Hitachi's finger vein authentication system represents a decade's worth of development and improvement and the technology has already been included in computers, ATMs and used for cardless payment authorization. Every finger has a vein configuration that is unique to it, much in the same way that every fingerprint is unique, and those veins are able to be read by near-Infrared light coupled with image sensors.

Attached to your steering wheel, a finger vein identification system means more than just a secure car. For instance, you could start your vehicle and all of its systems — air conditioning, chair position, radio station, etc. — to presets remembered by the car and stored in a profile based on your veins. Different fingers might even control different functions, allowing your ring finger or pinky to turn on the radio or authorize a payment at a drive-thru without having to take your hand off the wheel. — Kevin Hall

Via Pink Tentacle