MELBOURNE, Australia -- Following the lead of several large U.S. banks, which have rolled out audio-enabled ATMs in the last year, the National Australia Bank is launching a pilot of voice-enabled machines.
The audio ATM pilot will run until June 2002. It is a joint venture with Diebold, the National's ATM supplier, and is being supported by the RVIB and Blind Citizens Australia (BCA).
Kay Thawley, the National's general manager of Direct Retailing and Distribution, said the bank has made a commitment, as part of its disability action plan, to investigate the possibility of installing ATMs with private audio jacks.
"The intention is to take the learnings from this pilot and develop our strategy. By trialing audio-enabled ATM technology we hope to provide greater access to banking services and increase the financial independence of our customers," Thawley said.
According to Thawley, the National has committed to running an extended trial for eight months at an additional 10 locations. In addition, all newly-purchased ATMs will be voice enabled from January 2003.
"One of the objectives of our disability action plan is to provide people who have a disability with full use and benefit of ATM services by taking into account their requirements when purchasing, installing and situating ATMs," Thawley said.
Justine Harris, sales and marketing manager at Diebold Australia, said, "As the market leader in this technology, we're excited to be able to partner with the National and look forward to further providing and enhancing advanced technology into the marketplace."
