Worth examining the AI engines to see what questions they are most often asked, when it comes to kiosks. With Google we can see “keywords” but tougher to understand the surrounding context.
ChatGpt October 2025
Here are the top five kiosk questions people most often ask as of October 2025:
What is the purpose of the kiosk? Answer
Defining the use case (check-in, ordering, ticketing, wayfinding, bill pay, etc.) is always the first step.
How much does it cost (including total cost of ownership)? — Beyond hardware, people want to know about software, integration, installation, and ongoing maintenance expenses. Answer #1 and Answer #2
Will it integrate with my existing systems (POS, CRM, inventory, payment)? Seamless integration with back-end systems is one of the most important considerations. answer
Is it ADA compliant and accessible to all users? Compliance with accessibility standards — reach height, audio, tactile input, screen readability — is a frequent concern. answer
What features and hardware options should I include? Touchscreen size, printers, barcode/RFID scanners, payment terminals, cash handling, cameras, and durability (indoor vs outdoor). answer
Top Kiosk Questions
What is the purpose of the kiosk? It’s important to clarify what you want the kiosk to do (check-in, way-finding, payment, ordering, ticketing, etc.). answer
What type of hardware do I need? Freestanding, wall-mounted, countertop, outdoor vs indoor, touchscreen size, printer/scanner, payment terminal — these all matter. answer
What features should I prioritize? Does it need a printer? barcode scanner? payment terminal? card reader? cash acceptor/dispenser? accessibility features? answer
How much will it cost (initial + ongoing maintenance)? Many ask not only about the purchase price, but total cost of ownership (software, maintenance, updates, installation). Self Service Kiosk Machine answer
Will it integrate with my existing systems (POS, CRM, inventory, etc.)? Integration is a frequent concern: does the kiosk talk to your back-end systems? answer
Is it ADA-compliant / accessible to all users? Ensuring the kiosk is usable for people with disabilities (height, audio, screen readability) is commonly asked. Self Service Kiosk Machine answer
Can I deploy it outdoors (if that’s the plan)? What special considerations are there? For outdoor kiosks: weather proofing, sunlight readable screens, secure hardware, mounting, etc. Kiosk Marketplace – answer
What payment options does it support? Credit/debit, mobile payment (Apple Pay / Google Wallet), cash acceptor/dispenser, etc. Many ask whether cash is still supported. REDYREF Kiosks — answer
How user-friendly / intuitive is the interface? Especially important if you expect a broad range of users. The easier it is, the better adoption. Self Service Kiosk Machine
What kind of support/maintenance will I need? Who handles software updates, hardware failures, monitor calibration, consumables (like printers) etc.
What’s my ROI (return on investment)? Businesses want to know: will adding kiosks reduce labour cost, boost sales, improve throughput, reduce wait times etc.
How secure is the kiosk (especially if payments/data are involved)? Security of payments, user data, network, and physical tampering are all repeated concerns.
here are the top five kiosk questions by industry as of October 2025. You’ll notice some overlap, but each sector has its own priorities.
🛍 Retail (Stores, Malls, Big Box)
How do kiosks increase sales and reduce checkout lines?
Can the kiosk integrate with my POS and inventory management system?
Should kiosks still handle cash, or is card/mobile payment enough?
What digital signage or upsell features should I add?
How much space and power do kiosks require in-store?
🍔 Quick Service Restaurants (QSR / Foodservice)
Will kiosks speed up ordering and reduce labor costs?
Can the kiosk integrate with my kitchen display system and POS?
How do kiosks handle menu updates and promotions in real time?
Are customers comfortable using kiosks for payment (cards, mobile wallets, cash)?
How do kiosks improve order accuracy compared to counter staff?
🏥 Healthcare (Hospitals, Clinics, Pharmacies)
Can kiosks securely handle patient check-in and comply with HIPAA?
How do kiosks verify insurance and patient identity?
Will kiosks reduce waiting room times?
What accessibility features are needed for elderly or disabled patients?
Can kiosks support telehealth/video consultation modules?
✈️ Transportation (Airports, Transit, Parking)
Can kiosks handle high volumes quickly (boarding passes, tickets)?
What are the best outdoor-rated kiosks for parking or transit?
How do kiosks integrate with mobile apps and online booking?
What payment methods must be supported (contactless, EMV, QR, cash)?
How to maintain uptime in 24/7 environments?
🏦 Financial / Government (Banking, DMV, City Services)
Are kiosks secure enough for sensitive transactions (PIN, biometrics, ID scanning)?
How do kiosks integrate with backend systems (banking core, DMV records)?
What’s the compliance requirement (ADA, PCI DSS, data privacy)?
Can kiosks reduce staff workload and redirect people to self-service?
How do kiosks support multilingual user interfaces?
Perplexity Most Asked Kiosk Questions October 2025
Most-Asked Kiosk Questions
Will the kiosk integrate with our existing systems such as POS and inventory management?
Is the kiosk ADA compliant and accessible to all guests, including those with disabilities?
What kinds of payment options does the kiosk support (credit, cash, contactless)?
How user-friendly is the interface and overall customer experience?
Who provides support and maintenance after the kiosk is installed?
Gemini Microsoft October 2025
🏆 Top 5 Kiosk Questions Gemini is Asked
“What types of businesses benefit most from kiosks?” People want to know where kiosks make the biggest impact — from fast food and retail to healthcare check-ins and airport terminals.
“How do self-service kiosks improve customer experience?” This often leads to discussions about speed, personalization, reduced wait times, and accessibility — especially in high-volume environments.
“What hardware and software do I need to build a kiosk?” A common question from startups and IT teams. They’re looking for guidance on touchscreens, payment systems, printers, and kiosk OS platforms.
“How secure are kiosks for payments and data?” Security is a huge concern. I get asked about encryption, PCI compliance, remote monitoring, and how to prevent tampering or data breaches.
“What’s the ROI of deploying kiosks?” Business owners want numbers: cost savings, labor reduction, upsell potential, and how quickly kiosks pay for themselves.
Integration complexity remains a significant challenge, particularly for enterprises with legacy systems; successful deployment often requires custom middleware and extensive testing. Good example is Clover wanting to use Samsung kiosks for its sales people to sell. They turned to Nanonation for the middeware.
Scalability and maintenance require coordinated efforts among IT, facilities, and local staff. Hardware failures, repairs, and software updates are necessary—unlike with purely digital solutions. Hardware generally comes with firmware and that gets updated. New bill sets get released.
Security is critical: kiosks handle sensitive data, so robust authentication, encryption, and anti-tampering protections are essential to prevent hacking or data leaks. Physical security is where it starts. Disabling USB ports is nice. Using a lockdown prevents hackers from calling up hacker tools over browser to intrude.
Measuring performance involves tracking conversation accuracy, user satisfaction, abandonment rates, uptime, and ROI, all of which demand specialized analytics and ongoing monitoring. The best example of metrics that is literally plug and play is meldCX
Some users, especially those less comfortable with technology or with disabilities, might still find kiosks unintuitive unless accessibility is a constant design priority. It is more than just adding adding hardware and software. Testing with multiple personas is the only way to ascertain your oversights.
Initial setup costs for advanced AI kiosks can be high, and success hinges on both technical integration and user adoption. Giada sells miniPCs with TOPS rating that approach 100. For under $1000. We use to buy Optiplex SFF for $500
Here is a summary of the five key considerations when planning a self-service kiosk deployment, based on insights from multiple expert sources in the kiosk industry:
1. Define Objectives and Business Needs
Clearly identify the main goals for deploying self-service kiosks, such as improving customer service, increasing efficiency, or generating additional revenue. Make sure your team understands the specific needs the kiosks will address for your business.
2. Assess Location and Site Requirements
Location is crucial to a kiosk’s success. Conduct a thorough site survey to ensure your chosen area has sufficient space, convenient access, and the necessary infrastructure (electricity, internet connection). Anticipate any logistical challenges like installation obstacles or environmental factors.
3. Hardware and Software Selection
Choose the appropriate kiosk hardware (wall-mounted, countertop, freestanding) for your location and intended usage. Ensure all required peripheral devices (touchscreens, printers, card readers) are included. Similarly, select user-friendly and reliable software, prioritizing solutions that integrate smoothly with existing systems and meet industry standards for security and compliance.
4. Centralized Staging, Integration, and Testing
Reduce deployment risks through centralized staging and integration. Assemble and test kiosk systems in controlled environments before installation. Conduct thorough field testing, proof-of-concept trials, and pilot programs to identify and resolve issues ahead of the full rollout.
5. Ongoing Support, Training, and Maintenance
Prepare for continual training and support for staff managing the kiosks. Plan a maintenance strategy and monitoring system to quickly resolve technical problems and keep kiosks operating efficiently.
These five steps help ensure that your self-service kiosk deployment is well-planned and delivers maximum value for your business.
Why Did They Introduce? Fewer Employees? Higher Sales?
1. Why did McDonald’s introduce kiosks?
People wonder whether kiosks are meant to replace workers or just improve speed and accuracy.
The answer usually highlights customer convenience, higher order accuracy, increased upselling, and the ability to free up staff for food prep and table service rather than just taking orders. Someone like McDonald’s, while appreciating the added features, is actually more interested in higher sales. Follow the money…
2. Do kiosks replace employees or reduce jobs?
A very common question, often tied to debates about automation.
The reality is nuanced: kiosks shift labor rather than eliminate it—McDonald’s still needs people for cooking, cleaning, delivery, and customer service. In many cases, kiosks lead to reassigning staff to “hospitality roles” like bringing food to tables. Increased product sales lead naturally to higher capacity kitchens with more employees + the counter staff moves to concierge role. And support for new technology. Net effect is 15% increase across the table. Ideally, 15% greater sales.
3. How do kiosks affect sales and customer experience?
Customers and investors alike ask whether kiosks actually boost sales or improve satisfaction.
McDonald’s has publicly noted that kiosks encourage upsizing and add-ons (fries, drinks, desserts), leading to higher average check sizes. From the customer side, many appreciate the ability to customize orders more easily and avoid waiting in line, though some still prefer human interaction.
McDonald’s kiosks weren’t built for convenience or speed. They were built to make you spend more money. From 2018 to 2022, their digital revenue jumped from $7B to $28B. Here’s the psychology behind this:Before kiosks, McDonald’s had a problem most restaurants face. Customers knew what they wanted but weren’t ordering it. The missing revenue wasn’t from people leaving. It was from people ordering less than they actually wanted. You’re judged for ordering too much. You feel rushed when there’s a line behind you. You skip extras to avoid looking indecisive.
But McDonald’s discovered something unexpected about removing this pressure.Kiosks eliminated the social friction completely. No one’s watching. No one’s waiting. You take your time, browse every option, add that extra dessert without hesitation. The behavioral change was immediate and measurable. People started ordering items they previously felt too self-conscious to request. The extra side, the larger size, the dessert they’d normally skip at the counter. But the real genius went deeper than just psychology. Kiosks solve 4 operational pain points that directly impact revenue:
Wait times – Long lines drive customers away during peak hours. Kiosks let multiple people order simultaneously, eliminating bottlenecks at the counter. Fewer frustrated customers means more completed transactions.
Visual ordering – The food photos aren’t random. They’re engineered: steam rising off burgers, condensation on iced coffee, perfectly melted cheese. When customers see what they’re ordering, they choose premium items and add extras.
Automatic upsells – Kiosks never forget to upsell. Add fries? Add dessert? Upgrade for $1? Every single order gets prompted. Every tap equals extra money. A tired cashier might skip this. The kiosk never does.
Instant payments – No waiting for the bill. No fumbling for cash. Customers pay immediately using cards or digital wallets, speeding up checkout and reducing abandoned orders.McDonald’s didn’t just optimize ordering. They redesigned the entire customer decision-making process.
