The bank with no humans: the branch has VR, robots and face scanning
Shanghai: Missed paying dues on your Communist Party membership? There's a bank for that - and it's fully automated.
A bank in Shanghai has opened an automated branch equipped with face-scanning software, a virtual reality room and talking robots.
The outlet, opened by state-owned China Construction Bank in Shanghai's Huangpu district last week, has been dubbed China's first "unmanned bank".
China Construction Bank says it's meant to make banking more convenient and efficient.
However, analysts are sceptical, saying it's a gimmick that does little to automate banking beyond the usual ATM and online banking services.
The bank is attracting throngs of curious observers with its cutting-edge equipment.
China's traditional banks are under pressure from internet competitors and mobile payment applications that enable users to pay for goods using smartphones.
AP