Indian Banks launch 'Project AI' where robots greet customers
India's HDFC Bank is set to launch Project AI, in which a robot will answer customers' basic queries, according to reports. The as-yet unnamed machine will give out information about services, including cash withdrawal, deposits, foreign exchange and fixed deposits. If the device proves successful, more could appear in other HDFC branches. Last year, the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi launched it's own branch robot, Nao.

Imagine you entering the bank and rather than going through the mundane ‘sarkaari’ counters, you get greeted by a robot who will assist you will all your queries! Sounds like a scene straight away from a sci-fi right? Well, this can be possible as the country's second largest private sector lender, HDFC bank is trying to get robots on the bank counter.

Image used for representational purposes. Image Credit: gizmodo

HDFC Bank has launched 'Project AI' (artificial intelligence) where the first product is now ready for installation. According to TOI, sources said the plan is to introduce the robot, whose name is still being finalised, in one of HDFC Bank's branches and, based on the experience, the project may be soon scaled up.

The bank is taking a cue from Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, which launched a robot named Nao last year. The HDFC robot will act like a receptionist and will have limited information to disperse. The robot will be the first AI product from the stable.

Image Credit: business-standard

Will the introduction of AI hamper the cordial relationship between the manager and the customer? The bank doesn’t think so. The robots will only give out basic information. For instance, if someone is in need of a home loan, the robot will give out the home loan information which is already available on the bank’s website. It will also greet a person entering the branch with options such as cash withdrawal or deposit, forex, fixed deposits and demat services displaying on the screen.

We, the customers are waiting to hear the robotic 'namaste'!



(With inputs from TOI)