AI changes your life a> (ID: guigudiyixian), by Shumin.
From small to large, many people, especially “Madaha”, must have experienced key distribution.
If it is okay in China, there are often many roadside stalls with keys in the residential area to solve your problems. Even if you are locked outside your house late at night, there are also small stickers on the wall “24 hours emergency unlock” you. However, in the United States, where labor costs are expensive, key distribution is comparable to nightmares. Finding professionals is troublesome. The price of key distribution is tens to hundreds, making people endless.
Fortunately, many technology companies have already understood this need and provided solutions. For example, New York-based KeyMe designed a key scanner similar to a vending machine to change the mode of key distribution. In January this year, the company announced that it had raised $ 35 million in funding from investment agency Brentwood Associates, with the goal of expanding the market and allowing more people to allocate a key with their own fingers.
The question is, how does KeyMe let a small key scanner help you to assign a perfect key?
To clarify the problem, the little detective decided to take a closer look.
With the key, the major network machines will help you get it
In the United States, KeyMe has many self-service kiosks, and the address can be found in the official app. After downloading the app, Xiao Tan chose the KeyMe machine closest to his home.
The map shows that the service kiosk is in Safeway, a large American supermarket chain. A little detective went in and looked around, and finally found the machine next to one of the exits.
It covers an area of less than one square meter, and looks like a refrigerator. It looks like this.
On the main menu page You can choose to log in to your account, you can skip this step and start to assign keys. For registered users, if a copy of the key has been stored through a photo or machine before, the copy of the key does not require the original, and the scanned copy can be called by directly accessing the system and passedKiosk with key.
The little detective directly selected the tourist mode. After entering the page, he saw 4 options: standard key, special key, car key, RFID key.
Our common mailbox keys and room keys belong to the category of standard keys. The keys of home doors are included as special keys because of their different shapes and thicknesses, and access control cards are RFID keys.
I first tried the car key. Unexpectedly, after entering the model and year of production, I was told that this car key could not be completed by a self-service machine. In addition, a series of numbers are displayed on the screen, which are KeyMe’s nearby unlocking partners, which can provide services with car keys.
Through the information in the app, Xiao Tan learned that most car keys have chips and need to be programmed using special and special original matching equipment. Therefore, experts need to solve them. RFID keys also need to be ordered. Fortunately, RFID keys can be scanned for copying on some machines, and the locations of these special machines can also be found in mobile apps.
In fact, for other types of keys other than standard keys, users need to wait for 3-5 days after the machine scans the key information before receiving the key mailed by KeyMe.
So, what about the experience of copying standard keys?
After you select “Standard Key” on the page, follow the instructions on the screen, insert the key teeth upward, insert it into the slot under the screen, and keep it until the scan is complete.
After that, there are a variety of custom styles to choose from, including the normal version and customized versions such as Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse. After choosing a small exploration style, two items appear at the bottom of the screen.Options, “Scan another key” and “Checkout.”
However, on this machine experienced by Xiaotan, the customized version needs to be ordered additionally. The ordinary version of the machine is not in stock. Both of them need to wait 3-5 days like the special key.
According to most experienced users, In the case of sufficient machine inventory, it only takes 15 minutes to equip a key on site, including scanning keys, saving scans and machine cutting.
In addition, users can scan the key for free and store it in their account, and only pay when copying the key. The regular version of the normal key costs $ 9.99 and the custom version costs $ 11.99.
Xiao Tan also noticed that there is a fingerprint entry point on the right side of the machine. Users can choose to set a fingerprint to increase account security measures, but this is not mandatory.
Simple key copy in 30 seconds, complicated key configuration difficult
Although the user experience needs to be improved, Xiao Tan still believes that KeyMe really makes the task of key matching easy.
This is closely related to the experience of the founder of KeyMe. Greg Marsh was the financial director of auto tire inflation company Aperia Technologies. Five years ago, his girlfriend could n’t find the key, and she was locked outside the apartment door in New York at two in the morning. I had to call a locksmith, who had received a lot of money from her before letting her in. Later, Marsh came up with the idea to use a machine to do part of the locksmith’s job.
KeyMe founder Greg Marsh
In the past, most of the traditional locksmiths we have seen in the streets and lanes have placed the target key and the key model side by side on a key cutting machine and driven the cutting wheel through physical tracking to complete the configuration of the keys. This traditional non-high security key does not require much skills. For this, KeyMe chose to perform optical scanning of the target key.Interprets data and drives key cutters through artificial intelligence algorithms.
Therefore, KeyMe kiosks are extremely convenient to use when configuring a simple key, that is, a “standard key”. But if it is a key with high integrity, the process is not so simple.
Usually, the design of high-security keys is more complicated, requires more advanced machines and professional services, and is protected by patents. Unlocking companies need to obtain authorization from dealers.
