Bright future for ATMs

New Delhi: NCR Corporation (www.ncr.com), in collaboration with the University of Dundee, has announced that its research to run automated teller machines (ATM) on DC current from batteries powered by a solar panel, may be the key to ATM deployment in some of the most remote corners of the globe.

ATMs based on solar power may be used in conjunction with mobile communication technology (such as GSM or GPRS) in areas where there are power supply problems or where there are no landline communications and dialup infrastructure in place. Solar panels are easy to set up and will enable an ATM to operate for long periods without battery changes. In areas with high levels of sunlight or where usage is light, continuous operation is possible using this technology.

Says NCR Corporation managing director Deepak Chandnani: "As a market and thought leader, NCR constantly looks at innovative technologies to broaden the offerings to the banking industry and spearhead future growth. The concept of solar-powered ATMs is particularly relevant to India to expand the retail banking network to areas with infrastructural deficiencies like absence of wired connectivity or power shortages."

While the research indicated that regions blessed with high levels of sunshine were perfect for solar-powered ATMs, results were also promising for less sunny locales. Testing took place in Dundee in March to determine the levels of light required to operate a wireless ATM. Even in the cloudy conditions dominant in Scotland in March, the tests showed that generating solar power was possible, though a bigger panel will be needed to get a performance similar to that in the more sunny regions of the world.

Says NCR financial solutions division chief technology officer Mark Grossi: "The system can work anywhere where there''s daylight. Using just two batteries, one will run the ATM while the other is being recharged using solar power. The amount of sunlight required will depend on usage. In sunny parts of the world, however, even with high usage, continuous operation is possible. It could even be the answer to cash at the beach for more remote resorts with high levels of seasonal usage."

The solar power trials are an extension of research carried out using NCR''s handy amounts in remote places (HARP) battery-operated wireless concept ATM. Designed originally as an event ATM, HARP could be installed for use at a cricket match or for gatherings such as the kumbh mela with its lakhs of visitors gathered in a city for a limited timeframe. Equally, machines based on this technology may be used in areas where there are power supply problems or in areas without landline communications and with no dialup infrastructure in place.