ams to ease implementation of 3D optical sensing technology through partnership with software specialist Face++

Tight integration between ams sensor solutions and Face++ algorithms gives  electronics product manufacturers a faster, smoother path to implementation of 3D optical sensing technologies such as face recognition

Premstaetten, Austria (6 January, 2019) -- ams (SIX: AMS), a leading worldwide supplier of high performance sensor solutions, and Face++ (www.megvii.com), the leader in artificial intelligence software, have agreed a co-operation arrangement to accelerate OEMs’ and system integrators’ deployments of 3D optical sensing technologies such as face recognition.

This partnership means that manufacturers can go to market faster with superior systems for performing functions such as face recognition, facial payments, Animoji creation and augmented/virtual reality. The 3D optical sensing solutions created by ams and Face++, which use infrared light projectors to map the surface of real-world objects such as a user’s face, are bringing about profound changes in the operation of security and authentication functions. 3D optical sensing, for instance, enables face recognition in the mobile phone, giving users an easy and secure alternative to PIN codes and fingerprint sensing for device unlocking and payment functions.

Under the new partnership, ams and Face++ will co-ordinate efforts to ensure that the operation of ams 3D optical sensing systems and Face++ technologies are optimized for each other. ams and Face++ will also collaborate on customer service to provide co-ordinated system-level technical support to product manufacturers. 

In November 2018, ams also announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. for the joint development of face recognition technology for mobile phones based on ams IR illuminator modules and Qualcomm mobile application processors.  “Consumers are excited by the opportunity to buy products that have valuable features such as user face recognition. Now, by linking our 3D sensing systems with Face++ technology, we are enabling manufacturers to add these popular features to their products quickly and smoothly. Together, ams and Face++ are showing that 3D sensing solutions are ready for the mainstream now in every market sector, from consumer to automotive, medical and industrial electronics,” says Ulrich Huewels,  Executive Vice-President & General Manager for Optical Sensor Solutions at ams.

“Face++ software already offers better performance in popular functions such as user face recognition,” says Wu Wenhao, Senior Vice President of Face++. “The partnership with ams strengthens the appeal of our software even more, because it allows us to provide our customers with a complete and optimized hardware and software system. Manufacturers will benefit hugely from avoiding the development risk and time associated with 3D sensing software and hardware integration.”

ams and Face++ are showing a jointly developed demonstration system for face recognition based on active stereo vision, including software developed by Bellus3D, a Silicon Valley company specialized in 3D sensing and face scanning for mobile devices, at CES (8-12 January 2019) in suites 29-137 at The Venetian, Las Vegas. Running on a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ processor, this 3D sensing solution is fully optimized for mobile devices.  

For more information about ams 3D sensing solutions for face recognition systems, go to www.ams.com/3D-sensing.

About ams

ams is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced sensor solutions. Our mission is to shape the world with sensor solutions by providing a seamless interface between humans and technology.  ams’ high-performance sensor solutions drive applications requiring small form factor, low power, highest sensitivity and multi-sensor integration. Products include sensor solutions, sensor ICs, interfaces and related software for consumer, communications, industrial, medical, and automotive markets.  With headquarters in Austria, ams employs about 10,000 people globally and serves more than 8,000 customers worldwide. ams is listed on the SIX Swiss stock exchange (ticker symbol: AMS). More information about ams can be found at www.ams.com

About Face++

Face++（Megvii Beijing Technology Co.,Ltd）, with artificial intelligence as its core, is an Internet of Things (IoT) solution provider. It is committed to create maximum value for customers and communities with extraordinary technology. Based on the self-original AI technology system, Face++ empowers mobile phones, cameras, robots and other sensing devices, allowing “machines to understand the world”. It builds personal IoT, public IoT, and commercial IoT networks through a combination of software and hardware solutions. The company helps the industry of cost reduction and efficiency as well as improves customer business benefits and people's quality of life.

Face++ created the only original one-stop deep learning platform Brain++ in China. With comprehensive coverage of cloud, mobile and chip-side AI algorithms, Face++’s software-hardware products and solutions have been widely used in finance, mobile phones, security, real estates, logistics, retail, etc. Core customers include Alibaba, Ant Financial, Cainiao Network, Foxconn, Huawei, OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, Lenovo, Silk Street, Miniso, CapitaLand and other leading enterprises. Face++ also provides services to Ministry of Public Security, the State Administration of Taxation, China CITIC Bank, China Merchants Bank, China Life, other government departments, stated owned enterprises and institutions.

About Bellus3D

Bellus3D is an innovative leader in bringing the next generation of mobile 3D sensing and face scanning technologies to worldwide markets. Bellus3D’s active stereo based 3D sensing software is used for face recognition by leading companies, such as ams and Face++. Its patented 3D face scanning technology is powering a broad range of consumer and professional applications including dental, eyewear, 3D printing, VR/AR, entertainment, and video games. Visit www.bellus3d.com for more information.