According to Scientific American, NCR Corp. is developing a new type of freestanding ATM for underbanked and developing regions, specifically targeting the illiterate and semi-literate. The ATM features a fingerprint biometric sensor, pre-set cash buttons, a cash dispenser and receipt printer.
The pillar-shaped ATM would allow a user to press his thumb on the sensor, push a color-coded button for desired denominations and leave with cash and a receipt. The shape is designed to minimize areas in which a crow bar could be used to pry open the ATM. Additionally, the cash box is designed to collapse in on itself if the ATM is breached.
"The invention of this unit was based on our examination of the underbanked in India, particularly in the neighborhoods of Mumbai," said Lyle Sandler, NCR's vice president of Design and Consumer Experience. "We're talking about a community with a high level of illiteracy, so clearly the typical ATM that someone would approach would be impossible to maneuver."
NCR is building five prototype pillar ATMs and will test the machines in U.S. financial services companies. Sandler declined to name the institutions but said if all goes well, the ATMs could be deployed in their target markets within a year.
The number of conventional ATMs in India increased by 29 percent to 69,324 between January 2010 and January 2011, according to an article in the Hindustan Times.