Make buying effortless, and people naturally spend more.
Most businesses focus on getting more customers. McDonald’s focused on getting more from each customer by understanding what stopped them from buying.
Every business has invisible bottlenecks like McDonald’s did. Customers abandon purchases not because they don’t want your product, but because something in your process creates hesitation.
Finding and removing those barriers requires understanding both psychology and systems.
At NextLinkLabs.com, we help founders identify decision drag in their software, operations, and customer workflows.
Bruce Renard, executive director of NAC, and Patrick Conner, chairman, welcome attendees to Las Vegas.
NAC 2025 Serves Up Innovation In Las Vegas
From RetailSystems by Eliot Maras — Attendees who converged on Caesars Palace for last week’s NAC 2025 conference and expo came in search of a better understanding of the role of ATMs in a changing world economy. Three days of education, exhibits and networking in Las Vegas hosted by the National ATM Council certainly delivered plenty of food for thought.
One assumption everyone agreed on is that the independent ATM operator is in a state of change as the economy continues to recover from COVID-19, with operational challenges striking on many fronts.
“As always the industry is very sensitive to the overall economic circumstances in the country,” Bruce Renard, NAC executive director, said in a post-show interview. “As those go up and down, our industry reacts.”
Cash purchases are evolving in the U.S., he said. “As always the industry is very sensitive to the overall economic circumstances in the country. As those go up and down, our industry reacts.”
“As retail generally evolves, we are evolving also,” Renard said. “But I’m not sure how much of that is a transformation as opposed to just current circumstances. For instance, in Los Angeles and California generally, there’s been a very intense effort to address the migrant population there, and it’s been very aggressive and apparently has caused many people to fear going out in their normal daily routines doing shopping and the retail purchasing they normally would do. That whole situation has adversely affected ATM usage in that state.”
There has also been some consolidation in the industry, as well as a stream of new entrants in the industry, he said. “New blood is coming into the industry, and I guess you could call that transformational, but to me, that’s more generational.”
Renard noted that many operator attendees said the show was the best NAC show ever, and cited the following show highlights:
Remarks by keynote speaker Scott Fitzgerald, a Republican Congressman who offered an update on The Safe Access to Cash Act, which Fitzgerald co-sponsored. “It was very encouraging to hear him say that he thought there was a good chance that we’ll be able to pass the Safe Access to Cash Act this (congressional) session,” Renard said.
Progress on the antitrust litigation against the credit card companies. “It was also encouraging to hear the lead class counsel on the pending antitrust litigation, NAC versus Visa et al, and in hearing from counsel that we are in the final phas of that litigation and finally being able to look at actually being able to have our day in court and have the matter tried and resolved after almost 15 years prosecuting it.”
A presentation of Captain Jeff Roberts, head of intelligence operations and founder of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. Roberts offered insights on how ATM operators can better protect their businesses and their people.
A presentation on diversification opportunities. Renard also heard good comments from a session on diversification opportunities for ATM operators by BodegaAI, which provides a turnkey AI-powered POS for retail that ATM operators can use. The offering includes product recognition, dynamic pricing, margin optimization, SKU level tax automation, retail data analysis, dual pricing and cash discounting compliance tools.
Challenges and opportunities
While research and informal input from operators and suppliers indicate steady growth in ATM use, independent operators face rising costs for data security, theft prevention, regulatory requirements and state-of-the-art management and operational tools.
The more optimistic expectations for the industry are based on aggressive operator adoption of new technology, much of which was evident on both the NAC 2025 trade show floor and during the education sessions.
Grand View Research pegs a 3.6% combined annual growth rate from $26.49 billion in 2025 to $31.64 billion in 2030 for the global ATM market, driven by improved security measures, including biometric and one–time password authentication systems to prevent fraud, and the advent of smart ATMs for users with special needs.
The outlook is especially strong for the ISO (independent sales organization) and IAD (independent ATM deployer) groups as financial institutions find it more economical to outsource ATMs to the independents.
A changing ATM landscape
“In an increasingly low-cash and mobile-focused payments landscape, many of the world’s largest banking groups continue to remove ATMs at scale, while IADs are expanding into areas where cash is still in demand,” Datos Insights noted in a recent research report. “Banks are increasingly migrating branch services to ATMs amid ongoing branch rationalization. For the first time, over half of ATMs worldwide now accept automated deposits, with most of these using recycling technology. As cash withdrawals decline, ATMs are evolving to meet changing customer and bank needs while balancing cost efficiency with service delivery.”
Helen Amos, who led Datos Insights’ Global ATM Intelligence Service research, further remarked: “While we expect to see a continued fall in ATM numbers in coming years, the rate of decline will slow thanks to growth by IADs and expansion projects by banks in emerging economies. At the same time, we will see features such as cash deposit become much more common, meaning that ATMs will continue to play an essential role in the cash flow economy.”
Much of the focus at NAC 2025 was on the expansion of tap-to-pay (NFC), combatting rising ATM theft and new regulatory challenges, all of which will require additional investment.
Tap-to-pay on the move
ATM operators are being driven to embrace NFC by retail POS, which currently surpasses ATMs in tap-to-pay adoption by a considerable margin. NFC integration requires an investment in the necessary hardware and software.
Fortunately, IADs recognize the need to embrace NFC and are responding in kind.
Sal Salpietro moderates an NFC panel with Chuck Schwab, Justin Upton and Scott Weaver.
“As more and more processors have certified these (NFC integration) kits, the growth has been pretty steady,” said Scott Weaver, vice president of sales for retail ATMs at Genmega, speaking on a panel about NFC for retail ATMs. “It’s been sort of shocking to see how many of these kits are going out the door now.”
Weaver acknowledged that operators are concerned about the costs of these investments, but he noted that in many instances, it’s the location owners (the ATM operators’ customers) making the requests. And as volume increases, he said, manufacturers may adjust prices.
Theft on the rise
Theft prevention was also a major focus throughout the show, given recent increases in ATM jackpotting, whereby attackers gain access to an ATM’s internal systems and force it to dispense cash on command.
Exhibitor Switch Commerce, a provider of ATM processing and banking solutions, reported that ATM crimes increased from 38,116 incidents in 2024 to 43,757 to date in 2025. The company further noted that cash trapping, where a criminal attaches a device to the dispenser to block cash outflow and then later retrieves it, accounted for 64% of the incidents, followed by 22% from card theft, 7% from skimming and card data compromise, and 7% from transaction reversal.
Fortunately, lock technology continues to offer more ways to prevent ATM theft.
“Locks are really important, and locks are changing,” Renard said during a two-hour session on lock technology which drew an overflow audience. “Locks can do things they couldn’t do before.”
Phil Sutherland reviews categories of ATM locks.
“There have been some substantial technologically advanced products that have come to market during this past year,” agreed session speaker Phil Sutherland, who works in business development at MBA USA, a provider of locks, tools and training for locksmiths and safe technicians.
During the session, Sutherland described different categories of locks, highlighting Sargent & Greenleaf’s new C series cloud based codeless lock that has no keypad and sends a decryption token to a mobile device that unlocks the lock.
Regulatory issues continue
Regulatory challenges, meanwhile, continue to demand industry response, an area where NAC has played a major role.
Nancy Daniels reviews government agencies and regulations that oversee ATMs.
Nancy Daniels, COO at Hyosung, reviewed the various rules and agencies governing ATM operators during a regulatory update session. Federal initiatives include the Bank Secrecy Act and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which require businesses considered a Money Service Business to register and follow anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) rules.
In addition, Scott Fitzgerald, a Republican Congressman from Wisconsin, gave updates on the Access to Cash Act and the Fair Access to Banking Act, both of which address access to banking services.
NAC lobbyists Jon Alexander and George LeMaistre, Jr. gave an update on the Payment Choice Act, which would guarantee cash acceptance, in response to financial exclusion of unbanked and underbanked individuals.
Jon Rubin, an antitrust attorney, provided an update on the NAC’s lawsuit against Visa and Mastercard for anticompetitive rules relating to the setting of ATM surcharges.
“We’re at the home stretch,” Rubin said regarding the case, which was originally filed in October of 2011.
The 2026 NAC conference and expo will be at Paris, Las Vegas Oct. 13 to 15.
Trade show highlights
Following are highlights from the trade show floor in alphabetical order.
ATM Geeks
ATM Geeks, a Los Angeles based, nationwide provider of ATM technicians, presented information about its maintenance services.
The company’s “first line” maintenance includes software updates, on-site visits, printer repair, communication fixes, money jam fixes and equipment replacement.
“Second line” maintenance for ATM networks includes software format upgrades, parts replacement, hardware upgrades, dispenser swaps, machine reprogramming, vault lock installations or changes, and equipment installation and removal.
ATM Gurus
ATM Gurus, a Long Beach, Missouri based provider of ATM parts, repairs and training, co-exhibited with Triton, one of its partner ATM brands.
ATM Gurus stocks new, refurbished and closeout parts, and provides repair and training for Tranax and Nautilus Hyosung machines in addition to Triton ATMs.
ATM Merchant Systems
ATM Merchant Systems, a provider of ATMs, processing, cash management, merchant POS, digital signage and digital ATM toppers, presented its ATM digital topper, Zem Mount.
Zem Mount allows ATM operators to add digital toppers to existing or new ATMs. The topper allows the ATM deployer to monetize the “real estate” above the ATM.
The topper includes a 32-inch commercial grade HD LED monitor equipped with a media player enclosed in a protective steel casing, presenting a clean, professional appearance. The operator can manage the content using Zem Media’s content management system or use their own content with assistance from Zem Media’s content creation team.
ATM Merchant Systems is also an ATM ISO.
ATM Up
ATM Up, an ATM ISO and a provider of ATM equipment, parts and accessories, presented its ATMRev, a business model designed to uncover operational inefficiencies and streamline ATM operations.
The ATM operator can choose which services it wishes ATMRev to provide.
ATMRev’s operational support includes machine placement, processing, cash loading, repairs, compliance, reporting and maintenance.
Baton Lock & Hardware Co. Inc.
Baton Lock & Hardware Co. Inc., a security products manufacturer based in Garden Grove, California, introduced its 5000 series dimple key system and its 7G series featuring a patented lock with lugs combined with special keys.
The 5000 series dimple key system offers three types of keyways:
The restricted keyways are available when a special key security is required. Key duplication can be obtained by special order.
The reserved keyways are for unique applications. Locks can be keyed alike, keyed differently or master keyed.
The 7G series features a patented lock with lugs combined with special keys. The 7G and 7G 4-way camlocks are constructed with lugs on the entrance to the lock, preventing the use of common picking tools since the pick cannot enter the lock.
The keys for the 7G camlock are cut with two grooves to bypass the lugs, offering up to 600,000 unique key combinations.
Bodega AI
Bodega AI presented its AI-powered POS for retail, offering smart product recognition, dynamic pricing, margin optimization, SKU level tax automation, retail data analysis, dual pricing and cash discounting compliance tools.
Functions also include:
Inventory management
Customer management
Cash drawer and shift management
Multi store management
Bundle and pack item management
Lottery sales tracking
Loyalty and gift card programs
Automatic ID checking for age verification
Integrated security cameras
Integrated weight scale
Bodega AI also offers multi-lingual text and oral support in 12 languages: English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Bengali, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Urdu, Gujarati, Hindi and Farsi.
Carnation
Carnation, a Chicago based provider of currency counter equipment, presented its bill and coin counter machines, mixed money counters, counterfeit bill detectors and check scanners.
The offerings include systems that use ultraviolet, magnetic and infrared technologies for detecting fraud.
