Banco Bradesco opens futuristic hi-tech branch in São Paulo

Brazil’s Banco Bradesco has opened a futuristic hi-tech branch in São Paulo that includes robot guides, personalised financial advisory services from digital avatars and on-screen consultants, biometric interfaces, as well as wall- and table-mounted gesture-controlled touchscreens.Customers entering the "Bradesco Next" branch are welcomed by Link 237, an R2DT-inspired bot that greets visitors with a smile and invites them to explore the space.

Biometric log-in points play a central role in the design of the branch, which is geared towards the provision of easy access to tailored financial advice. Bradesco first introduced Fujitsu's palm-based biometric authentication in 2006 and has since registered 10 million user profiles. Once “touched in”, customrs can conduct transactions at a range of cardless ATMs, and are provided with personalised information across a variety of touch-controlled digital interfaces in the branch.

A one-to-one customer service room - where the partition glass automatically frosts over to ensure privacy - provides a space for clients to interact with digital avatars or request a video conference with an investment specialist.

For those suffering from a hi-tech overload, the 'Mesa Lounge' offers a touchscreen display table where customers can order a bottle of mineral water, read the latest magazines or find out about the latest cultural events in town.