US university installs biometric palm scanners for canteen entrances

Western Michigan University has implemented MorphoWave palm recognition technology to enter the dining hall.

Here's What We Know

To register for the system, the user needs to scan his or her hand. Algorithms will then translate the data received into a biometric card linked to the student identification number (WIN).

"As soon as you swipe your hand, it checks for a match with the WIN number and then goes back and checks for a meal plan," said Robert VanDyke, senior systems manager for the university canteen.

The system does not store hand or fingerprints. The biometric information is stored in an encrypted database, VanDyke said.

The university began implementing the palm identification system at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, 50% of students have used the handheld scanner. The other half have continued to use access cards.

Vandyke also revealed that the system is already being rolled out to other universities across the country.

Source: MLive