Developer Group Launches Facial Recognition-Based Unmanned Electronic Cigarette Solution

Prohibiting Sales to Teenagers
with AI Facial Recognition ID Verification

Developer Group, a company specializing in unmanned solutions, announced on May 12 that it has launched 'Damta,' an unmanned electronic cigarette sales brand equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) facial recognition-based adult authentication system.

When underage teenagers attempt to purchase alcohol or cigarettes, store owners are required to check their identification and prohibit sales. If they fail to do so, they may face fines or business suspension. To circumvent these restrictions, some teenagers pay adults to buy cigarettes and alcohol for them, or they attempt to purchase these products themselves by pretending to be adults and lying about their age. These side effects have become a serious issue.

In response, Developer Group has introduced an authentication technology that precisely determines whether a customer is an adult by comparing real-time facial data with identification cards on unmanned devices, in partnership with Alchera, an AI facial recognition specialist. Since 2018, Developer Group has independently developed essential software and hardware for unmanned devices and unmanned store operations, leading the automation of approximately 1,200 retail locations.

Alchera was selected for the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute's 'Joint System for ID Card Facial Recognition Project' and provides non-face-to-face identity verification solutions to most financial institutions in South Korea, including major banks, securities firms, and insurance companies. The company possesses AI technology capable of defending against various fraudulent authentication attempts, such as ID card image copies, videos, and 3D masks.

Lee Seungho, CEO of Developer Group, stated, "We can no longer ignore the social risks that exist behind the convenience of unmanned stores," and added, "The core goal of Damta is not only to protect teenagers but also to build social trust in unmanned distribution."