Issue 412: CognitionX Data Science, AI and Machine Learning Briefing - CognitionX

NatWest is testing an artificial intelligence-powered "digital human" called Cora that will converse with customers in branches – raising fears that bank tellers could be replaced by avatars. Cora, described by the bank as "highly lifelike", is the result of a link-up with a New Zealand tech company whose co-founder was involved with creating digital characters in the blockbuster films Avatar, King Kong and Spider-Man 2. Cora is currently able to answer basic verbal questions such as "How do I login to online banking?", "How do I apply for a mortgage?" NatWest said it could help cut down on waiting times because it would be able to deal with simple problems, adding that Cora's AI skills would eventually expand to answering hundreds of different questions, even detecting human emotions and reacting verbally and physically with facial expressions.