Launch of an AI Facial Recognition Boarding System for the Keisei Skyliner:
Realization of a New System for Seamless, Comfortable, and Congestion-Free Airport Access

Dec. 23, 2024
Marubeni Corporation

Marubeni, in collaboration with Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, “Keisei”), will launch a new boarding system which will use AI facial recognition technology (hereinafter, the “New System”) for the Keisei Skyliner, starting from January 24, 2025.

Background and Challenges
Keisei has been enhancing its pre-purchase website for the Skyliner to improve convenience and increase usage levels by visitors from overseas. However, its current system requires exchanging pre-purchased coupons for actual tickets at station counters or ticket machines which can potentially lead to congestion occurring at stations due to the increasing number of visitors from overseas, especially during busy periods.

About the New System
The New System maintains the existing pre-purchase website functions while adding an optional face registration feature after payment. This will allow users who have pre-registered their faces to complete the boarding process in seconds by simply presenting their face to a facial recognition tablet installed at the ticket gates. The system automatically confirms the user’s train and seat and issues a ticket as the user passes through the gate to facilitate immediate boarding of the Skyliner.

Future Prospects
Marubeni and Keisei are aiming for full-scale implementation of the New System, including expanding the service area covered, following the verification of improvements in user convenience and of reductions in congestion at train stations. In addition, through the New System, Marubeni aims to verify the practicality and effectiveness of facial recognition technology and create business opportunities in the expanding facial recognition market, pursuing new value creation and business expansion.

Service Details:

Target train:	Keisei Skyliner
Target stations:	Narita Airport Terminal 1, Narita Airport Terminal 2・3, Nippori, Keisei-Ueno
Launch date:	January 24, 2025
Ticket purchase website:	https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/e-ticket/en/

Note: Above service details are subject to change.

Company Roles:

Marubeni:	Provision of a facial recognition platform
Keisei:	Development of schemes for facial recognition boarding and operation of facial recognition boarding system
Hitachi:	Modification of seat reservation system
Melon Technologies:	Development of facial recognition technology

Company Overviews:

Keisei:

Company name:	Keisei Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Location:	3-3-1 Yawata, Ichikawa, Chiba
Representative:	Toshiya Kobayashi
Establishment:	1909
Main businesses:	General transportation by rail, the sale and rental of land and buildings
Website:	https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php

Hitachi:

Company name:	Hitachi, Ltd.
Location:	6-6, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative:	Keiji Kojima
Foundation:	1910
Main businesses:	Social Innovation Business, which combines Hitachi’s IT, OT (operational technology) and Products
Website:	https://www.hitachi.com/

Melon Technologies:

Company name:	Melon Technologies Inc.
Location:	Ebisu Garden Place Tower 18F, 4-20-3 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative:	Hideki Saito
Establishment:	2023
Main businesses:	1. Development, sales, operation, and maintenance of AI products including facial recognition 2. Software development
Website:	https://melon.co.jp/ (Facial recognition business website : https://www.saffe.jp/)

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