The term “biometrics” refers to the science and technology of measuring and analyzing biological 
data. In today’s innovative society, as we thirst for knowledge about our bodies and its performance, biometrics means much more than just analyzing data. This type of technology can measure and analyze human body characteristics a deep as DNA and fingerprints, and beyond. As biometric technology is taking off around the world and impacting industries such as sports, there may be wonder about why this matters…
Biometrics isn’t just a scientific thing anymore – it is being integrated into everyday life all over the world. The trickle-down effect is reaching everyone – you and me.
For example, airports, The Statue of Liberty, and even Universal Studios in Florida have started using biometrics, specifically fingerprint technology for renting lockers. Since fingerprints are specific to individuals, this becomes a strategy to heighten the level of security. Be ready to bare your tips if you want to store your stuff.
If you don’t plan to vacation at Universal Studios and rent a locker, maybe you’re going to travel. Biometrics will meet you there because the Dublin Airport now has biometric gates that use facial recognition. This is key to identifying known terrorists and to make identities more transparent.
Another industry embracing a different aspect of biometrics is sports. Sports teams, such as the Philadelphia Eagles, have already started using this technology for players during training to predict injuries and other statistics helpful to the sport. This may come as a cost to players who don’t want to give up their valuable secrets of their game or reveal when they have physically reached their peak, but it could also help them reach their optimal performance during a game and throughout a season.
While biometrics is being in many ways, a company, PayTango is aiming to use biometrics to make payments (similar to how you would use a credit card). This type of biometric payment would be made possible through fingerprints and could possibly be introduced to universities as an easy way for students to pay on campus. If this takes off, it could really affect how we shop and exchange goods.
From a health aspect, news of Apple’s smart watch, to be released next year, could hold the key for biometrics helping monitor heart rates for individuals with heart problems and other complications.
With all the aspects of biometrics being used today, the future can be full of self-identifying factors allowing us to use our bodies in ways we’ve never imagined.