LAGOS, Nigeria – FirstBank Nigeria Ltd has launched an industry-first humanoid robot at its Adetokunbo Ademola VI, Lagos Digital Experience Centre (DXC) branch, heralding a new era in the Nigerian banking sector.
Folake Ani-Mumuney, group head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, revealed in a statement on Thursday, June 29, 2023, that the robot is part of the bank’s continuous effort to enhance customer experience through innovative solutions.
The humanoid robot is equipped with video banking capabilities and incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI), mimicking a friendly branch staff member. With a touch screen attached to its chest, the robot can engage customers through conversations and facilitate various banking services.
According to the statement, the services rendered by the robot encompass responding to customer inquiries about cash deposits, withdrawals, and ATM cards. It also facilitates complaint management, where customers can log complaints through QR codes and receive feedback within the stipulated time frame.
Keeping customers well-informed about the bank’s products, launches, upgrades, and events is another role that this high-tech branch assistant is designed to handle. Moreover, it can efficiently manage customers’ accounts.
The bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Adesola Adeduntan, expressed his elation over this ground-breaking initiative, stating, “The addition of the humanoid robot to our state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre represents a purposeful stride towards transforming the banking landscape in the country and further showcases the priority we give to innovation within the Bank.”
Adeduntan further emphasized that with its advanced capabilities, the robot is poised to elevate the quality of life for the bank’s customers in the fast-evolving digital age. “Our unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled banking services remains steadfast, as we leave no stone unturned in innovating to fulfill our customers’ needs,” he added.
The launch of the humanoid robot is a part of a phased integration within FirstBank’s digitally-led self-service branch, Digital Experience Centre, which initially opened in December 2021. Additionally, another humanoid robot is slated to be deployed at the bank’s second Digital Experience Centre, the location of which will be disclosed in the coming months.
This introduction of AI-powered humanoid robots in the banking sector reflects FirstBank Nigeria’s commitment to spearheading technological innovation and marks a transformative moment in the country’s financial services industry.
