Manuel explains he has trouble reading the bank machine screen, and until now he's always lined at the teller.

Vital Manuel tests the Royal Bank's new talking bank machine. - Jennifer McPhee/NNSL photo

But with the new instant teller, a robotic voice walks him through his transactions.

"If you have the earphones, you can listen to what the voice is telling you to do," he says. "It's really good."

Headsets are provided free of charge and plug directly into the machine. Customers without Royal Bank accounts can also use the machine.

"Basically, we want people to know it's here for anyone who wants to use it," said assistant manager Joy Roberts.

Roberts said the machines were designed for the visually impaired, the elderly and anyone who has difficulty reading.

"This will give them more independence and more security," said Roberts.

"The idea isn't to bring more clients. It's to make it more accessible to clients."

To assist other customers, Royal Banks also offer cheque-writing guides, large print cheques, and braille statements.