These hyper-realistic masks are being used to train facial recognition tech

A small company in Japan that makes hyper-realistic face masks has found popularity within the tech industry, as reported by Reuters. The masks, which cost about 300,000 yen ($2,650 USD) to create, are made of resin and plastic by REAL-f Co. at the company’s location in Otsu. Image: REUTERS
The company’s founder, Osamu Kitagawa, spent two years developing a method to translate facial data from high-quality photographs to 3D masks, and REAL-f Co. now receives about 100 orders a year.