According to Forbes, KeyMe can only cut high security keys of two brands, Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. Although the two companies offer many different styles and levels of high-security keys, KeyMe’s capabilities are very limited, and for the time being, only patent-expired keys can be copied.
This also explains why when I was trying to configure a car key, I was told that I needed to find a KeyMe partner. When preparing the “special key”, you need to wait 3-5 days to get the finished product by mail.
Fortunately, KeyMe Other services provided make up for its shortcomings in formulating high security keys. Most of the user’s needs are simple, nothing more than to quickly copy the keys at a favorable price, which can still be satisfied.
For example, after 3D images of key teeth generated by computer vision and machine learning algorithms, it can prepare most office and residential keys in the market within 30 seconds. Users can save and copy by email or text And share keys and choose from more than 100 designs.
According to the company, The price is about 70% lower than the average price of a dealer or professional locksmith, and the error rate is only “single digits”, which is far lower than the industry’s 15% to 20% Error rate.
Since its establishment in 2012, KeyMe has set up outlets in more than 3,000 retail stores in 49 states in the United States. In addition to Safeway, Albertsons, Autozone, Bed Bath & Beyond, Giant Eagle, Ikea, Kmart, Kroger, Menard’s Rite Aid, Sears and Kmart, 7-Eleven and other large physical stores commonly found in the United States, can see KeyMe machines.
KeyMe said that a new round of US $ 35 million in January this year will continue to be used to promoteKeyMe’s goal is to expand the number of stores to 10,000 in the next few months. Prior to this, its total financing reached about 200 million US dollars.
Security risks are worrying
In the US $ 12 billion annual market of the locksmith industry, in addition to KeyMe, the new player that competes with traditional merchants is often mentioned as another new generation of machine locksmiths is minuteKEY.
minuteKEY is also a self-service station operator that duplicates keys. The company was founded in California in 2009 and has been repeatedly rated as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. The most recent round of funding with public data was the $ 83 million investment from Comvest Partners in January 2018. Raised approximately $ 60 million in equity financing from investors such as Main Street Capital, Matrix Partners and Serent Capital.
However, compared to KeyMe, minuteKEY does not have key scanning and storage functions.
In the UK, My Key Machine, headquartered in London, founded in 2010, is also an operator of machine-driven key cutters. According to Crunchbase data, it can scan and cut more than 90% of keys in the UK. It is currently financing The total is about £ 460.
When When more and more machines turn the task of copying keys into something that everyone can do with their own fingers, security risks have become a concern for more and more people.
The first question is whether it makes it easier to enter the house.
CBS news security analyst Paul Viollis said the copied keys could fall into the wrong hands and allow criminals to easily enter the restricted area.
However, KeyMe founder and CEO GrayGreg Marsh says these kiosks make copies more secure than ever. Marsh said: “We can determine who made the key through financial records, security videos like ATMs, time stamps, and the actual production of the key.”
In addition, Marsh said that before copying a fingerprint, those who try to get their own key data on the machine will be asked to scan the fingerprint. But he acknowledged that someone could enter an email account and reset the key password, but the same vulnerability applies to many internet accounts that rely on passwords.
A second question is raised by fingerprints and key copies. How does KeyMe protect user data?
Marsh mentioned that the company will keep as little identifiable data as possible, and the system will clear the customer’s name and mailing address immediately after placing a critical order. Although it ensures that the customer’s e-mail address, key data, and fingerprint data are retained, in order to defend against cyber attacks, it divides user data into three parts and stores them in three different places. This means that hackers must hack into these three systems to obtain information.
So, if the law enforcement agencies require data, will KeyMe give it?
During the interview, Marsh mentioned that KeyMe was not involved in any crime involving copying keys. Therefore, the company did not hand over user data to the relevant departments, nor did it design strict procedures. “Without very careful and thoughtful measures, we will never give customer information to third parties, including law enforcement.”
While it has been suggested that companies can have a clear process to increase customer confidence, Marsh believes that the crimes vary and the nature of the investigation will determine how customer data is shared.
After the experience, the small detective believes that if you need to copy the keys of your home mailbox, drawer, or ordinary locker, KeyMe will be a good choice, but if you encounter a key that requires high security such as a car, For the sake of safety, you should choose an authorized institution or a physical manual locksmith without a record.
What do you think of this? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area.
Although the user experience needs to be improved, Xiao Tan still believes that KeyMe really makes the task of key matching easy.
This is closely related to the experience of the founder of KeyMe. Greg Marsh was the financial director of auto tire inflation company Aperia Technologies. Five years ago, his girlfriend could n’t find the key, and she was locked outside the apartment door in New York at two in the morning. I had to call a locksmith, who had received a lot of money from her before letting her in. Later, Marsh came up with the idea to use a machine to do part of the locksmith’s job.