The company also plans to introduce bill recyclers in 2026.
CDS
CDS, a provider of ATM payment processing, presented the NCR Atleos ReadyCode cardless transactions for ATMs that utilize one-time use codes. ReadyCode is a card-free, API-based transaction platform that supports payments for ATMs and other devices.
Customers can withdraw cash from tens of thousands of ATMs using a one-time passcode sent to a mobile phone, SMS, email or online account. Customers can also add cash to their account or pay a bill.
Users click to receive the ReadyCode API on their mobile phone or other device. They can then initiate a cash withdrawal or cash load transaction, then receive the ReadyCode passcode along with a list of nearby ATMs.
CDS also demonstrated the LibertyX option to buy bitcoin at an ATM.
Clear Choice Payment Solutions
Clear Choice Payment Solutions, a Switch Commerce company that provides ATM placement services, introduced its affiliate program for ATM operators that includes network registration and bank sponsorship fees.
The company’s Watchdog Program features ATM monitoring in addition to fleet management and wireless device monitoring.
The company’s all-in-one kiosk provides ATM transactions, cash remittance, bill pay, and gaming and sports betting.
Clear Choice also demonstrated a recycler that is new to the U.S., the Atec C3L.
Cord Financial Services
Cord Financial Services, a national ATM independent sales organization of the Fikes Companies, provides ATM equipment, parts, accessories, repairs, transaction processing and merchant services.
The company’s online resource center offers software downloads, error codes, service videos and more for Hyosung and Genmega equipment.
The company has offices in Temple, Texas, Arlington, Texas, Meridian, Mississippi, West Palm Beach, Florida and Clearwater, Florida.
Parent company Fikes Companies also owns GEFCO Convenience Stores, Fikes Wholesale, Fikes Terminal, Group Petroleum Services and JF Air.
Dash ATM
Dash ATM, a provider of ATM security enclosures, introduced a swing gate for island drive-thru ATMs. The swing gate protects front loading drive-up or walk-up enclosures from hook and chain attacks.
The unit, 31.75 inches high by 29 inches deep weighing 415 pounds, features a recessed R2 restricted lock with two keys.
The recessed dual dead-bolt lock system is engineered for maximum resistance against forced entry, while the manganese armor, combined with a recessed housing and opposing bolt design, ensures protection against drilling, prying and brute force attacks.
DNS
DNS (Digital Network Solutions) presented its Transact dashboard that provides ATM transaction processing, processing security and fraud management services.
Transact features a terminal management system, real-time metrics on ATM status and dynamic currency conversion.
The dashboard keeps track of total deposits, total transactions and top balances per terminal.
Dollar ATM Club
Dollar ATM Club, a New York City based online marketplace for buying and selling ATM products, such as parts and accessories, presented a sampling of products available for sale on its website.
Dollar ATM Club shared its exhibit space with Aguila Business Service, a provider of ATM services in Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Dormakaba
Dormakaba, a provider of one-time-code safe lock solutions, presented CenconX, a device-driven keyless ATM locking solution. The solution streamlines ATM operations and improves efficiencies for cash in transit.
The solution integrates features of dormakaba’s established Cencon platform, such as one-time-code and multi-tenant functionality, and also delivers newer functionality such as automated code transmission via Bluetooth low energy and close seals while replacing the need for physical credentials. The functionalities can be managed through the dormakaba Safe Locks mobile app and are part of the company’s new Apexx Software platform.
CenconX gives dormakaba clients the flexibility to choose between the legacy Cencon experience or the newer functionality of a more streamlined feature set.
DPL Wireless
DPL Wireless, a provider of managed connectivity services, introduced software updates.
The company also presented its Hercules 4G LTE CAT-4, a single SIM modem for ATMs and other low data use applications. The modems are protected by a solid metal enclosure backed by a 5-year warranty.
The company also recently reintroduced its MDB Restart, a feature that allows self-service equipment operators to remotely power cycle any MDB (multi-drop bus) device. MDB is a communication standard used in automated devices that enables the communication between machine components, including payment systems, control boards and peripherals.
First Sentinel Bank
First Sentinel Bank, a commercial bank in Southwest Virginia and Southern West Virginia, presented information about its nationwide ATM cash replenishment program. The company launched its online, long distance relationship ATM program in 2023.
Genmega
Genmega, an ATM manufacturer, presented its NOVA retail ATM, featuring a 17-inch touchscreen that allows full motion video on the top half of the screen while running the ATM program on the bottom half. The top screen offers the benefit that typically requires the addition of a digital topper.
Using components of the existing Genmega retail ATMs, the NOVA does not require the operator to stock additional parts. With the same UL-291 certified vault of the G2500 and Onyx, the NOVA provides the same security features that have been available in Genmega ATMs for years.
Features include edge lighting around the cash dispensing unit and an encrypted pin pad, near field communications, recyclers, as many as four 2,000-note removable cassettes, a 3-inch printer, a UL291 business hours vault and an optional “level 1” vault.
Hyosung
Hyosung, an ATM manufacturer, presented ATM equipment designed to take the ATM customer experience to a new level.
The company’s Cajera Pivot offers expanded service offerings along with cash recycling. Features include cash-in transactions, smart safe functionality and a configurable cassette option.
Additional features include front access, up to a 21.5-inch touchscreen, cash recycling with up to three cassettes, 100 notes per transaction and a 3,000-note capacity per cassette.
Optional features include a barcode reader, a contactless card reader, a privacy filter and a hand camera.
The customer interface includes a 15-inch LCD touchscreen with a 21.5-inch option, a PCI compliant encrypted pin pad, an ADA headphone jack with volume control, and an EMV compliant card reader with an anti-skimming and anti-shimming option.
The company also presented its Hyosung Pay interface which allows the user to deposit cash at the ATM and have their account credited instantly. The interface currently allows bill break, bill pay and sports wager. Additional features in the pipeline are direct deposit, mobile reload, ACME wallet, car payment, store deposit and Western Union money transfer.
Infinity ATMs
Infinity ATMs, a San Diego, California-based ATM ISO, presented its ATM services.
The company’s DIY program allows a deployer to take command of cash loading while taking advantage of Infinity’s transaction processing, reporting and technical support. Infinity ATM services also include ATM placement, 24/7 monitoring, maintenance, repairs and machine branding.
Lock America International
Lock America International, a lock manufacturer based in Corona, California, presented a variety of locks designed to address the problem of “jackpotting” where thieves use standard keys to get into ATMs that use the same generic locks.
The company’s Lock America High Security System allows an operator to retrofit machines with locks with key codes registered exclusively to the enterprise and a master key the operator can control.
Lockmasters Inc.
Lockmasters Inc., a sales and education company representing lock equipment manufacturers, presented information about its Lockmasters Security Institute, offering training for ATM technicians, including GSA technicians and inspectors. Topics include access control, locksmithing, safe deposit box servicing and more.
Based at the Mark C. Miller Training Center in Lexington, Kentucky, the company also has a training center in Maryland near Washington, D.C. and a training and distribution center in Las Vegas.
Training is offered year round.
Loomis AB
Loomis AB, a provider of cash management services with an international network of around 400 branches in 27 countries, presented information about its ATM services, including cash replenishment and settling, deposit pickup and processing, cash forecasting and online reporting.
Loomis recently acquired Burroughs Inc., a provider of lifecycle management services across a wide range of device types in the U.S. and Canada. Burroughs’ services include payment and transaction automation, unattended self-service technology, remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and other connected technologies.
MBA USA
MBA USA, a provider of locks, tools and training for locksmiths and safe technicians, demonstrated products and information about its technician education courses. The exhibit included information about the new Sargent & Greenleaf C series lock that uses a cloud-based system that sends a decryption token to a mobile device that unlocks the lock.
Products in addition to locks include door and gate hardware, keys, key machines and cutters, drilling tools, lighting and optics, and apparel and gear.
Education and training include GSA approved technician courses, safe lock manipulation, physical security lock training, electronic safe locks and more.
The company also introduced its MBA Locksmith Portal, an information website for locksmiths and security professionals, including video libraries, diagrams, interactive product data, training courses, a community forum and more.
OptConnect
OptConnect, a provider of connectivity solutions, presented its fuse one 4G LTE Cat 4 router that features dual-SIM technology with the ability to ensure endpoints stay connected. The fase one is a semi-managed commercial grade cellular router that includes Wi-Fi access with hotspot functionality and security protocols.
The fase one enables automatic switching to an available backup and supports multiple VPN protocols.
The device is 83 mm by 25 mm by 74 mm in size and withstands temperatures from minus 40 degrees Centigrade to 75 degrees Centigrade.
NextATM
NextATM, a Grant Victor company based in Kaysville, Utah that supplies ATMs, ATM parts, ATM signs, decals and paper, presented its “ATM Forward” podcast interviews with industry leaders, an educational initiative for ATM operators.
ATM Forward provides a place for operators and innovators to hear conversations about cash, compliance, technology and other industry issues. The podcasts can be heard on the Spotify, Apple Podcast and YouTube platforms.
Grant Victor companies also include eGlobal ATM Services, which provides ATM placement and transaction services; TetraLink, which provides ATM products and services to financial institutions; and NextBranch, which offers branch transformation ATM equipment and services to financial institutions.
Paper Systems Inc.
Paper Systems Inc., a provider of paper rolls for ATMs and other industries, presented various size paper rolls, along with POS ribbons, ink jet cartridges, thermal transfer ribbons and printed rolls and labels. The company can custom print as many as six colors.
The company, founded in 1976, is based in Springsboro, Ohio and has a warehouse in Ocala, Florida.
PAI Powered By Brinks
PAI Powered By Brinks, a provider of ATM managed services, introduced its PAI Instant Master Keys to simplify master key management without worrying about losing keys or having to order new ones.
The company’s online key management system for ATMs allows for the secure provisioning of master keys through a digital interface that removes the need for physical key envelopes.
The system removes delays associated with shipping and tracking physical key envelopes, thereby reducing downtime and streamlining ATM maintenance and security processes.
Rise Armored Services
Rise Armored Services, a first time exhibitor, offers cash management services including armored cash in transit, ATM replenishment, cash processing, cash vault storage, smart safes and smart safe services.
The company’s ATM residual and deposit verification service uses multiple multi-pocket counters and provides deposit verification, storing of deposits, bundling and more.
The ATM replenishment service features a deposit pull only option, ATM cash adds, ATM emergency cash adds and mobile ATM vehicle operation.
The ATM inspection and cleaning service features a technician to clean and check required ADA functionality.
The cash vault services include next-day processing of ATMs, smart safe deposits and storing the cash in Rise terminals’ vault for rapid delivery.
Sargent & Greenleaf
Sargent & Greenleaf, the Nicholsville, Kentucky based manufacturer of security solutions, introduced its C series cloud based codeless lock that has no keypad and sends a decryption token to a mobile device that unlocks the lock.
Phil Sutherland of MBA USA Inc., a provider of lock education and supplies, described the C series during a well attended educational session on ATM locks.
“There is no code,” Sutherland said during the session. “There is an authorization that gets created, and that authorization can be for an extended time… It’s codeless and it’s cordless. It’s not connected to the Internet.
“What the C series does is it utilizes multiple levels of encryption bidirectional communication, so as it comes from the cloud; it’s encrypted as it comes through the smart device into the lock.” Where it automatically keys the code to operate and tells the system the operation has been completed.
“It’s resistant to burglary, manipulation, and more importantly, cyber attack.”
The C series is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of this year.
Security First Bank
Security First Bank, a Rapid City, South Dakota based bank, hosted its first NAC exhibit after expanding its ISO payment processing services to the ATM industry.
