Facial Recognition Toilets Are The Way of the Future
We know what you think is missing from your toilet experience. You wish that you loo would recognize your face! Well, thanks to China this facial recognition technology is now…

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – JULY 7: Environmentally friendly toilet paper is used in the toilets before lthe Live Earth concert at the Coca-Cola Dome on July 7, 2007 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07, bringing together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis. (Photo by Nadine Hutton /Getty Images)
Nadine Hutton / StringerWe know what you think is missing from your toilet experience. You wish that you loo would recognize your face! Well, thanks to China this facial recognition technology is now a reality.
In the restrooms of Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, there are high-tech toilets that base their toilet paper dispersion off of facial-recognition software. According to The New York Times, this is to ensure that no one takes more of their share.
Each of the six machines only allots two feet of TP per toilet user. If you happen to need more in the sitting, you will have to wait nine more minutes says TheVerge.com. Some people are opposed to the idea and believe the purpose of this is to collect data for the Chinese government. Those who a speculating the facial recognition software believe it is being used to find people who do not follow the policy on the amount of toilet paper a person should use.
However, the real goal of this project is to make the park’s patron’s lives easier. According to the BBC, the park is attempting to upgrade from one-ply to two-ply tissue paper. Not to worry, if you are wondering how people get more TP after their two feet is used, we have the answer. People who are in desperate need of more toilet paper can just ask park official because who does not want to flag a stranger down for more in the middle of going to the bathroom.
They also want to ensure that their toilet paper is not being stolen. Last year, they had over 30 rolls of the tissue stolen from their public restrooms says ShanghaiList.com. Currently, if you were to go to China, you may see the devices. They are installed in the park’s bathroom for a trial period says TheBeijinger.com.
Sarah is a Hufflepuff living in NYC. When she is not traveling or talking to random animals, she is working as a script writer. Tweet her at @lumpyspacederp