Face Recognition, COVID Funding & China: Kiosk Industry Opinion

Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner

Quick Answer

The Kiosk Industry blog raises concerns about the widespread deployment of temperature kiosks with facial recognition technology in U.S. schools and businesses, often funded by COVID relief. These systems have been characterized as "hygiene theater" by the CEO of Marriott and a "public hazard" by independent testing groups like IPVM due to false negatives, despite their proliferation in over 200 schools and 6,000 units at Home Depot. The article highlights that many of these devices are sourced from blacklisted Chinese firms, such as Dahua, and questions persist regarding the origin and accuracy of their facial recognition algorithms, as even chip providers like Qualcomm state they do not supply this specific technology.

Table of Contents

Face Recognition, Temperature Kiosks and COVID funding

Article on Wired Nov2020

What did Wired's investigation reveal about schools purchasing facial recognition temperature kiosks?

Wired did an investigation into kiosks (well, temperature tablets…) and has determined schools are purchasing thermal cameras that include facial recognition technology.

Ok. We can live with that…

Technically most all of the schools have been purchasing infrared sensor-based tablets. They are not thermal cameras (e.g. FLIR A400). We think it is safe to say looking at the RFPs and RFIs that the number is easily over 200 schools. Off the top of our heads figure 500 units for a large school district and at figure 40 school districts. We could include Colleges and Universities as well. Maybe we should include FEMA and DHS while we are at it. Reminds me of that old Sinatra tune.

What did the Wired excerpt reveal about facial recognition algorithms and their origins?

But Munir says he knows little about the “top-of-the-line” facial recognition algorithms at the core of his expansion plans. “That’s almost like a black box for the OneScreen team,” he says. “We rely on the technology we are given.” He directed WIRED to Qualcomm, which makes the device’s processor, to answer additional questions about the facial recognition features and how they were tested for accuracy. Sanjeet Pandit, a Qualcomm vice president, confirms that OneScreen is the only thermal camera provider licensed to use its chips, but says Qualcomm does not provide the facial recognition technology used in the tablets. Munir did not directly answer a follow-up question about who had developed the facial recognition algorithms used in the device.

It’s a worthwhile read and within it there are references to IPVM who has done most of the heavy lifting in this area.

Some of the major distributors have been HP and CDW. The systems have been characterized “hygiene theater” by the CEO of Marriott and also a public hazard by independent testing groups such as IPVM. Given the false negatives they represent a public health situation.

It is good to see major publications beginning to see the developing story that we in the self-service market have been living with for the last 9 months.

How are facial recognition and temperature kiosks being used for employees in corporate settings?

We do think it is worth examining these technologies in the corporate employee space as well. That would cover both sides of the coin. Recently we saw where 6,000 units deployed at Home Depot. What is the basis and manufacture of those tablets?

What about Six Flags? They went with Dahua who is blacklisted Chinese firm.

Business & Revenue Impacts

Are there any tablets manufactured and designed in the U.S.? I remember some trying on the purpose-built basis but ultimately failing (China was cheaper).

Some of the technologies which have jumped on the temperature tablet for a free ride include AI, facial, and on the hardware-side cameras.

Facial recognition requirements have grown and are a booming business. Video cameras are next up in the queue.

Report of recent requirements for facial recognition. Figure $400M for the immediate market and average 300K per deal — KioskIndustry

Where can I find more information on temperature tablets and public safety concerns?

Meridian Temperature Tablets Endanger Public Safety

https://ipvm.com/reports/meridian-china-medical

Updated Fever Tablet Temperature Screening Relabelers & Sensors

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the current scale of adoption for temperature screening and face recognition kiosks, particularly in sectors like education, and who are the major distributors?

The article notes over 200 schools have purchased infrared sensor-based tablets, with estimates of 500 units for large school districts. Major distributors mentioned include HP and CDW. The piece distinguishes these from true thermal cameras.

2 What concerns have been raised regarding the accuracy and efficacy of facial recognition and temperature screening technologies?

Independent testing groups like IPVM have characterized some systems as "hygiene theater" or a "public hazard" due to accuracy concerns. There are also questions about the transparency and origin of facial recognition algorithms used in some devices, with vendors like OneScreen relying on "black box" technology.

3 What are the business and employee considerations when deploying these types of kiosks?

The article highlights "Business & Revenue Impacts" and "But What About Employees?" as key sections. These suggest that beyond the technology, the financial implications and the impact on staff are crucial factors to consider for deployment.

4 How has COVID-19 funding influenced the procurement of temperature screening and face recognition kiosks?

The article's title and introduction directly link COVID funding to the increased purchase of these kiosks, especially by schools. This indicates that pandemic-related funding has been a significant driver for their adoption.