Services include access to national and regional networks, regulatory guidance and compliance, and flexibility in choosing transaction processors.
SMART
SMART, which stands for Service Management and Route Tracking, provides business management software, including software specifically designed for ATM management.
The company’s remote management software monitors ATM performance from a connected device with real-time alerts and tracking.
The commission tracking software automates commission calculations for partners with detailed reporting and statements.
The adjustable cash forecasting software provides real-time cash flow predictions to prevent overstocking and cash shortages.
The smart mobile software allows operators to access reports and alerts in real time.
Features also include routing, check printing, service employee accountability, vault cash forecasting, advanced cash reconciliation and ATM load photo attaching.
Switch Commerce
Switch Commerce, a provider of ATM processing and banking solutions, presented its Watchdog security platform in partnership with its sister company, Clear Choice.
The Watchdog program features 24/7 ATM monitoring in addition to fleet management and wireless device monitoring.
The company reported that ATM crimes increased from 38,116 incidents in 2024 to 43,757 since that time. It further noted that cash trapping accounted for 64% of the incidents, followed by 22% from card theft, 7% from skimming and card data compromise, and 7% from transaction reversal fraud.
Telecom Products Inc.
Telecom Products Inc., a manufacturer of ATMs as well as coin-operated air, water, vacuum, tire inflation and car wash vending machines, recently introduced an ice vending machine.
The ice machine, 84 inches high (without the ice maker), 72 inches wide and 36 inches deep, dispenses 50 to 350 bags of ice per day and stores 800 pounds of ice. The average ice weight per vend is 10 to 12 pounds.
Payment options include coins, bills, credit and debit cards. Remote monitoring is also available.
Telecom Products Inc., also known as TPI, specializes in laser cutting, punching, brake press, welding, powder coating, CNC machining, CNC routing, precision sheet metal fabrication and assembly.
Triton
Triton, a Calabasas, California based ATM manufacturer, introduced its Argo 15 CDM6240 ATM dispenser, co-exhibiting with its sister company, ATM Gurus.
The machine dispenses seven notes per second for a maximum 2,200 notes per lockable cassette, and can dispense a maximum of 60 notes per transaction. It has a maximum capacity of up to 6,600 notes and can hold as many as three cassettes. It also features an adjustable low level detection report of 50 to 250 notes.
VapeTM
VapeTM, a Cleveland, Ohio based startup with a background in the ATM and music vending industries, introduced its vape vending machines that feature biometric age verification, real-time inventory management and cashless payment that includes tap-to-pay.
The company’s vape machine products include four sizes: a mini wall unit with eight aisles and a 21.-inch touchscreen, a slim wall unit with 10 aisles and a 32-inch touchscreen, a mega wall unit with 15 aisles and a 32-inch touchscreen, and a slim tower unit with 24 aisles and a 43-inch touchscreen.
The machine’s route management software manages inventory, price updates, sales tracking and machine settings via web and mobile devices.
The machine can also offer products besides vapes such as breath mints, hangover prevention bottles, pouches, disposable cameras and mobile chargers.
Ventus
Ventus, a Digi company and a provider of managed connectivity solutions, presented its single-device reboot solution. The solution’s managed connectivity delivers comprehensive network redundancy via secondary cellular or broadband connectivity.
In the event of a primary outage, the network automatically detects the drop and seamlessly fails over to the secondary network until primary service returns.
The solution provides 24/7 technical support.
The company provides cellular wireless and fixed line SD-WAN, hybrid WAN and cellular WAN solutions.
VSR Industries
VSR Industries, a manufacturer of security products to the gaming industry based in Henderson, Nevada, recently expanded into the ATM industry, making its first appearance at the NAC show.
The company’s product line includes camlocks, keys, bases, cabinets, millwork and digital display enclosures.
The company’s recently introduced dimple lock enables an operator to replace the lock core without having to replace the entire lock.
WTI Wireless
WTI Wireless, a Calabasas, California-based provider of machine-to-machine connectivity, presented wireless 4G and 5G routers for 2-, 4- and 5-port devices.
The remote power switch on the router automatically reboots a locked device. The RPS (redundant power supply) then pings the assigned IP address once per minute. If the equipment does not respond after 10 attempts, the RPS will turn the outlet off for 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
The routers also feature magnetic antennas, power adapters, Ethernet cables, PCI compliance, split data routing, cloud monitoring, dual SIM, plug and play, and primary or failover capabilities.
Bob Gilbert presents wireless routers at the WTI Wireless exhibit.
Jon Fryar introduces locks, bases, cabinets and more at the VSR Industries exhibit.
Chris Spearing and David Ide present managed connectivity solutions at the Ventus, a Digi company, exhibit.
Maria Miller presents an ATM with an optional dispenser at the Triton exhibit.
Micah Stanley presents vape vending machines at the VapeTM exhibit.
Joseph Torres introduces an ice vending machine at the Telecom Products exhibit.
Trip Ochenski presents an ATM security platform at the Switch Commerce exhibit.
Patrick Zuber and Aaron Stortzum present ATM management software at the SMART exhibit.
Clayton Weber of Security First Bank educates Less Hollis of Music City ATM in Nashville, Tennessee about Security First Bank services.
Elizabeth Cox, Rob Turbeville, Roxie Rudl and Catherine Hauck present the C series lock at the Sargent & Greenleaf exhibit.
Tony Kather and Josh Barnes present cash management services at the Rise Armored Services exhibit.
Mac Phillips presents an ATM paper roll at the Paper Systems Inc. exhibit.
Eric Hennings presents the Instant Master Keys solution at the PAI Powered By Brinks exhibit.
Tony Trejo and Matt Warner present connectivity solutions at the OptConnect exhibit.
Rhett Needham of NextATM and Darren Baker of Grant Victor present the ATM Forward podcasts and the NextATM exhibit.
Jimmy Hall and Phil Sutherland present locks, tools and training information at the MBA USA exhibit.
Jason Auger presents cash management services at the Loomis AB exhibit.
Kevin Wiley and Toby Craig present security education information at the Lockmasters Inc. exhibit.
Robert Chen presents a lock for the Genmega Universal Kiosk at the Lock America International exhibit.
Jason Eykan and Michael Klein present ATM services at the Infinity ATMs exhibit.
Jeremy Ward presents the Hyosung Pay interface at the Hyosung exhibit.
Ben Choi presents the NOVA retail ATM at the Genmega exhibit.
Carey Watters and Samantha Crigger introduce attendees to First Sentinel Bank’s ATM cash replenishment program.
John Williston and Brian McFarland present managed connectivity products at the DPL Wireless exhibit.
Shannon and Chris Snowden present the CenconX device-driven keyless ATM locking solution at the Dormakaba exhibit.
Hau Nguyen and Fareed Alabasi of Aguila Business Service join Ed Dedelioglu of Dollar ATM Club at their combined exhibit.
Natasha Evangelister presents the Transact dashboard at the DNS exhibit.
Derek Polk presents security enclosures at the Dash ATM exhibit.
Tommy Hughes presents ATM services at the Cord Financial Services exhibit.
Susie Velasquez shows the Atec C3L recycler at the Clear Choice Payment Solutions exhibit.
Anna Clare, Bri Ladiero, Tara Hunnewell, Donna Keefe and Becky Gadby demonstrate the ReadyCode cardless payment option at the CDS exhibit.
Toby Ethington presents currency counters at the Carnation exhibit.
Syed Ahmed of East Coast Retail Services in New York City visits with Jason Diaz at the Bodega AI exhibit.
Joyce Yu presents new security products at the Baton Lock & Hardware Co. Inc. exhibit.
Joe Simon and Louie Bischoff present the ATMRev business model at the ATM Up exhibit.
Ethan Smith and Corey Gelb present the ATM digital topper system at the ATM Merchant Systems exhibit.
Bruce Coward, Devin Coatney, Simona Palecek, Nick Mehdi and Vutha Som present maintenance services at the ATM Geeks exhibit.
2015 and Fortune — McDonald’s introduced digital self-service kiosks as part of its “Create Your Taste” platform in hopes of boosting sales and allowing customers to better customize their meals. However, these kiosks only serve in-restaurant customers, who account for just 30% of McDonald’s sales, since most customers use the drive-thru where kiosks are not available. Installation costs for franchisees are high, estimated between $120,000 and $160,000, which has raised concerns about their actual benefit. Some experts, including a former franchisee, believe the move is more for appealing to investors than providing practical value for most restaurant operators.
McDonald’s doesn’t have much of a history of innovation, but it did for stunts. so he might be right. and there are many locations where the drive thru traffic is nil.
And maybe that is the point. 70% of your revenue comes from the drive-thru. Can you increase that, or is there an opportunity to increase the in-store sales? Maybe you can make it easier to get food inside (via kiosk terminals).
The writer achieved their aim, though, and got me to click on it. Probably that was the intended outcome the entire time.
Insight 2025: McDonald’s kiosks weren’t built for convenience or speed. They were built to make you spend more money. From 2018 to 2022, their digital revenue jumped from $7B to $28B. Here’s the psychology behind this: Here is article
How user-friendly is the interface and overall customer experience?
One question we are often asked — “How user-friendly / intuitive is the interface? Especially important if you expect a broad range of users. The easier it is, the better adoption.” Another — How user-friendly is the interface and overall customer experience?
Great article on user UX and UI from September 2025. Our most common advice (rarely followed) is test with multiple persona and real people. Be sure to check accessibility. Create a consensus impression opinion. Much safer than using diversity politically these day (or even disabled). There are tools from Cambridge that can help you do that. Sitekiosk is a great tool. Many use Intuiface for that matter. The more powerful, the more complex equates most often to the longer and steeper the learning curve. Testing with your developers is virtual suicide. They told you it would take 2 months, and it’s already been 6 months.
Designing a secure and seamless kiosk user experience (UX) requires clarity, simplicity, and robust security, with special emphasis on reducing user errors and friction at every step. Organizations benefit from prioritizing accessible, intuitive, and touch-friendly interfaces that create smooth, trustworthy self-service experiences for all users.
Why Kiosk UX Is Critical
A well-designed kiosk boosts user satisfaction and repeat business, while poor UX causes frustration and abandonment. Simplifying each interaction point—through clear directions, uncluttered layouts, and universal icons—directly improves workflows and competitiveness.
Sources of Kiosk Friction
Typical friction points include confusing navigation, micro-errors, poor accessibility, and cluttered screens. Research shows current kiosks score below desired usability benchmarks, highlighting the need for design improvements that promote clarity and confidence at every stage.
Best Practices for Great Kiosk UX
Simplicity First: Use concise prompts and ample white space; adopt high-contrast, visually guided designs.
Touch-Friendly Design: Enlarge buttons and ensure proper spacing to avoid mistakes, with touch feedback and accessibility features like screen reader support.
Linear, Predictable Workflows: Eliminate unnecessary steps; provide progress indicators and easy review/edit options before submission.
Consistent Brand Experience: Maintain visual and interaction cohesion throughout the kiosk journey to build trust and reduce drop-off rates.
Reducing Errors and Enhancing Accessibility
Clear Messaging: Use positive, instructive language and visual cues for every state, including errors and subsequent actions.
Multilingual/Multimodal Support: Offer text localization, text-to-speech, and audio cues to accommodate users with diverse abilities and language needs.
Confirmation and Edits: Enable straightforward review and correction paths before final transaction steps to minimize costly errors.
Security and Trust
UX must integrate robust security through session management, browser lockdown, and hardware protections while maintaining ease of use. Regular maintenance and updates are essential for continued protection.
Real-World Impact and Pandemic Influence
Restaurants, healthcare, retail, and banking use interactive kiosks to increase accuracy, speed, and convenience. COVID-19 prompted more touch-free, hygienic solutions such as QR codes, voice controls, and visible cleaning routines, further shaping expectations for safe public interfaces.
