Smart Connection Consultancy
Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…
read moreThe developers of the Universal Beijing Resort have announced they will install facial recognition technology to allow for ticketless entry to the under-construction theme park and entertainment complex.
The technology is part of a host of services owned by Chinese internet giant Alibaba that will be integrated into the park, the companies announced at a press event in Beijing last week.
The biometric technology is linked to Alibaba’s Alipay electronic payment platform that will also allow visitors to open storage lockers, pay for meals and join express queues for rides. The Alipay app is widely used in China alongside rival WeChat Pay as an alternative to cash.
Brian Roberts, Chief Executive of Universal Studios owner Comcast, explained “there is no more seamless way to enjoy what we’re building than using the Alibaba technology
However, those who don’t wish to have their faces scanned will still be able to enter the park and pay for food and merchandise via other means, Universal staff told AFP.
Universal’s Beijing park, which will feature characters like Harry Potter and Kung Fu Panda, was first announced in 2014.
Construction is under way in the suburb of Tongzhou in the Chinese capital with the attraction scheduled to open in 2021.
Image: The planned Jurassic Park ride at Universal Beijing Resort. Courtesy of Universal Studios/Universal Beijing Resort.
26th September 2019 - Queensland tourism boosted by partnership with Alipay
22nd September 2019 - 2021 opening announced for Universal Beijing Resort
23rd August 2019 - England’s Manchester City warned against using facial recognition on fans
5th August 2019 - Reports chart ongoing growth of Chinese theme parks
15th July 2019 - Alipay unveils 1 billion yuan initiative to support women’s football in China
19th July 2019 - Alibaba secures Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics ticketing contract
5th June 2019 - Privacy Commissioner questions use of facial recognition technology at Queensland stadiums
14th December 2018 - Facial recognition software used to detect security risks at Taylor Swift Los Angeles concert
13th November 2018 - AliPay and WeChat with CustomLinc integration now available in Australia
7th August 2018 - Tokyo Olympics organisers confirm use of facial recognition technology for 2020 Games
3rd December 2017 - Tokyo Disneyland looks to introduce facial recognition for pass holder access
6th October 2017 - Tom Mehrmann named President and General Manager of Universal Beijing development
15th November 2016 - Investments in China’s theme parks driving Asian tourism
28th October 2016 - End of the road for Dubai Universal Studios Theme Park plan
2nd August 2016 - Universal Studios Japan to bring ‘Godzilla’ to life via 4D attraction
23rd April 2013 - Biometrics enhance Locker Room Security
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