Facial scanners implemented at Agricultural Bank ATMs

A woman stands in front of an Agricultural Bank ATM machine to have her face scanned. [Photo: hexun.com]

The Agricultural Bank of China is piloting facial recognition scanners on two of its ATM machines in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou province. 

Sometimes referred to as "Smile to Pay" technology, this ATM lets you smile to get paid. Shandong Business Daily reports users can withdraw money from the ATM machines by looking into a camera to have their facial features scanned. 

The scanners feature infrared cameras that can tell a real human face apart from pictures and masks. 

In addition to scanning their faces, users will have to type in their cell phone and ID numbers to get the money. 

They can withdraw a maximum of 3,000 yuan per day through facial recognition ATMs. 

The bank is aiming to have facial scanners installed on all of its ATM machines across Guizhou by the end of this year. 

The Agricultural Bank already has these scanners at 37 of its bank counters across China. 

The scanners are also featured at the Merchants Bank's ATM machines in 106 cities across China. 

Face scanning is widely applied in China. In addition to withdrawing money, it can help make payments at fast-food restaurants, checking in at various hotels and other parts of traveling both easier and faster.