Indian ATM and eftpos terminal manufacturer AGT Electronics is gearing up to launch a trial of its newly-developed Linux-based touch screen cash dispenser featuring biometric verification technology.
According to local press reports, the first prototype of the unit has been developed, which allows customers to withdraw cash accounts using a smart card.
A second version of the unit is expected to be ready in around eight to ten weeks which will verify customers using biometric technology.
The project is being funded by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT), a procurement agency for the government of the region.
AGT says it sees a big potential market for the units, which banks could roll out to rural areas that don't have branches. The machines could also be used to distribute welfare payments.
Last year Chennai-based Financial Software and Systems (FSS) launched its biometric ATM interface which connects biometric-enabled ATMs to EFT switches.
FSS said the product, which works with ATMs from vendors including Diebold, NCR, Wincor Nixdorf, would "aid penetration of ATMs in rural India".