Pasadena Company Facial Recognition Software will Allow Consumers to Pay by Image

Restaurants using Panasonic’s ClearConnect kiosk systems will have a new option for their consumers to order and pay, with the integration of facial recognition and payment technology developed by Pasadena-based PopID Inc.

PopID is a unit of the locally-headquartered Cali Group, which also owns CaliBurger, a quick-serve restaurant, and related companies. The technology is in use already at CaliBurger, Bojangles, and Port of Subs locations.

After uploading an image of themselves on the PopID site, the image becomes a digital token that can be used across the PopID network, meaning consumers can use the facial-recognition technology wherever the PopID logo is displayed.

The image also is the key to replacing login and password information for loyalty programs and accessing stored payment card information.

Critics have claimed that data acquired by facial recognition software could be used to violate civil rights.

“Registering once for a PopID account enables guests to use their face as their identity for various purposes, ranging from temperature testing at the workplace to payment in restaurants and retail stores,” John Miller, PopID CEO and Cali Group chair, said. “This partnership with Panasonic will rapidly expand the number of businesses that offer the PopPay and PopID technology in the U.S.”

PopID said among the benefits users of the technology can see is an increase in the average ticket by three to four percent.

Consumers can register for PopID and PopPay on their phones at www.popid.com/register and use the payment service at any location that accepts PopPay.

PopID’s integration with the Panasonic ClearConnect Kiosk app was announced Thursday.

Under the terms of the agreement, PopID and its digital wallet, PopPay, will be fully integrated into the Panasonic ClearConnect Kiosk application, and Panasonic will have preferential rights in the kiosk market.

Additionally, Panasonic will jointly integrate PopID’s PopPay solution into drive-thru systems and payment terminals. The Panasonic ClearConnect Kiosk offering, introduced last September, is a turnkey solution inclusive of hardware, software, UI/UX (user interface/user experience) design, deployment, and support services.

“Panasonic has played an active part in the restaurant ecosystem and is excited to work with PopID to deliver a contactless solution that both enhances the customer experience while keeping the customer safe,” Faisal Pandit, President of Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America, said.  “The integration of PopID’s payment platforms within the solutions we deploy enables consumers to have a better experience and restaurants to operate more efficiently.”