Creative Tools and Usability Testing
Designers use drag-and-drop templates, content libraries, and analytics dashboards to rapidly prototype and optimize flows. The key to continuous improvement is real-world usability testing, gathering feedback, and iteratively refining designs for maximum usability and Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
Developer versus QA video
Actionable Checklist
Employ large, responsive touchpoints
Declutter screens, streamline steps
Prioritize accessibility and clarity in communication
Ensure brand consistency
Support multilingual needs
Provide clear confirmations and navigation paths
Balance security with usability
Use analytics beyond “happy path” test cases
Continuously test and refine in live environments
Healthcare: privacy curtains, HIPAA compliance, patient language support.
Transportation: quick repeat user paths (seasoned commuters), ticket printing reliability.
Hospitality/food ordering: customizations easy but not overwhelming, allergen warnings.
Conclusion
Successful kiosk UX blends creativity, empathy, and technical skill. By focusing on clarity, accessibility, and security, businesses deliver digital signage and kiosks that foster loyalty and provide real, lasting value in the self-service landscape.
10 Rules for Designing Digital Signage Content – ScreenCloud[12]
Digital Kiosks: Unlock Inclusive Self-Service Experiences – levelaccess.com[13]
Mastering Kiosk Design: Best Practices for Exceptional User Experience – patchretention.com[14]
Digital Signage Inspiration, Designs, and UI/UX Examples – Dribbble[15]
Industry Considerations: How to Make an Accessible Kiosk – TPGi[16]
Effective UX UI Design for Self Service Kiosks: Best Practices & Tips – flyx.cloud[17]
How to Make a Digital Signage Solution – Reddit[18]
Linux Kiosk Security Guide: Best Practices for Management and Safety – linuxsecurity.com[19]
Digital Signage Resources, Free Online Tools & Content – visix.com[20]
These resources cover practical guidance, case studies, accessible design, security, and creative inspiration for anyone working on kiosk and digital signage experiences.
Will the Kiosk Integrate With My Other Systems and More Questions
Customers and prospects always have a set of questions they want answers to before they purchase kiosks, especially in event venues that involve ticketing. How easy, how fast and definitely, how much!
Example question that Chatgpt gets asked is “Will it integrate with my existing systems (POS, CRM, inventory, payment)? Seamless integration with back-end systems is one of the most important considerations”.
The Olea Kiosks article talks about the questions Olea sees for businesses considering the purchase of self-service kiosks for entertainment venues. Good to understand the various aspects of kiosk deployment, including design, functionality, and customer experience.
Six Questions We Came Up With:
“Will It Integrate With Our Existing Systems?”
“Is It ADA Compliant and Accessible to All Guests?”
“Can It Handle Our Environment?”
“How User-Friendly Is the Interface?”
“What Will It Cost —and What Will We Gain?”
“Who Supports Us After the Install?”
Five Questions Chatgpt Is Asked to Compare
What is the purpose of the kiosk?
How much does it cost (including total cost of ownership)?
Will it integrate with my existing systems (POS, CRM, inventory, payment)?
Is it ADA-compliant and accessible to all users?
What features and hardware options should I include?
Here is our look at “Things to Think About”
Understanding Kiosk Types:
There are different types of kiosks tailored for various applications, such as ticketing, food ordering, and information services. Businesses should assess their specific needs to choose the right type of kiosk.
Customization Options:
Kiosks can be customized to fit the branding and operational requirements of the venue. This includes options for hardware, software, and user interfaces. Customization enhances user engagement and satisfaction.
User Experience:
A focus on user experience is crucial. Kiosks should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Features like touchscreens, clear signage, and personalization can significantly improve customer interaction.
Integration with Existing Systems:
It’s important to ensure that the kiosks can integrate seamlessly with existing systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) systems and inventory management. This integration helps streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Technology Considerations:
The article discusses the importance of selecting kiosks with the latest technology, including AI capabilities for predictive menus and personalized recommendations. This technology can enhance the overall customer experience.
Maintenance and Support:
Businesses should consider the maintenance and support options available for the kiosks. Reliable support ensures that any issues can be resolved quickly, minimizing downtime and maintaining customer satisfaction.
Cost Factors:
The initial investment in kiosks can vary widely based on features and customization. Businesses should evaluate the total cost of ownership, including installation, maintenance, and potential upgrades.
Regulatory Compliance:
Compliance with local regulations and accessibility standards is essential. Kiosks should be designed to accommodate all users, including those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience.
Marketing and Promotion:
Effective marketing strategies can drive traffic to the kiosks. Simple signage and promotions can encourage customers to use the kiosks, enhancing their visibility and usage.
Future Trends:
The article highlights emerging trends in self-service technology, such as the increasing use of contactless payments and mobile integration. Staying ahead of these trends can provide a competitive advantage.
Conclusion
Investing in self-service kiosks for entertainment venues can significantly enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By understanding the various factors involved in selecting and implementing kiosks, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their goals and improve the overall guest experience. The article serves as a comprehensive guide for organizations looking to navigate the complexities of kiosk deployment effectively.
We are often asked “How Much Does A Kiosk Cost”. How much does it cost (including total cost of ownership)? — Beyond hardware, people want to know about software, integration, installation, and ongoing maintenance expenses.
It’s a bit like declaring you are going to buy a vehicle. What manufacturer, what features, etc. Is it a SUV and if so a small one or a large one? The biggest amount of advice we give is that in the kiosk market, you usually get what you pay for. Let’s define kiosk cost so we see the bigger picture.
Quick Answer — the cost of the kiosk is measured over years. Initial cost, first year and subsequent years.
Example Cost AT&T bill payment kiosk
Overall kiosk hardware cost
$1M in NRE
Prototype cost = $18,000
Production cost (run of 2500) = $12,000 each
Kiosk Software Cost
Figure $3M, mostly in-house
Kiosk Service, Warranty and Maintenance
Figure 15% of final quote + recurring for three years
Training
They didn’t opt for training. Went cheap upfront.
Site Surveys
figured $2000 per location
Going Cheap Up Front
Opting for plastic “cheaper” cassettes — employees ended up dropping and fracturing and then the cassettes needed to be replaced. The cost for that with service calls/technician popped AT&T for over $400K a month till they trained employees
Breakdown of kiosk cost and price
Quantity 1 price is different than quantity 20
There is the “simple kiosk hardware cost” which comprises the physical unit and devices.
the enclousure
the computer
the screen
There is the “overall kiosk cost” which includes software, training, service, warranty, tech support, maintenance
Often the only ones accepted for large bids (made in USA with US steel)
Much better documentation
Much better support
Training for staff much better
Much better federal regulatory approval (UL, ADA and PCI e.g.)
More cognizant of individual state regulations
Lower shipping costs
Fast turnaround when needed
Higher quality components
Less downtime
Fewer service calls ($150 each)
It may sound harsh but our recommendation with kiosks made in China is to be sure and buy an extra one or ideally two extra for spares.
Lower storage costs for spares inventory
Initial outlay — The cost of the kiosk + components + branding/artwork + software + middleware + warranty + service and spares
Initial outlay – software and customization — in-house it could be a million dollar process that takes 12 months
Initial outlay — we recommend starting with full accessibility. Typically that is tactile navigation and audio at the very least. McDonalds uses screen readers as well.
Initial outlay – shipping ($600 per unit?)
Secondary outlay – installation. Most problems will manifest in the first 60 days
Don’t cheap out on your USB hub or router either (if needed)
Pick a kiosk manufacturer with years of experience. They can tell you based on data what fails and what doesn’t
Contact [email protected] and we can refer you based on your needs and quantity. We also offer free advice and consulting.
Too often, iterations that are not really kiosks are called kiosks, usually because the functionality is close to the same. A handheld tablet can range in cost from $75 to $7500. Which one are you talking about?
Questions we usually ask, when you ask
How many units now and how many later?
How big a screen do you want?
Will you need someone to provide software?
Will you be doing the software and if so what are the preferred platforms?
Does the kiosk need to include devices like a printer, barcode scanner, camera, microphone, POS terminal?
What about a computer? Do you need a hepped up i7 or will a Celeron/equivalent suffice?
Are you wanting to consign any of those components?
Is it a standup terminal, or a countertop, or a wallmount?
Is outdoor a consideration and if so where and when?
Service and warranty are significant price components, and they recur
Do you want a custom design? Figure 50K of NRE (non-recurring engineering)
General Kiosk Price Range (including service and warranty)
simple check-in low function – $500. Could be as simple as a tablet from Amazon (and China) or an AIO (All-in-one) or an actual kiosk. Success probability = low and expect them to be higher overhead with more downtime.
High-end accessible patient check-in – can easily be $10K full package
Smart city outdoor kioskwith big 55 inch screens? Figure 50K
Financial bill pay range from $6000 to $20K
Outdoor Kiosks — figure 35% premium at minimum. There are different mitigation levels.
Video Examples
Here is a look at the “top end” of kiosk price, a DMV kiosk. Typically they handle multiple payment options and may include a cash recycler. This is one from California DMV by KIOSK. The application likely done by ITI. The simple kiosk cost? Closer to $20K…
Not a real kiosk though it says it is. Small business is constantly taken advantage of with the “Ok to go cheap” singsong
What is the purpose of the kiosk? It’s important to clarify what you want the kiosk to do (check-in, way-finding, payment, ordering, ticketing, etc.). We like to ask if it is informational, or is it transactional? The next question might be do you want indoor kiosk or outdoor kiosk.
Kiosks are easy to define but also confusing. We deal in electronic kiosks. Round structures in Turkey where village notices were published is the origin. And then came computers and electronic kiosks.
You’ll note that we often use the phrase “kiosk kiosks”. That indicates that whatever is being called a kiosk, is actually a kiosk. Many will call a collection of components scattered on a table, connected to touch screen a kiosk. It is not. The Remote Merchandising Unit or RMU is often called a “kiosk” but that is physical booth and not a machine.
A kiosk refers to a small, temporary, stand-alone booth used in high-traffic areas for marketing purposes. A kiosk is usually manned by one or two individuals who help attract attention to the booth to get new customers. Retail kiosks are frequently located in shopping malls or on busy city streets with significant foot traffic and provide owners with a low-cost alternative to market their products or services.
Google likes this description from KIOSK Information Systems
Retailers want to invigorate sales and entice customers back into physical stores with self-service options that streamline transactions. KIOSK offers a portfolio of solutions for returns, payments, endless aisle, rentals, virtual support services, and more.
Definition of Kiosks – A Long Catalog of Attempts
From Cambridge — a small building where things such as candy, drinks, or newspapers are sold through an open window
Oxford — a small shop, open at the front, where newspapers, drinks, etc. are sold. In some countries kiosks also sell food and things used in the home.
Etymology — 1620s, “kind of open pavilion” (made of light wood, etc., often supported by pillars), from French kiosque (17c.), which is (along with German and Polish kiosk) from Turkish koshk, kiöshk “pavilion, summer house,” from Persian kushk “palace, villa; pavilion, portico.” They were introduced in Western Europe 17c. as ornaments in gardens and parks. Later of street newsstands (1865), on some resemblance of shape, a sense perhaps originally in French. Modern sense has been influenced by British telephone kiosk (1928).
1472 – Mehmed II the Conqueror built the Tiled Kiosk [see Wikipedia]
A real kiosk! KIOSK in Colorado makes this one for Amazon and Whole Foods it appears to us. Click for full size…
The closest “kiosks” to those might be modern-day RMUs or Remote Merchandising Units. Digital signage displays (airport departure and arrival times) centered in airport terminals are variations of the “informational kiosk”
Definition in Today’s World
Here is a collection of “definitions” which have been proffered, attempted by various entities. Public computer systems by Los Alamos has held up pretty well for 30 years.