KeyMe founder Greg Marsh
In the past, most of the traditional locksmiths we have seen in the streets and lanes have placed the target key and the key model side by side on a key cutting machine and driven the cutting wheel through physical tracking to complete the configuration of the keys. This traditional non-high security key does not require much skills. For this, KeyMe chose to perform optical scanning of the target key.Interprets data and drives key cutters through artificial intelligence algorithms.
Therefore, KeyMe kiosks are extremely convenient to use when configuring a simple key, that is, a “standard key”. But if it is a key with high integrity, the process is not so simple.
Usually, the design of high-security keys is more complicated, requires more advanced machines and professional services, and is protected by patents. Unlocking companies need to obtain authorization from dealers.
According to Forbes, KeyMe can only cut high security keys of two brands, Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. Although the two companies offer many different styles and levels of high-security keys, KeyMe’s capabilities are very limited, and for the time being, only patent-expired keys can be copied.
This also explains why when I was trying to configure a car key, I was told that I needed to find a KeyMe partner. When preparing the “special key”, you need to wait 3-5 days to get the finished product by mail.
Fortunately, KeyMe Other services provided make up for its shortcomings in formulating high security keys. Most of the user’s needs are simple, nothing more than to quickly copy the keys at a favorable price, which can still be satisfied.
For example, after 3D images of key teeth generated by computer vision and machine learning algorithms, it can prepare most office and residential keys in the market within 30 seconds. Users can save and copy by email or text And share keys and choose from more than 100 designs.
According to the company, The price is about 70% lower than the average price of a dealer or professional locksmith, and the error rate is only “single digits”, which is far lower than the industry’s 15% to 20% Error rate.
Since its establishment in 2012, KeyMe has set up outlets in more than 3,000 retail stores in 49 states in the United States. In addition to Safeway, Albertsons, Autozone, Bed Bath & Beyond, Giant Eagle, Ikea, Kmart, Kroger, Menard’s Rite Aid, Sears and Kmart, 7-Eleven and other large physical stores commonly found in the United States, can see KeyMe machines.
KeyMe said that a new round of US $ 35 million in January this year will continue to be used to promoteKeyMe’s goal is to expand the number of stores to 10,000 in the next few months. Prior to this, its total financing reached about 200 million US dollars.
Security risks are worrying
In the US $ 12 billion annual market of the locksmith industry, in addition to KeyMe, the new player that competes with traditional merchants is often mentioned as another new generation of machine locksmiths is minuteKEY.
minuteKEY is also a self-service station operator that duplicates keys. The company was founded in California in 2009 and has been repeatedly rated as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. The most recent round of funding with public data was the $ 83 million investment from Comvest Partners in January 2018. Raised approximately $ 60 million in equity financing from investors such as Main Street Capital, Matrix Partners and Serent Capital.
However, compared to KeyMe, minuteKEY does not have key scanning and storage functions.
In the UK, My Key Machine, headquartered in London, founded in 2010, is also an operator of machine-driven key cutters. According to Crunchbase data, it can scan and cut more than 90% of keys in the UK. It is currently financing The total is about £ 460.
When When more and more machines turn the task of copying keys into something that everyone can do with their own fingers, security risks have become a concern for more and more people.
The first question is whether it makes it easier to enter the house.
CBS news security analyst Paul Viollis said the copied keys could fall into the wrong hands and allow criminals to easily enter the restricted area.
However, KeyMe founder and CEO GrayGreg Marsh says these kiosks make copies more secure than ever. Marsh said: “We can determine who made the key through financial records, security videos like ATMs, time stamps, and the actual production of the key.”
In addition, Marsh said that before copying a fingerprint, those who try to get their own key data on the machine will be asked to scan the fingerprint. But he acknowledged that someone could enter an email account and reset the key password, but the same vulnerability applies to many internet accounts that rely on passwords.
A second question is raised by fingerprints and key copies. How does KeyMe protect user data?
Marsh mentioned that the company will keep as little identifiable data as possible, and the system will clear the customer’s name and mailing address immediately after placing a critical order. Although it ensures that the customer’s e-mail address, key data, and fingerprint data are retained, in order to defend against cyber attacks, it divides user data into three parts and stores them in three different places. This means that hackers must hack into these three systems to obtain information.
So, if the law enforcement agencies require data, will KeyMe give it?
During the interview, Marsh mentioned that KeyMe was not involved in any crime involving copying keys. Therefore, the company did not hand over user data to the relevant departments, nor did it design strict procedures. “Without very careful and thoughtful measures, we will never give customer information to third parties, including law enforcement.”
While it has been suggested that companies can have a clear process to increase customer confidence, Marsh believes that the crimes vary and the nature of the investigation will determine how customer data is shared.
After the experience, the small detective believes that if you need to copy the keys of your home mailbox, drawer, or ordinary locker, KeyMe will be a good choice, but if you encounter a key that requires high security such as a car, For the sake of safety, you should choose an authorized institution or a physical manual locksmith without a record.
What do you think of this? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area.