Successor Model of Facial Authentication Card Reader 'Caora' for Medical Institutions and Pharmacies to Launch in October 2026

PFU Limited (President and CEO: Eiji Hara, hereinafter 'PFU') announces the planned launch of 'Caora 2' (hereinafter 'Caora 2'), the successor model to the 'Facial Authentication Card Reader Caora (Kaora),' widely used at hospitals and pharmacies for My Number Card-based eligibility verification, in October 2026 (as of June 2026).

Since the launch of the 'Online Eligibility Verification System,' PFU has provided the 'Facial Authentication Card Reader Caora.' Thanks to customer support, the current Caora model has been delivered to over 55,000 units across hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, and pharmacies.

'Caora 2' evolves with the concept of 'No more hesitation—your hands move before you think,' responding to user feedback to become 'easier to understand, easier to use, and easier to install.' The device features a larger 7-inch display, enabling clearer presentation of information with bigger text and buttons. In addition to physical My Number Cards, it supports reading My Number Cards from smartphones—all within a single device. The display includes animations and illuminated guidance to intuitively indicate operation methods and card placement. Voice guidance and screen reader functions assist visually impaired users. The footprint is reduced by approximately 37% compared to the current Caora, enabling space-saving installation. Furthermore, up to four units—mixing current Caora and Caora 2 models—can be connected simultaneously, reducing setup and operational burdens.

While the current Caora is sold and supported by Fujitsu Japan Corporation, 'Caora 2' will be handled by Ricoh Japan Corporation. Leveraging Ricoh Japan’s expertise and experience in healthcare settings, the company aims to further reduce burdens for medical institutions and patients, enhancing safety and reliability.

Background

With the expiration of traditional health insurance cards starting December 2025 and the expanded use of smartphone-based My Number health insurance cards, medical digital transformation (DX) is accelerating. The Online Eligibility Verification System has become established as social infrastructure in the healthcare sector.

PFU has provided the Caora card reader since the system’s launch. However, as the current Caora model approaches the end of its maintenance period after five years since initial shipment, PFU is introducing 'Caora 2' as a more reliable successor to ensure continued user confidence.

Key Features

1. Larger, clearer operation screen with illuminated operation guidance

'Caora 2' upgrades the display from 5 inches to 7 inches, allowing more information to be displayed with larger text and buttons. Operation guidance appears on-screen, and illuminated indicators highlight where to interact, making it intuitive even for first-time users. The screen includes standard anti-peep functionality to prevent unauthorized viewing of personal information such as PINs from the sides.

2. Reduced footprint for compact installation

'Caora 2' measures 130mm (width) × 185mm (depth), smaller than A5 paper. Its installation area is reduced by approximately 37% compared to the current Caora (167mm × 230mm), enabling space-saving deployment. Cable connectors are recessed into the back, allowing flush wall mounting—ideal for smaller reception areas. It retains Caora’s signature low center of gravity design to prevent tipping, ensuring stability despite its compact size.

3. Easier card insertion and smartphone placement

Unlike the current Caora, which requires full card insertion, 'Caora 2' allows My Number Cards to be placed gently on the surface for reading, making insertion and removal easier and more natural for all users. The smartphone reading area is widely positioned at the bottom, accommodating various smartphone models. This design also prevents accidental touches on the operation screen during smartphone use.

4. Voice guidance and audible alerts

'Caora 2' supports voice guidance and screen reading to assist visually impaired users. It also includes audible alerts for operations and card removal reminders.

5. Mixed connection with current Caora models (up to 4 units), no additional license required

Up to four units—mixing current Caora and 'Caora 2'—can be connected to a single eligibility verification terminal. Existing Caora users can seamlessly integrate or replace units without needing to distinguish between models. Shared management software enables flexible, phased deployment even with staggered rollout timelines. No additional license is required for multi-unit connections.

6. Additional Features

Hardware diagnostics at startup allow pre-emptive detection of malfunctions, ensuring reliable operation.

※ Medical institutions and pharmacies adopting the next-generation facial authentication card reader are expected to be eligible for partial government subsidies under the fiscal 2025 supplementary budget (Reiwa 7). Details on subsidy programs and application procedures will be announced sequentially via the Medical Institution Portal Site (https://iryohokenjyoho.service-now.com/csm).

Main Product Specifications

Operation Screen

7-inch touchscreen display Animations guide card placement and operation Anti-peep functionality from left and right angles

Dimensions (W × D × H)

130 × 185 × 301mm

Supported My Number Cards

Physical My Number Cards, smartphone-based My Number Cards (iPhone, Android)

Voice Guidance

Provides audio instructions for operations and screen content

Hardware Maintenance

5-year advance replacement send-back maintenance

Connection to Eligibility Terminal

Connected via 3.0m USB cable (included) Mixed connection with current Caora and 'Caora 2' supported (up to 4 units, no additional license)

Sales Information

Sales Provider: Ricoh Japan Corporation

Product lineup, launch date, and pricing will be announced separately.

Exhibitions

'Caora 2' will be showcased at the following exhibition. We invite you to visit and experience the product firsthand.

・International Modern Hospital Show 2026 https://www.noma-hs.com/ Dates: July 8 (Wed) to 10 (Fri), 2026, 10:00–17:00

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, West Exhibition Hall

Trademark Information

· Caora is a registered trademark of PFU Limited.

· Other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Related Links

[Current Caora Product]

Facial Authentication Card Reader Caora for Medical Institutions and Pharmacies – PFU Product Site: https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/caora/