I think they were called e-passport gates (or at least that's what the sign said) and yes they are the iris ones that use the chip from your passport and then you stare into the camera
I think e-passport and IRIS are different systems. The IRIS system reads your unique iris pattern and automatically lets you through border control. e-passport gates allow one border control officer to control 6/8 cameras and let the passport holder through the gates. The officer controlling these gates is usually at the desk nearest to them and has all the camera pictures displayed on his/her screen. The gates are closed when this desk is not manned.
There is a sign at BHX indicating that no new registrations for the IRIS system are being taken as the Home Office is reviewing its future.