Canon using camera smile AI for work access

A Canon subsidiary (Canon Innovation Technology) in Bejing has incorporated AI technology that detects if you are smiling, and will only allow access into work spaces, and control meetings, etc.  It seems to even monitor your temperature as well.  The concept is to design a large scale environment that Canon has adopted in China which is "moving and always being" 

The goal according to Canon is that "It is hoped that smiles can let everyone relax and get healthy, so as to create a more pleasant working atmosphere and improve efficiency."

In light of all the backlash against facial recognition and camera AI, I can see there could be some resistance to this.  However, there are actual medical benefits to a smile according to this source, including;

• Improved Mood, as a smile can release endorphins
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Stronger Immune System

So is this really a bad thing if the company makes you smile for facial recognition a few times a day?   I just know that if I don't have my coffee in the morning, I would never be able to get into the building.

You can read more from Canon's press release here.

Canon Patent Application: Stacked Sensor Patent Application Two new Canon lenses enter certification