If you've ever entered the country over the last couple years and used one of the kiosks at many airports, they're the same thing. They compare your passport t

If you've ever entered the country over the last couple years and used one of the kiosks at many airports, they're the same thing. They compare your passport to the image the device takes (and give you expedited clearance if there's a match and no red flags), and IIRC, they have a green light. Facial recognition needs illumination too (edit: but obviously, invisible illumination such as IR would do just fine).