Facial Frontiers in the Era of AI and Biometry: Bridging anthropometric data with modern applications

Facial anthropometry—the systematic measurement of human facial features—has long provided critical insights for forensic investigations, reconstructive surgery, orthodontics, and anthropological research. In the contemporary era of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced biometric systems, the importance of reliable, culturally diverse facial data has grown exponentially. This paper revisits a retrospective analysis of facial metrics spanning seven major ethnic groups (Caucasian, African, East Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Indigenous American, and Hispanic/Latino) and explores the implications of observed variations for forensic science, plastic surgery, anthropological inquiry, and AI-driven biometric applications. Our results reveal statistically significant differences in key facial dimensions—including facial height, bizygomatic width, nasal width, intercanthal distance, and lower face height—that underscore the need for integrating ethnically representative datasets in both clinical and technological contexts. By providing a bridge between historical anthropometric research and modern technological applications, this study highlights avenues for future research and underscores ethical considerations in data utilization.