Facial recognition technology is already playing an active role throughout

many cities. NEC's facial recognition technology boasts the world's top accuracy and speed, and has a high global market share. However, because it captures one their most personal parts, many people around the world have a

generally negative image toward it, evidenced mainly by feelings of trepidation.

"Face Race"

A competition that utilizes facial recognition technology. As a company that

focuses on supporting sporting events, it was an approach unique to NEC.

Find the face most similar to yours at the venue, and aim for the goal together.

When you score, the match rate of the two faces is instantly displayed, and

the team with the highest score wins. All you need is a face, so anyone can

participate regardless of nationality, age, or gender. This was the birth of the

ultimate diversity-embracing sport.

That’s where NEC aimed to penetrate and expand the essential market by

changing the impression of facial recognition technology into a positive one.

And through this process, the company would also address corporate issues

like improving corporate branding, inner motivation, and recruiting. We developed a completely new sport based on facial recognition technology!

We held an athletic meet in which 400 people participated, transcending nationality, age, able-bodied or disabled. NEC also carried out the Face Race at

an in-house training session in which 4,000 people gathered.

By allowing participants to feel enjoyment, human connection, and peace of mind, through

this experience we achieved a positive impression of facial recognition technology. In addition, the activities were featured in many TV programs and web

media. At the request from a Kanagawa Diet member, an event was held at a

social welfare facility for the elderly, with involvement from their families, and

students from nearby schools. There are inquiries from overseas too, as the

Face Race shows promise to expand further into the future.