NATWEST is testing out a 'digital human' who can talk to customers and answer banking questions.

People can have a verbal two-way conversation with 'Cora' on a computer screen, tablet or mobile phone.

She is able to answer basic verbal questions including "How do I log in to online banking?", "How do I apply for a mortgage?" and "What do I do if I lose my card?"

The bank has been using a text-based version of Cora on its online help pages since the start of 2017, resulting in more than 400,000 conversations.

It said advances in computing power, artificial intelligence and psychology have helped to create the new prototype.

This new version of Cora is currently in pilot phase and it is thought the technology could be particularly useful for those who are blind and partially sighted and have problems reading.

It is understood Cora would not be a replacement for branches or members of NatWest staff, but is intended as an extra way for customers to find information, potentially cutting waiting times for customers and freeing up staff to deal with trickier questions.

NatWest said it could serve as an additional way for customers to get help on top of the usual branch, telephone and online services - and in the long run could answer hundreds of everyday banking questions.

The technology relies on using audio and visual sensors, which are standard in modern computers and mobile phones.

NatWest has been building the Cora digital human using technology provided by New Zealand-based company Soul Machines.

Kevin Hanley, director of innovation at NatWest, said: "We're really excited about this technology because we think it could create another way for our customers to bank with us on top of the usual services we offer and be used to help answer questions round the clock, whilst cutting queuing times for simple questions.

"The technology has real potential for the future and we're also looking at how we can use it to help train our staff on certain subject matters."