Union Bank of India, NCR Corporation launch talking ATM for visually impaired

By Raphael Michilis

The Union Bank of India and the manufacturer NCR Corporation launched the country’s first ATM for visually-impaired and other physically-challenged customers.

The cash dispenser, dubbed talking ATM, gives customers instructions through a headphone and is fitted with Braille keyboard.

The machine was installed at the campus of the Blind People’s Association and is accessible with wheelchair.

“This ATM will prove to be a milestone, “ said Shri D. Sarkar, Union Bank of India Chairman and Managing Director, during the ATM’s launch. 

The first talking ATM is also the bank’s 4,000^th ATM, and meets demands of a 2008/2009 Reserve Bank of India circular which determines the offer of ‘ATM for differently-abled’ customers.

The talking ATM will also support transactions using cards from other banks, informed UBI.

The state-owned bank informed it plans to install 5000 ATMs by end of March 2013, but did not specify how many will be dedicated to disabled people.

Despite its inclusive nature, the talking ATM has also inspired criticism in that country. The Indian newspaper Rupee Times raised concerns around the safety features of the new device.

“Currently there are security questions as the screens would not be blanked while in use, compromising the security of the user,” read the article published on July 7.