Main image via Business Insider + Interesting Engineering
Have you ever been told to go into work or school with a smile, no matter what mood you’re in?
Well, one company has taken smiles to the next level by only letting employees who smile for an AI camera, into the office.
via GIPHY
In a bid to boost workplace morale, Canon Information Technology’s Chinese office has installed a new “smile recognition” technology that requires their workers to give the camera a wide smile before being allowed to enter a room or book a meeting.
The “smile recognition” technology is just one of a few “workplace management tools” that was developed by the company using AI technology.
Image via Interesting Engineering
Other similar trends that allow a company to keep track of their employees’ working habits include technology that replaces simple ID cards with facial recognition technology.
Though the new technology was announced last year, it has been gaining more traction around the world as it is becoming increasingly common in offices as a means of keeping track of employee productivity.
Image via Business Insider
The company’s “smile recognition” technology and the growing trend of workplace surveillance was explored in a Financial Times report which read:
“Workers are not being replaced by algorithms and artificial intelligence. Instead, the management is being sort of augmented by these technologies.
Technologies are increasing the pace for people who work with machines instead of the other way around, just like what happened during the industrial revolution in the 18th century.”
With more and more offices jumping on the trend, we’ve seen some extreme examples involving AI technology including tracking employees’ eye movements to make sure they’re not scrolling through social media.
Other examples of workplace surveillance that’s already in place in offices in China include CCTV cameras that monitor how long employees take for lunch, and mobile apps that allow bosses to see where their employees go after they clock off.
via GIPHY
We’re not too sure what to think about this new “smile recognition” technology…
Are you a fan of workplace surveillance? Let us know your thoughts!
Info via UNILAD
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