Futuristic Automated Teller Machines that dispense cash by connecting with a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant will soon be more than just a figment of our imagination.
NCR has unveiled its new concept, egg-shaped ATM -- code-named Freedom -- which works without a screen, keyboard or card and cash withdrawal requests are typed into a PDA or mobile phone at home, in the office or anywhere.
"The Freedom concept demonstrates how ATMs are evolving from simple cash machines to a convenient delivery mechanism that fit around peoples' mobile lifestyles," Lisa O'Keeffe, regional marketing director, Financial Solutions Group, Asia Pacific said.
Consumers can request cash from their wireless device, then walk up to an ATM, enter a security PIN on the mobile handset, and point the handset at the ATM to make the withdrawal.
"Advances in Bluetooth and 3G will bring new services through mobile devices, and ATMs could enhance these broadband services by dispensing associated physical items," O'Keeffe added.
For example, local area maps could be downloaded on your mobile device and dispensed through an ATM, or travel and entertainment tickets could be ordered and later picked up at the machine.
The Freedom concept also illustrates how ATMs are likely to change in design and become smaller and lighter, according to O'Keeffe.
"We've gone for a futuristic, modern design that is very different to the conventional ATM," she said.
"We've done this because we wanted to build a device that can sit just as easily in a convenience store, a restaurant, a boutique, the airport, shopping centres and even banks, and still fit in with the décor."
Consumer trials of the ATM will commence later this year.
