By Miyu Okada

Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

Japanese megabank MUFG Bank Ltd. began utilizing artificial intelligence to replenish cash stocks at its ATMs earlier this month, according to sources.

Under the measure, AI analyzes customer data related to deposits and withdrawals to help the bank determine when to collect and replenish cash at the ATMs. The aim is to streamline cash management through AI-assisted data analysis and reduce the burden on security companies, which transport the cash.

According to the sources, the cash balance at the ATMs and other data is analyzed to predict how much money will remain after seven days. The measure has been rolled out at about 700 ATMs at locations in central Japan, such as Aichi and Mie prefectures. Depending on the results, MUFG Bank may expand the system to other areas.

By utilizing AI, the bank expects to be able to cut its cash replenishment bases by about 20%, the sources said. Traditionally, MUFG has judged when to replenish the cash based on the experience and knowledge of its employees, considering factors such as the periods when ATMs are frequently used.

Since 2021, Seven Bank Ltd. has also been utilizing AI to replenish cash at its ATMs, basing its timing on data relating to deposits and withdrawals.

Cash replenishment for ATMs is largely conducted by security companies, but labor shortages are worsening in the industry as the workforce ages. AI is also expected to help reduce the burden on security staff by trimming travel and waiting time.

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This article is from The Yomiuri Shimbun. Neither Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron's nor The Wall Street Journal were involved in the creation of this content.

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April 06, 2026 19:34 ET (23:34 GMT)

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