SALTO acquires face recognition specialist COGNITEC Systems

SALTO Systems, a leading manufacturer of electronic access control and control systems designed to provide a seamless keyless and mobile experience for modern buildings and facilities, is investing in Cognitec Systems; specialist in automatic face recognition technology.

In recent years, we have experienced extraordinary change and digital evolution/transformation worldwide. Entire industries have been reshaped and people are now increasingly using digital tools to work, live, learn and recreate. Digital credentials, digital identities and facial recognition are increasingly becoming the new norm in virtually all sectors. As a result, automatic facial recognition is becoming a key technology to meet market needs.

Cognitec, a major and growing player in the field of facial recognition, provides the reliable implementation of identity, privacy, and security policies through its proprietary technology. Investing in Cognitec enables SALTO to control the technology from the source, with a wide range of applications for both existing and future SALTO customers.

Cognitec, headquartered in Germany, also has offices in Australia, Spain and the U.S., including a large team of researchers and engineers dedicated entirely to R&D at its German headquarters. Cognitec's portfolio includes solutions for database facial image search, examination of recorded video, real-time video screening, people analysis, border control, ICAO-compliant photo capture and facial image quality assessment. The company's flagship FaceVACS algorithm is continuously validated by the National Institute for Standards & Technology (NIST) through performance testing.

"The partnership with Cognitec allows SALTO to integrate emerging biometrics, facial recognition and artificial intelligence technologies into our products and platforms to create new solutions and services that benefit all of our customers," said Marc Handels, Chief Technology Innovation Officer of SALTO Systems.

"Cognitec's technology is highly compatible and integratable into the SALTO product portfolio of access control, smart lockers and booking and ticketing solutions. The integration of applications such as contactless check-in and access without physical keys will enhance the SALTO customer experience, whether used in businesses, homes, or leisure and fitness," Handels said.

Alfredo Herrera, Chief Executive Officer of Cognitec, expressed his delight at the partnership that will benefit both companies and its customers. "SALTO is a strong company and is well positioned globally. Their growing presence gives us an incredible opportunity to reach the fastest growing markets in facial recognition while expanding our established business with our existing facial recognition products," Herrera said. "Since our founding, Cognitec has been the only company worldwide working exclusively on facial recognition technologies. Because we are innovators, it makes sense for us to work with a partner like SALTO, a respected leader in the security industry."