RoboBank!

Novot, a first in the Middle East

Bank Audi has placed in its Bab Idriss electronic branch a humanoid robot to engage with customers. This is the first move of its kind in the region, the bank said in a statement.

The robot, nicknamed ‘Novot’, complements one of the bank’s electronic branches which are called ‘Novo’, according to Hassan Saleh, Chief Operating Officer at Bank Audi Lebanon.

The artificial intelligence android welcomes and guides customers, and promotes the bank’s products and services.

“It will also play a key role in raising awareness on financial literacy in schools, universities and at relevant conferences and events,” Saleh said.

‘Novot’ is designed to move around autonomously. It is interactive and endowed with a friendly tone of voice. It is emotionally sensitive, recognizes faces, and identifies feelings, which allows it to select the behavior that suits every situation.

‘Novot’ is one of the ‘Pepper’ brand robots that are developed by the international firm Softbank Robotics.
The robot will be locally supported by LevantNet which will provide software development, and maintenance services, said Fadi Khoury, the company’s General Manager.

The bank has now more than one Novot, and this project, which is still at the launch stage, is expected to have a bigger future.

Novot will be present in both Novo and regular branches, either on a steady or rotating basis.