Optimal Robotics Selects Diebold's ATM Cash Dispensing Technology; Industry Leading U-Scan Express Self-Checkout System To Incorporate Diebold ATM Dispensers

Business Wire, Dec 20, 1999

Business & Technology Editors

MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 1999

Optimal Robotics Corp. (NASDAQ:OPMR) today announced that it has selected Diebold, Incorporated as its primary supplier of automated teller machine (ATM) cash dispensing technology for use in Optimal's U-Scan Express self-checkout system. Beginning in January 2000, all U-Scan Express systems will include Diebold dispensers as part of the standard cash management configuration contained in each U-Scan customer self-service terminal.

"We are pleased to announce this significant enhancement to our self-checkout product," said Elliot Brenhouse, vice president of operations of Optimal Robotics Corp. "By partnering with Diebold, we are able to incorporate ATM quality dispensers in U-Scan Express, we continue to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to strengthening our product offering and believe we will bolster our already strong leadership position in the marketplace."

As part of the ongoing cooperation between the companies, Optimal has also engaged Diebold to provide certain service and support functions. Diebold, with more than 4,500 highly trained service associates worldwide, is well positioned to provide such services.

"The combination of Diebold's reliable multimedia cash dispenser and Optimal's leading self-checkout product will benefit both companies significantly," said Brad Stephenson, general manager, OEM Division, at Diebold. "Most importantly, consumers who will be using U-Scan Express in retail outlets across the country will now be able to benefit from Diebold's well-established ATM products."

Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery systems and services. Founded in 1859, Diebold employs more than 9,000 associates with representation in more than 75 countries worldwide and headquarters in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold reported revenue of US$1.2 billion in 1998 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DBD". For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.diebold.com.

Optimal Robotics Corp. has installed more than 370 self-checkout systems in supermarkets and supercenters throughout the United States. The Company's principal product is U-Scan(R) Express, an automated self-checkout system which enables shoppers to scan, bag and pay for their purchases with limited or no assistance from store personnel. The U-Scan(R) Express system has become the industry standard in North America and will process over 45 million customer transactions in 1999. U-Scan Express(R) is designed to reduce retailer checkout costs, increase shoppers' convenience and provide an ATM-like checkout experience.