Contactless Biometrics Technology

Global Contactless Biometrics Technology Market to Reach US$79.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Contactless Biometrics Technology estimated at US$20.5 Billion in the year 2023, is expected to reach US$79.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 21.3% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Software Component, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 20.6% CAGR and reach US$33.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Hardware Component segment is estimated at 21.6% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$5.2 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 26.6% CAGR

The Contactless Biometrics Technology market in the U.S. is estimated at US$5.2 Billion in the year 2023. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$21.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 26.6% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% and 18.1% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 16.3% CAGR.

Global Contactless Biometrics Technology Market – Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

What Is Contactless Biometrics Technology, and Why Is It Gaining Traction?

Contactless biometrics technology uses unique biological identifiers like facial features, iris patterns, voice, and hand movements to authenticate individuals without physical contact. Unlike traditional biometrics systems that require fingerprint or palm scans, contactless biometrics enable identification through facial recognition, iris scanning, or voice recognition, providing a safer, more hygienic, and efficient authentication process. This technology has gained significant traction in recent years, especially in public sectors like airports, healthcare facilities, and government services, where the need for seamless, secure access control has intensified. Driven by advancements in AI and computer vision, contactless biometrics systems can accurately identify individuals even under challenging conditions such as low lighting or complex backgrounds, making them suitable for various real-world applications.

The demand for contactless biometrics technology surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for non-contact authentication methods to reduce disease transmission. Industries like healthcare and travel that faced heightened hygiene standards rapidly adopted contactless systems, demonstrating their effectiveness in both speed and reliability. Beyond health and safety, the technology offers enhanced user convenience, as it eliminates the need for physical tokens like key cards or passwords, minimizing security risks related to data theft. In workplaces, financial institutions, and public facilities, contactless biometrics provide a frictionless user experience, supporting quick and accurate identity verification without compromising security, making it an increasingly appealing option for modern access control.

How Are Technological Advancements Shaping Contactless Biometrics?

Technological innovation has been pivotal in enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and usability of contactless biometrics. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms are at the forefront of this evolution, enabling biometric systems to recognize complex patterns and continuously learn from diverse datasets, improving recognition capabilities over time. Advanced facial recognition algorithms, for instance, are now capable of identifying individuals with masks or glasses, a crucial development for environments where face coverings are common. Additionally, computer vision advancements have improved the precision of biometric systems, allowing them to perform in dynamic settings, such as busy airports or public transportation hubs, with high accuracy and speed.

Apart from AI, the integration of edge computing is playing a vital role in contactless biometrics. Edge computing allows data processing to happen locally, reducing latency and enhancing security by minimizing data transmission. This is particularly beneficial in secure locations like government facilities and financial institutions, where real-time authentication and data protection are critical. Blockchain technology is another emerging trend within contactless biometrics, offering a secure, decentralized approach to storing biometric data and addressing privacy concerns. By decentralizing the storage of sensitive data, blockchain helps prevent unauthorized access, aligning with stringent privacy regulations and increasing consumer confidence in the technology. These advancements not only improve the performance of biometric systems but also enhance data security and privacy, supporting broader adoption across sectors.

Where Are Contactless Biometrics Used, and How Is Demand Evolving?

Contactless biometrics technology is applied across various sectors, including security, healthcare, banking, retail, and travel, where secure, seamless authentication is essential. In the security sector, biometric access control systems are replacing traditional forms of identification, such as ID cards or badges, to ensure a more secure and efficient entry process. Many corporations have adopted facial recognition and voice biometrics in office buildings, allowing employees to enter facilities without physical keys or badges, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. The banking industry is also embracing contactless biometrics to enhance customer authentication, providing secure, convenient alternatives to PINs or passwords for mobile banking and ATM access. These applications reflect the broad appeal of biometrics as a secure, user-friendly authentication method.

Demand for contactless biometrics in healthcare and travel has grown substantially. In healthcare, the technology ensures secure access to sensitive patient records while maintaining hygiene standards. Hospitals and clinics use iris scanning and facial recognition to manage access to restricted areas and verify healthcare professionals’ identities. The travel sector, particularly airports, has rapidly adopted facial and iris recognition for check-in, security clearance, and boarding, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger convenience. As the focus on security, speed, and user experience intensifies across industries, the adoption of contactless biometrics continues to expand, driven by the demand for both physical security and seamless, automated processes that can handle large volumes of users.

What Factors Drive the Contactless Biometrics Market`s Growth?

The growth in the contactless biometrics market is driven by several factors, including rising demand for secure, convenient authentication, technological advancements, and regulatory shifts favoring data privacy and security. The surge in identity theft and cybercrime incidents has heightened awareness about secure access control, increasing demand for biometrics as a more robust, tamper-resistant alternative to traditional passwords or PINs. This trend is especially prominent in financial services and corporate sectors, where data breaches can lead to significant financial and reputational losses. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of contactless interactions, with hygiene and safety considerations fueling adoption in industries like healthcare, retail, and travel, where large volumes of people interact daily.

Government regulations focusing on data protection and privacy, such as Europe’s GDPR and California’s CCPA, are also pivotal drivers. These regulations necessitate secure, privacy-compliant authentication technologies, pushing companies to adopt biometrics that offer both convenience and compliance. Additionally, advancements in AI, machine learning, and computer vision enhance the accuracy and adaptability of biometrics, supporting broader deployment across sectors. The proliferation of 5G networks enables real-time, low-latency biometric processing, crucial for applications like smart cities and public transportation hubs. Finally, the growing trend of smart cities and digital identities, where contactless biometrics play a central role, is further driving the market by enabling seamless, integrated authentication across various digital and physical environments. Together, these drivers underscore the expanding role of contactless biometrics in secure, scalable, and privacy-conscious identity verification.

Select Competitors (Total 34 Featured) -

• Aware Inc.
• Fingerprint Cards AB
• Fujitsu Limited
• Gemalto N.V.
• HID Global
• IDEMIA
• M2SYS Technology
• NEC Corporation
• nViaSoft
• Touchless Biometric Systems AG

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