From Los Alamos Report 1994 –
Until recently, it was a small, rugged standalone structure often used as a newsstand, bandstand, or other commercial enterprise. The definition is evolving to include computer systems found in public places. These public computer systems are designed to provide an alternative avenue to reach information and services. The user is presented with an attractive structure that has been designed to provide a simple, friendly interface to novice computer users. It performs an easily automated task, freeing personnel from boring, tedious labor. Link
Types of Kiosks According To Los Alamos Report
They are being used as a primary tool to improve the effectiveness of limited personnel and provide easy and convenient access to a wide range of services. Most of these kiosks are built to perform one of the following functions:
To advertise a commercial product.
To collect or dispense specific information.
To exchange information, funds, and/or services.
ChatGPT 2023
— It is a small, free-standing physical structure used for displaying information or selling products or services. It typically includes an interactive screen or touchpad for users to access information or complete transactions. They are commonly found in public places such as airports, shopping malls, and train stations.
Kiosk Industry
A self-service kiosk or computer kiosk (some like an electronic kiosk) is a standalone terminal used by customers and employees to provide a self-service channel for general transactions. They can be informational (a wayfinding provides directions, for example), or they can be transactional (e.g., Verizon bill pay).
Investopedia
Refers to a small, temporary, stand-alone booth used in high-traffic areas for marketing purposes.It is usually manned by one or two individuals who help attract attention to the booth to get new customers. Retail locations are frequently located in shopping malls or on busy city streets with significant foot traffic and provide owners with a low-cost alternative to market their products or services.
KioskMarketplace 2023 Census
“An interactive, self-serve device provided by a venue, not the user, that helps the user do something that is informational and/or transactional that streamlines, automates or eliminates wait or cost.”
Here is a “Shady Kiosk” from a Dollar General store. Is this a kiosk kiosk? Nope. It is desktop monitor stuck on a table. Apparently this kiosk “cost” a dollar to make.
What They Are NOT
For purposes of market research they are not SCOs at Krogers or Walmart. Those are hybrid POS checkouts.
The question often asked is “What type of hardware do I need? Freestanding, wall-mounted, countertop, outdoor vs indoor, touchscreen size, printer/scanner, payment terminal — these all matter.”. Here are some answers for you
From RedyRef — Excellent breakout of what to consider when you are picking a partner for your kiosks. Ordering a POS terminal is much easier and straightforward. Engaging with a kiosk company means due diligence and experience. Having someone practice on you because they are cheap isn’t going to work.
Long term projects mean multiple iterations. The initial iteration of the AT&T Bill Payment kiosk was one thing. It has since had many interactions and changes. Service and support goes from one year to two to five to 10 all of the sudden. Hardware and software. Software is always underestimated generally because software engineers like to be optimistic. Hardware engineers tend to be very precise. In my experience.
Summary
Nice article that provides guidance on picking a kiosk manufacturer. Here are the key points:
Determine Your Needs: Identify the type of kiosk, features, and budget.
Research Manufacturers: Look for companies with experience and a good reputation in your industry.
Customization Capabilities: Choose a manufacturer that can tailor the kiosk to your specific requirements.
Technical Expertise: Ensure the manufacturer has skilled engineers and designers.
Quality Control: Select a manufacturer with rigorous testing and quality assurance processes.
Integration and Compatibility: Ensure the kiosk can integrate with your existing systems.
Before you start looking for a self-service kiosk manufacturer, you need to determine your specific needs. What type of digital kiosk do you need? What features are important to you? What is your budget? These are all important questions to ask yourself before you start starting the research process.
2. Research Kiosk Manufacturers, Considering Their Experience and Reputation
When searching for a kiosk manufacturer, it’s crucial to find a company that fits your needs. Look for those that have experience in your industry and offer the type of digital kiosk you need. To evaluate a manufacturer’s reputation, read online reviews and ask for references.
REDYREF is an industry leader in kiosk manufacturing, with a 100-year history of delivering high-quality self-service kiosks and exceptional customer service. With experience working in various sectors, including hospitality, retail, healthcare, and government, they have a proven track record of providing customized solutions that meet the specific needs of each industry and business.
3. Evaluate the Manufacturer’s Customization Capabilities
Look for a company that can collaborate with you to design and build a digital kiosk that fulfills your specific requirements, whether that involves integrating with existing systems, incorporating your branding, or adding particular hardware or software. To ensure your kiosk is an ideal match for your business, consider a manufacturer that also offers a full range of customization options, whether it’s the size, color, software, integrations, or type of display used.
REDYREF stands out among interactive kiosk manufacturers by providing customizable kiosk solutions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of your business. They offer flexibility in hardware and software options and a range of kiosk styles and designs to choose from. Additionally, they work closely with clients to ensure that the kiosk solutions they provide are customized to the specific requirements of their business. REDYREF also offers various customization options, including branding, software integration, and hardware features, to deliver kiosks that are unique to each client.
4. Consider the Manufacturer’s Technical Expertise
Self-service kiosks can be complex systems that require a high level of technical expertise to design and build. Look for a manufacturer that has a team of experienced engineers and industrial designers who can handle the technical aspects of creating a kiosk, including hardware design, software development, and integration with other systems.
5. Assess the Manufacturer’s Quality Control Processes
Ensuring the quality and reliability of your interactive kiosk is vital to meet your expectations and minimize downtime and maintenance costs. To achieve this, choose a manufacturer that has a comprehensive quality control system in place to test and inspect every kiosk before shipping.
Investing in a self-service kiosk is a significant decision, so choose a manufacturer that produces high-quality and durable kiosks. Look for a manufacturer that uses top-quality materials in their construction process and has thorough testing and quality control measures. Also, confirm that the manufacturer offers warranties and ongoing support to maximize the lifespan of your investment.
REDYREF uses top-quality materials in its construction process and conducts rigorous testing and quality control measures to guarantee the longevity of your investment. Moreover, they provide warranties and ongoing support to ensure your kiosks operate smoothly. Their quality control system ensures that each kiosk is built to the highest standards and meets the specific needs of clients in various industries.
6. Ensure Integration and Compatibility With Current Systems
When selecting a self-service kiosk, it’s important to ensure that it can integrate seamlessly with your existing technology and software systems. A reliable manufacturer should be able to provide integration solutions and guarantee compatibility with your hardware and software. It’s also essential to choose a manufacturer that offers ongoing maintenance and support for your kiosks. REDYREF offers integration solutions to ensure compatibility with your existing technology and software systems.
7. Look for a Manufacturer that Offers Ongoing Support and Maintenance
It’s essential to have ongoing support and maintenance options available for your digital kiosk, even when it’s well-designed and built. Choose a manufacturer that offers comprehensive technical support, including remote monitoring, kiosk software updates, and on-site repairs, to ensure your kiosk remains functional and reliable. Look for a company that has a rigorous quality control process and uses top-quality materials and testing procedures to deliver reliable and durable kiosks. REDYREF offers comprehensive technical support and maintenance services, providing timely and responsive support, as well as proactive maintenance services to minimize downtime and maximize uptime.
Why REDYREF for Digital Kiosk Manufacturing?
Selecting the right self-service kiosk manufacturer is crucial for your business’s success. It’s important to consider factors like experience, customization abilities, quality control, technical support, and cost to choose a manufacturer that can meet your specific requirements. REDYREF is an excellent choice for businesses of all types due to its custom solutions, thorough quality control, complete technical support, competitive pricing, and extensive industry experience, and you can trust that your self-service kiosk project will be a success. Contact us today to learn more about how their team can help bring your vision to life.
Digital Signage Software Selection: A Practical Guide
Digital signage software selection is a critical decision for any organization implementing display solutions. This guide outlines key considerations across ten essential areas that influence successful deployment and operation.
Key Decision Points
1. Operating System: Choose between SoC (System on Chip) displays and separate media players. SoC offers cost efficiency but less flexibility, while media players provide more power and adaptability.
2. Licenses & Pricing: Modern solutions typically use subscription models starting around €20/month per endpoint. Additional costs apply for enhanced features like remote management and specialized content.
3. Sourcing Strategy: Options include working with integrators, purchasing directly from providers, or going through distributors. Beginners benefit from integrator partnerships, while larger operations may prefer direct relationships.
4. Architecture: Modern systems utilize cloud-based CMS with API integration capabilities. Key features include playlist management and real-time data processing.
5. Cybersecurity: Essential considerations include protection against unauthorized access, compliance with regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and regular security updates.
6. Usability: Systems should accommodate various user types without requiring technical expertise, offering intuitive content creation tools and role-based access control.
7. AI Integration: Emerging capabilities include automated translation, content adaptation, error detection, and playlist optimization.
8. Industry-Specific Solutions: Different sectors require specialized features – from restaurant menu displays to transit information systems. Solutions range from modular add-ons to dedicated industry platforms.
9. Sustainability: Efficient operation through remote management, automated power controls, and intelligent brightness adjustment reduces energy consumption and extends hardware life.
10. Revenue Generation: Opportunities exist for monetization through third-party advertising, with systems supporting automated ad slot sales and performance reporting.
Organizations should evaluate these factors against their specific requirements, considering both immediate needs and future scalability.
I can’t really argue with any of these, but here’s what I would add and what I would downplay.
Add: Business health of the software vendor, as in financials and client base. A LOT of companies are just getting by and would happily entertain a “liquidity event” and some of them have one whale client that represents a disproportionate amount of revenue. That client moves on and the company is pretty much sunk. So that question needs to get ask. As in “Make us comfortable and confident your company has the financials and backing to carry out the 3-5 year term of any agreement we reach.”
Downplay: There are all kinds of public and private information display networks that will never, and never should, have advertising on them, so revenue generation should be key when ads are a possibility. It’s OK to have a network of digital signs that just inform and guide people.
A question often asked is “Can I deploy it outdoors (if that’s the plan)? What special considerations are there? For outdoor kiosks: weather proofing, sunlight readable screens, secure hardware, mounting, etc. “. An indoor wayfinding kiosk might be $8000 in kiosk hardware cost. The outdoor kiosk version closer to $15K
July 29, 2018
More and more uses are being developed for outdoor kiosks, but a successful deployment depends in large part on the vendor behind the project.
Interactive kiosks have become commonplace in restaurants, retail stores, health care facilities and other locations. But as technology improves and new applications come along, kiosks are becoming an integral part of the outdoor environment as well.
Opportunities for outdoor kiosk deployments include event ticketing, campus wayfinding and drive-through ordering, among others. Consumers today are increasingly pressed for time, and an outdoor kiosk can help provide the convenience they seek. It’s likely that as the technology develops, new and as-yet unheard-of uses will be found.
But all kiosks aren’t created equal, and that’s particularly true when it comes to those designed for outdoor use. Not only can working with an experienced vendor go a long way to determining the project’s success, it can help protect a deployer from regulatory liability and unnecessary maintenance costs.
In it for the long-term
Obviously, an outdoor kiosk should be designed from the ground up as a watertight enclosure, with watertight seams and insulated inner walls to protect internal components from heat and cold.
In addition, a reputable vendor designs to UL guidelines to certify that the units are waterproof and safe to operate in rain or snow, and routinely implements UL testing on first prototypes for customers who require UL certification. Factors such as power, grounding and mounting are more significant factors with an outdoor kiosk than one located indoors, making adherence to UL guidelines of critical importance.
Outdoor kiosks also need to adhere to the same Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines as indoor units, ensuring accessibility for all users. Failing to do so exposes a deployer to fines and lawsuits that can run into many thousands of dollars.
