South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed contactless biometric software which detects patterns in colour photographs of fingerprints. It’s now looking to partner in both the private and public sector.

Biometric systems, which analyse human features like fingerprints, faces, and voices, have advanced rapidly over the past decade. Mobile phones are unlocked through fingerprint and facial recognition, while the same applies to accessing buildings, and verifying a person's identity during registration processes.

These applications all have one thing in common: the ability to identify and individual through a unique human characteristic. Biometric technology, which is constantly evolving in its precision and speed, simplifies personal identification.

But using contact fingerprint scanners, arguably the most common biometric system, comes with its challenges, particularly during the time of Covid-19. These scanners need to be kept clean to ensure their optimum functionality and, within the context of a pandemic, to ensure the health and safety of all those who use it.