This is an ICM Self Check In Kiosk, which features a "passenger feedback camera" and offers "a single token end to end processing experience".
Basically exactly what you think it is, an advanced biometric system for reading your face. I don't think airports have it activated yet, but maybe one day you'll be able to check in without scanning a boarding pass or passport for the low price of your privacy.
Some like these are active at Bogotá's airport, in Colombia. The kiosk screen asks you to look straight at the camera placing your feet on specific spots in front of the kiosk for alignment. Then it shows how it is comparing your face with the picture on the passport.
I've used one of those before at an airport and it worked exactly as you say. I think it was just for boarding though. I just walked forward and when I got to the front, they greeted me by name and I got on the plane. I don't remember having to show my passport or boarding pass that time either (but it was last year so I may have forgotten).