Hyundai takes steps to the digital future by developing smart fingerprint technology that will allow drivers to unlock and start a vehicle without using keys.
The technology will come into play this year and will debut on the new Hyundai Santa Fe. This new smart technology will also enable multiple users to access the vehicle without needing several sets of keys.
To unlock the vehicle, the driver will simply need to place their finger on a sensor located on the door handle.
To start the vehicle, all they’ll have to do is touch the ignition, also equipped with a fingerprint scanning sensor.
Once the vehicle recognises the fingerprint, it will automatically adjust to the driver’s favourite seating positions, connected car features, and side-view mirror angles.
Albert Biermann, president and head of research and development division of the Hyundai Motor Company said:
“In the future, Hyundai Motor plans to further expand the application of the technology to allow the adjustment of temperature, steering wheel position, and many other features which will be tailored to driver’s preferences”
“This will ultimately offer quality driving experience to each and every Hyundai customer.”
The company have eased concerns of safety issues by also announcing they will be using capacitance recognition, which will be able to identify the variances in electricity level in various parts of the fingertip, which will stop forgeries and faked fingertips. The brand also states that the technology’s error rate is only of 1 in 50,000 – similar to Apple’s touch ID. According to the company, this is “five times more effective than conventional vehicle keys, including smart keys”.
During its launch, only select markets will be offered the new fingerprint technology, before it is being rolled out globally.