An infrared anti-theft technology capable of recognizing a user face was put into operation in the Liangjiang New Area of Chongqing, local media reported on Aug 15.

The technology, developed by Chongqing Cloud Walk Technology Co, can detect a person's face in less than one second with a successful recognition rate of over 99 percent, and can be used for banks and public security areas to avoid illegal activities.

A Cloud Walk staff member demonstrates facial recognition technology. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Nowadays commercial banks and financial institutes are keeping a close eye on the development of infrared facial recognition technologies to detect illegal attacks on bank accounts. Lawbreakers usually use photos or videos of a bank account's owner to steal from their accounts.

This July, the Agricultural Bank of China launched a withdrawal service utilizing facial recognition at over 20,000 branches across the country, based on Cloud Walk's facial recognition technologies. Users must first pass facial recognition screening on the ATM and input a password before being able to withdraw their money.

The facial recognition big data platform at Cloud Walk Technology Co is a vital part of its smart security system. Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Cloud Walk has stood out among a group of leading internet projects for its artificial intelligence (AI) public services platform. The project has become one of four key Internet Plus projects to be approved by the National Development and Reform Commission in 2017.

The company, established in 2015, hails from the Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. As the only facial recognition technical team at the institute, Cloud Walk has participated in a number of key state-level projects in western China.

Statistics show that Cloud Walk owns a 30 percent market share in China’s facial recognition technology industry. The company has currently signed contracts with 15 banks, including Bank of China and Bank of Chongqing.

A customer uses a facial recognition system to access DIY loan services from Bank of Chongqing. [Photo/liangjiang.gov.cn]

Edited by Zachary Dye