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Biometric ATM gives cash via ’finger vein’ scan â€Ž

07 July 2010 10:42 (UTC +04:00)

Baku - APA-Economics. Poland’s cooperative BPS bank says it’s the first in Europe to install a biometric ATM -- allowing customers to withdraw cash simply with the touch of a fingertip, CNN reported.

The digit-scanning ATM, introduced in the Polish capital of Warsaw, runs on the latest in "finger vein" technology -- an authentication system developed by Japanese tech giant Hitachi.

The company says that an infrared light is passed through the finger to detect a unique pattern of micro-veins beneath the surface - which is then matched with a pre-registered profile to verify an individual’s identity.

Unlike fingerprints, which leave a trace and can be potentially reproduced, finger veins are impossible to replicate, according to Jones, because they are beneath the surface of the skin.

BPS plans to install a biometric ATM at every one of its branches by the end of the year, where, says Jones -- who has worked with the bank for over three years -- they will also function as a collection terminal for state benefits.

There are now over 80,000 biometric ATMs in Japan, currently used by more than 15 million customers.