1, was chosen after extensive trialling as it works at any point in the terminal independent of the ambient lighting conditions.
Atkins' project director, Dr Nick Whitehead explains; "The upgrade to PASS has enabled a facial biometric to be linked to a passenger's Bar-Coded Boarding Pass which can then be validated at the existing check points, to enhance the standard manual checks made by a security officer. This increases the certainty with which identification is made, improving security and the overall passenger experience in the airport."
For more information please refer to:
www.facerec.com/solutions_aether.html
www.atkinsglobal.co.uk/identitymanagement
January 2012
Aurora in the Middle East
Clarati Workforce Management has become Aurora's eyes and ears in the MENA region. Headed up by James Ward, Clarati, based in Dubai, are now working as our Agent and will focus solely on our Middle Eastern customers.
James was previously Aurora's Operations Director and so has plenty of experience of working with biometrics and understands the work ethics of the region. We are confident that James will represent us and our technology professionally and look forward to working closely with Clarati.
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