Olea Kiosks, for example, incorporated those concerns when it designed and built 56 ticketing kiosks that were deployed as part of a front gate renovation and new attraction opening at a major theme park. The ADA-compliant kiosks are used by thousands of visitors every day.
To ensure they perform flawlessly over their intended 5- to 7-year lifespan in a variety of outdoor conditions, the kiosks included a custom interior air conditioning mount and 2” thick insulation to ensure low internal temperatures in an environment that can routinely exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The enclosures were manufactured with powder-coated stainless steel and waterproof mounting points to protect from wet weather and eliminate the possibility of rust.
But while those are the obvious concerns, Olea took additional steps to address issues that may not have been so apparent.
The kiosks have a significant amount of artistic branding, allowing them to serve as decorative signage as well. The material used for the branding is designed to withstand fading, ensuring the devices look fresh and cutting-edge for years. In addition, because the kiosks are placed in a high-traffic area outside of the park near a number of retail and restaurant locations, they include a removable front cover to protect the touchscreen during hours when the park is closed.
The features Olea has built into its outdoor ticketing kiosks are embodied in the Seattle model. The Seattle includes a 19-inch high-brightness touchscreen with top-tier components built to withstand all types of weather conditions. Temperature control systems and IP65-qualified rating make the Seattle perfect for hot and cold weather deployments.
The Seattle also features a bolt-down base plate, allowing them to be securely mounted in places including sidewalks, parking lots and outside business entrances.
Capabilities include ticket and wristband printing, payment acceptance including EMV components and barcode scanning. The Seattle is ideal for event ticket sales, concessions and ride entrances.
Would you like fries with that?
Another area of growth for outdoor kiosks is the restaurant drive-thru lane. Combining the fact that a typical QSR does as much as 70 percent of its business at the drive-thru and self-order kiosks have been demonstrated to increase ticket averages by 10 percent or more, the marriage of fast-food drive-thru and self-order technology makes perfect sense.
In addition to the ability to automate the suggested selling process, self-order kiosks offer easy customization or orders, helping to boost sales. Customers may also indulge in the occasional splurge free of guilt, knowing the kiosk won’t be critical of their meal choices.
Fast food giant Wendy’s for example, has already rolled out kiosks at 300 of its stores with plans to add them to additional locations soon. Wendy’s CEO Todd Penegor told the investment news site TheStreet that locations with self-order kiosks are seeing higher average checks and customer satisfaction scores, likely a result of their ability to allow guests to customize their meals.
“It’s a part of the future of eating out,” Penegor said.
Olea’s entry into the drive-thru arena is its Detroit model. The Detroit includes a 32-inch sunlight-viewable touchscreen. (After all, who among us hasn’t used our hand as a shield so we can see an ATM or Redbox screen?) The multitouch touchscreen provides an ergonomic interaction — whether from a sports car or large SUV.
The enclosure is designed to reduce power draw and includes options for custom branding and overhead signage. The devices can be installed as either freestanding units, two-sided or in-wall, column or post mounts. They also include presence detection to “wake up” the units when customers approach and marine-grade stereo speakers for communication with staff.
One major national sandwich chain has seen their drive-thru sales increase by 15 percent at locations where they have deployed an Olea drive-thru kiosk.
Kiosks for all seasons
Not all deployment locations are the same. Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of how their customers move through a location, and to maximize revenue they must be prepared to serve their customers wherever they may be. Kiosks can help optimize those transactions whether they take place inside the venue, just outside the front door or in the drive-thru lane.
Olea’s outdoor kiosks come with monitors from 8” to 84” or larger and can include payment, printers, solar, wireless and just about any other equipment that can be put into an indoor kiosk. The company uses only the most durable stainless steel and aluminum for its outdoor kiosks, running each through a multistage painting and plating processes.
Olea kiosks also feature automotive-style gaskets, compression-style locks, and unlike some galvanized electroplating and more, all to ensure an Olea outdoor kiosk will last as long and be a trouble-free as any indoor kiosk.
There are hundreds of applications suitable for an outdoor kiosk, and more are being developed every day. The best way to implement a successful outdoor kiosk deployment is to work with a vendor who is experienced in those deployments and has a track record of success. Olea Kiosks stands ready to help.
Tips for Outdoor Kiosk Deployments
A kiosk that faces either east or west is likely to have its screen in direct sunlight for at least part of the day. Facing the kiosk either north or south could enhance visibility.
Enclosures should be designed without seams and cracks that could serve as entry points for screwdrivers or crowbars, as well as dust and insects.
Deployers of smart city kiosks need to carefully consider the implications of including Internet browsing capabilities. When New York initially deployed its LinkNYC smart city kiosks, some people hogged the devices while surfing the Web, even pulling up chairs. Others used them to visit “inappropriate” sites.
Outdoor kiosks need to comply with regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Failing to do so could lead to fines that run into the thousands of dollars.
In 2025 we are once again at IAAPA in Orlando . The IAAPA Expo in November 2025 takes place from November 17 to November 21, 2025 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. We are members of IAAPA.
Self-Order & Ticketing Kiosks: Companies like Pyramid Computer and RedyRef will showcase sleek, next-generation kiosks for self-ordering, ticketing, and cash-to-card solutions. These units emphasize speed, security, ADA accessibility, and intuitive user interfaces.kma+3
Cashless Systems: Innovations such as RFID wristbands and cash-to-card kiosks will streamline payments across amusement parks, arcades, and cruise ships.kioskindustry+1
Wayfinding & ADA Solutions: AcquireDigital’s kiosks provide digital wayfinding, while TPGi delivers ADA accessibility tools including screen readers for touch kiosks.send2press+1
Redemption & Upselling: Redemption kiosks help users claim prizes efficiently, and some self-service units are equipped with upselling features to maximize revenue.embedcard+1
Display and Immersive Attraction Technologies
Interactive Projection & LED: Expect immersive projection domes, gesture-based interactive walls, and LED gaming floors that react dynamically to visitor movement.blooloop+1
AR Motion & Sports Simulators: AR-driven installations and hyper-realistic golf, rowing, and multi-sport simulators will be on display, enhancing both entertainment and training environments.onecrazemedia
360° Dome Cinemas & Multi-Sensory Experiences: Project Syntropy and similar vendors will demonstrate seamless, large-scale dome displays, including virtual flying theaters and multi-sensory art museums.blooloop+1
Interactive Game Stations: Alterface Imagination Playground offers new approaches to immersive interaction—think paint wands, 4D shooting cords, constellation tracing, and flashlight-based discovery gameplay.alterface
Other Featured Technology
Dynamic Queue & AI Ticketing: AI-driven queue management and ticketing systems designed for efficiency and deeper guest insights.attractionssoftware+1
Point-of-Sale Integration: Embed will showcase its advanced revenue management systems supporting unattended payments, online hardware procurement, and hyper-customized experiences.blooloop
Sensor Technology: D-Tex Visual’s patented AI sensor tech will monitor theme park infrastructure for safety and maintenance using in-house, customizable algorithms.blooloop
Industry Focus
These innovations cater to amusement parks, family entertainment centers, museums, cruise ships, and experiential retail, aiming to boost guest engagement, maximize operational efficiency, and reimagine the user journey from arrival to exit.onecrazemedia+2
Attendees will see a full spectrum of self-service and display solutions—including self-order kiosks, interactive floors, immersive projection environments, and sensor-driven platforms—firsthand at IAAPA 2025.
Attendees
High-profile attendees at IAAPA Expo typically include presidents and CEOs from major theme parks, industry-leading manufacturers, prominent technology companies, and influential executives in the attractions and entertainment business.iaapa+4
Corporate and Executive Leaders
Disney Parks International: Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director, has attended as a keynote speaker representing one of the world’s foremost entertainment brands.iaapa
Trip.com Group: Cecilia Qin, Vice President, attended, reflecting the involvement of key decision-makers from global travel tech firms.iaapa
Europa-Park: Roland Mack (Owner and Founder) along with Michael and Thomas Mack, Managing Partners, frequently participate and share industry insights.iaapa
Therme Group: Dr. Robert C. Hanea, founder, chairman, and CEO, is a regular high-profile contributor to panels focused on innovation and wellness in leisure.iaapa
SnowWorld: Wim Hubrechtsen, CEO, offers insight into indoor entertainment and sustainability.iaapa
Pleasure Beach Resort: Amanda Thompson, OBE, CEO, serves in both leadership roles and as industry panelist or past IAAPA chair.attractionsmanagement
Notable Industry Speakers and Honorees
The event attracts Hall of Fame inductees, such as Frederick Langford (waterpark innovation), Bob Rogers (imagination arts), and executives honored during the Legends panel.iaapa+2
Panelists may include leading figures in artificial intelligence, game design, culinary experiences, and storytelling from organizations like Breda University, AENDRE, and Europa-Park Talent Academy.iaapa
Other Attendees
Senior Executives from attractions, waterparks, and FECs worldwide, including senior operations leaders, designers, and procurement professionals.vendelux+1
Sponsors and exhibitors include giants like Accesso, DOF Robotics, Mack Rides, ProSlide, TAIT, and Immotion, showcasing innovations in technology and guest experience.blooloop+1
The expo draws over 35,000 attendees—among them thousands of qualified buyers, consultants, and influential decision-makers from more than 100 countries.parkworld-online+1
Each year, IAAPA functions as a premier networking hub for top-tier executives, thought leaders, and innovators shaping the global attractions industry.iaapa+5
Booth 5727— Show floor is Nov 19-22 — Orlando Florida. Here is main IAAPA website. In 2024 for our IAAPA kiosk show we will have four member companies featured. Here is registration link and highly recommended to download the app for your phone. This year, the show information will be more robust on the phones in the app than on the usual exhibitor portal desktop page.
Free invites. We can give you free invite code. Email [email protected] — you can also visit kioskindustry.org where we have the code listed.
Pyramid Computer — will be showing a couple of self-order and ticketing examples. Pyramid Computer was recently named THE kiosk provider for Six Flags
Consensus Recommendations for Feature-Rich and Cost-Effective Restaurant POS
We will eliminate the suspense here and let you know off the bat that TOAST and Aloha/NCR/whatever are not on the list. They are in our reading material for sure (thanks for the input Jordan).
Usual dollar-driven media rarely cover the small restaurant and the “smallest” restaurant. Not profitable for them. We were asked for recommendation and after looking at the data, and factoring the size of the establishment, here are our top three recommendations to consider along with honorable mentions.
With ANY point of sale system or business in general — spend the extra $30-$50 a month for a backup connection like DPL Wireless. You can text your employees if nothing else.
Top Three Budget Restaurant POS systems
Square is the most budget-friendly and suitable for small, new, or mobile restaurants (food trucks, pop-ups). Its free plan and ultra-low hardware barrier allow restaurants to start easily, although it lacks some advanced full-service features.
Clover shines for growing restaurants that want robust hardware (all-in-one terminals), more detailed analytics, and deeper loyalty program integrations. Its monthly fees are higher but include both software and hardware, making it ideal for teams ready to invest more for long-term flexibility. They have been increasing rates of late.
TouchBistro is specifically designed for restaurants and excels in table management, menu customization, CRM, and seamless coordination between front/back of house. Its iPad-based system is easy to learn and well-suited for straightforward restaurant workflows, but requires the purchase of Apple hardware separately.
Honorable Mentions – Also Consider
SpotOn — SpotOn’s POS rates and costs are competitive, especially for higher-volume restaurants. 2.89% + $0.25 per transaction on free plan;
SumUp — 2.75% per swipe, no minimums, and basic reader cost is ultra-low. Best for very small businesses with sporadic sales.
