Technology

Vending machine uses vein mapping to verify age

Simon Binns, chief commercial officer, FinGo, demonstrates the technology.

May 13, 2022

FinGo, a London, U.K. based biometric identity authentication solutions provider, has introduced FinGoVend, a vending machine that allows users to pay and prove their age through a scan of their finger, according to a press release.

FinGo uses Hitachi's vein mapping technology to connect a person's unique vein pattern to their identity to securely enable a range of transactions including payments, access and recently, identity verification.

In 2020, Manchester City Council was the first to approve FinGo for verifying age in licensed premises — so customers could pay and prove their age for a drink with their finger. This year, FinGo is taking part in home office trials of digital age verification technology used to approve sales of alcohol.

Customers will scan their finger, linking their unique vein pattern to their identity and digital wallet, before purchasing the product.

Vagabond Wines and craft brewery First Chop are the first brands to offer a selection of their drinks through a FinGoVend machine, premiering at the Vendex Midlands show on Tuesday.

FinGo partnered with the RBC Group, a provider of automated retail design and manufacturing, to introduce the first FinGoVend product.

Photo courtesy of FinGo.