The software, created by NTechLab, can monitor citizens for suspicious behaviour by tracking identity, age, gender and current emotional state. It could be used to pre-emptively stop criminals and potential terrorists. "The recognition gives a new level of security in the street because in a couple of seconds you can identify terrorists or criminals or killers," said Alexander Kabakov, NTechLab chief executive. 

Adding the emotion element, which has an accuracy rate of more than 94 per cent according to the company, could give the software real-time crime fighting capabilities. NTechLab retains an aura of secrecy around its clients, which include security firms and retail businesses. But it is reportedly working with Moscow city government to add the recognition software to the capital's 150,000 CCTV cameras.  The company refused to comment on where the technology is being applied. "The use case mentioned is generally for CCTV cameras and there's nothing confirmed with Moscow," it said.