Guidelines
Square is best for very small or single-location restaurants with limited upfront budgets. It’s easy to use and offers strong basics for food service.
Clover offers more features and hardware integration, but at a higher cost, making it ideal for restaurants looking to expand and add advanced reporting/loyalty tools.
TouchBistro is a restaurant-only solution, excelling in guest management and dining room control, but it requires iPads.
Each system has strengths tailored for different restaurant types and growth phases. Square leads for simplicity and value, Clover for hardware and flexibility, TouchBistro for tailored restaurant experiences.
top three restaurant POS systems for small restaurants
For the smallest restaurants—those processing low volumes (often less than $10,000 per month)—the best processors are typically those with no monthly fee and flat-rate pricing, as interchange-plus models often only deliver optimal savings at higher volumes.
Best Low-Volume Processors (Honorable Mention)
Square: Offers simple, no-monthly-fee pricing at 2.6% + $0.10–$0.15 per in-person transaction, easy setup, and no hardware requirements beyond a mobile device or tablet. Square is excellent for new or micro-restaurants due to its transparent costs and lack of commitment.
PayPal Zettle: Flat-rate 2.29% per swipe/tap and no monthly fee, with affordable hardware aimed at pop-ups, food trucks, and cafés.
Shopify POS Lite: 2.7% flat in-person rate, no monthly fee for the POS, quick setup with compatible tablets. Shopify is characterized by several in the industry as greedy.
SumUp: 2.75% per swipe, no minimums, and basic reader cost is ultra-low. Best for very small businesses with sporadic sales.
Clover Go: 2.6% + $0.10 with no monthly fee, but hardware and some features add costs as operations grow.
Oracle Micros — actually “simphony essentials” is their bid. Complexity of setup is not in their favor. If it is a startup of three restaurants expecting to explode to 300 then a good option?
What To Know
These processors are optimal for operations with modest, variable, or seasonal sales and locations not needing complex hardware or advanced integrations.
Most small POS solutions provide free or ultra-low-cost card readers, allowing a tiny shop to get started for under $60 hardware (assuming a phone/tablet is available already).
Square is almost universally recommended for the smallest restaurants due to its lack of hidden fees, easy setup, and broad hardware compatibility.
Square, PayPal Zettle, Shopify POS Lite, SumUp, and Clover Go are especially popular choices for very small restaurants, food trucks, or pop-ups seeking affordable card payment processing in 2025.
Top Low-Fee Processors
Helcim: Interchange-plus pricing typically results in very low processor costs (0.15%–0.5% + $0.06–$0.25 above interchange per transaction), with no monthly, setup, or cancellation fees, and automatic volume discounts as business grows.
Stax: Wholesale interchange-plus pricing for restaurants processing over $21,000/month. Monthly fee applies, but per-transaction costs drop as volume increases.
Dharma Merchant Services: Extremely competitive rates for restaurants, especially those with low average tickets under $25, often among the absolute lowest transaction fees available.
Payment Depot: Interchange-plus pricing with very low per-transaction markups, suitable for small to mid-sized restaurants.
Square: No monthly fee for basic use, with 2.6% + $0.10–$0.15 per in-person transaction. Square is best for very small or new restaurants given the easy setup, though per-transaction costs can be higher for high-volume locations.
National and Host Merchant Services: Both offer interchange-plus pricing and month-to-month contracts, suitable for restaurants processing higher monthly volumes and looking to avoid long-term commitment and hidden fees.
Considerations
Restaurants with higher monthly volume (typically above $20,000) benefit most from interchange-plus processors like Helcim and Stax, often reducing transaction costs to below 2% in practice.
Dharma Merchant Services and Payment Depot excel for quick-service and lower-ticket eateries because of their tailored pricing models.
Square is ideal for startups and low-volume operations due to simplicity and no required monthly fee.
Host Merchant Services and National Processing often negotiate the best rates for established, higher-volume restaurants.
For the absolute lowest fees, most recommendations focus on Helcim, Stax, Dharma Merchant Services, and Payment Depot for all but the smallest restaurants.
Major POS Customers
Chick-Fil-E — Chick-fil-A uses a custom point-of-sale (POS) system developed in partnership with software company Ditto, leveraging Ditto’s cloud-optional architecture. This system operates resiliently whether the internet connection is strong or unreliable, enabling real-time data transfer between devices and improving order speed, offline capability, and team coordination. The underlying technology is tailored specifically for Chick-fil-A’s operational needs, prioritizing reliability, flexibility, and the ability to continue transactions even during system outages.
TOAST — lives on the cloud. Offline mode? Not really. It saves the transactions and batch uploads and syncs once connectivity resumes.
Common Offline Mode Limitations
No real-time multi-terminal sync.
Gift cards, loyalty/rewards, digital receipts, invoicing, and online ordering typically disabled.
Refunds, voids, or adjustments cannot be processed while offline.
Increased risk of declined transactions (insufficient funds) for deferred card payments.
Security/fraud detection not active for offline card payments until system is online.
In short, Square, TouchBistro, Shopify POS, and most leading cloud-based POS systems have similar offline constraints: core orders and cash/card payments work, but more advanced cloud-connected features do not, and there are strict limits on syncing and transaction expiration.Many popular POS systems, including Square, Shopify POS, TouchBistro, and others, have offline mode limitations like Toast: they allow basic orders and payments, but advanced features (multi-device sync, cloud reporting, loyalty, online order integration) are typically unavailable while offline.
For example:
Square POS offline mode allows swiped/tapped card payments and cash, but won’t process manual card entry, gift cards, invoices, or refunds; only one device can be used per transaction, and pending payments must be uploaded within 24 hours or they expire.
TouchBistro POS supports order-taking, closing checks, and offline credit card processing, but cloud features, loyalty, and third-party integrations won’t update; data only syncs when back online, and multi-terminal sync is offline-limited.
Shopify POS permits only cash and custom payments during outages; credit card payments and real-time cloud features are unavailable until connectivity is restored.
General cloud POS systems: Inventory, loyalty, and management features are typically unavailable or may be inaccurate until reconnected.
If seamless offline operations for all restaurant features are needed, most mainstream POS systems will encounter similar mode limitations to Toast until internet connectivity returns.
Additional Considerations
Recent User Feedback: We have several examples of Clover and small restaurants
Dealer/Support Note: Don’t forget “ease of getting support” or “quality of local dealer/installer” can be pivotal—especially for iPad-based and full-service restaurant POS like TouchBistro and Clover, where set-up and troubleshooting might be needed.
Integration Examples: What integrations (online ordering, delivery apps, accounting software) are well-supported or problematic with each main system? We need to add that.
Cloud Security: Basic security is always in play! Secure your cloud accounts and POS devices (multi-factor authentication, access roles) given the rise in cyber incidents.
Resources To Consider
If looking at TOAST or NCR Aloha we recommend reading ReformingRetail
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Ventus — Ventus is an industry leader in IT networking innovations, leveraging technology to produce market-driving network solutions. Operating from over 20 years of experience delivering secure enterprise class networks, Ventus develops cellular wireless and fixed line SD-WAN, Hybrid WAN, and Cellular WAN solutions for an expanding array of business connectivity applications. Contact Cheryl for more info. [email protected]
The difference between a kiosk that thrives and one that fails often comes down to design. Expert kiosk designers don’t just design kiosks that work—they design kiosks that delight, inspire confidence, and deliver results. It takes years of trial and error to understand the nuances of kiosk design. Thanks to Neil at Kiosk Innovations for their input.
Accessibility Opens Doors
Imagine a kiosk that welcomes everyone. ADA-compliant design isn’t an option; it’s a promise of equal access. By building in features like optimized screen height, intuitive reach zones, and straightforward navigation for all abilities, our kiosks invite engagement and eliminate barriers—so every customer interaction feels effortless.
See the recent LG kiosk designed from the ground up for accessibility. Accessibility is combination of factors. Most often cited is physical reach. In hospitals now it is common for check-in stations to offer automatic motorized height adjustment. Tactile interfaces are standard equipment and screen readers are common in self-order (see McDonald’s). Probably most overlooked are the ABA standards for placement of the units. US Postal units are very ADA-compliant but then they are put in very non ADA-compliant positions defeating the assistive technology. Here is nice schema of JAWS assistive screen reader and its software features. Here is a nice timeline.
First Impressions That Last
Your brand’s reputation is shaped in seconds at first glance. An expertly crafted kiosk is visually appealing, approachable, and unmistakably professional. Thoughtful color, form, and materials invite users to interact, while seamless integration with your brand and environment communicates trust—even before the first tap.
Usability
No one likes feeling lost or confused—especially at a kiosk. We advise the software team to ensure they design streamlined interfaces that guide users naturally to their goals, minimizing errors and eliminating frustration. Whether in a bustling casino or busy hospital, our kiosks keep lines moving and satisfaction high.
Built for Real-World Demands
Design is an investment with enduring returns. Kiosks should feature modular components and easy service access, so repairs rarely disrupt business. Fewer breakdowns equals uptime, better staffing efficiency, and a stronger bottom line. Cheap upfront equals costly medium and long-term.
Ready for Anything
Business never stops—and neither should your kiosks. With durable builds and future-ready flexibility, each solution stands up to heavy traffic and evolving needs. Quick upgrades and repairs keep your operation running smoothly while delighting customers day after day.
The Kiosk Design Advantage
Thoughtful design makes the difference. For over 30 years, our team has crafted solutions for resorts, outdoor spaces, and diverse industries, blending accessibility, durability, and seamless usability into every kiosk.
Your best choice, no matter which kiosk design company is to choose partnership, expertise, and performance you can count on.
Kiosk Design by KIosk Innovation
Kiosk Design by KIosk Innovation
Kiosk Design by KIosk Innovation
Kiosk Design by KIosk Innovation
Kiosk Design by KIosk Innovation
Kiosk Design by KIosk Innovation
Kiosk Software Application — What About UX and UI?
Simple, clear interfaces with large touch-friendly buttons and uncluttered layouts are essential for intuitive self-service kiosk experiences.
Accessibility features—like high contrast, readable text, adjustable fonts, voice/haptic feedback, and screen reader compatibility—expand usability for all users.
Streamlined, linear workflows with progress indicators and review/confirmation screens reduce user confusion and errors throughout interactions.
Consistent branding and messaging across kiosk touchpoints build user trust and boost satisfaction.
Multilingual support, audio cues, and adaptive layouts ensure inclusivity and effectiveness for diverse user groups.
Strong security—including session management, browser lockdown, encrypted connections, and protected hardware—is fundamental to public kiosk deployments.
Real-world usability testing, analytics, and iterative design are vital for spotting friction points and continuously improving kiosk UX.
Digital signage and interactive displays can enhance engagement through dynamic, personalized content and multimedia.
Best practices: large/clear touchpoints, decluttered screens, accessibility, multilingual support, brand unity, instant user feedback, secure design, and frequent testing are critical for success.
Editor’s Note — Sitekiosk was founded in 1996, so a bit of experience under the belt, so to speak 🙂
Sustainability and Life Cycle
It is not unusual for kiosks to be used for 10+ years. In 2006 KIOSK managed Comcast Bill Pay and at that point there were already ten earlier generations of PCs, software, device firmware, cash updates.
In 2025 Acrelec needed to migrate almost 1200 kiosks from Windows 8 to Windows 10. It was completed easily and in a matter of days.
And worth noting — Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates, bug fixes, or technical assistance from Microsoft, making systems more vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues over time. XP? Certain sectors, such as public ATMs, ticketing kiosks, and healthcare equipment, are particularly reliant on XP due to compatibility and high replacement costs. Figure a service technician at $150/hour.
Windows 11 demands a 64-bit, 1 GHz or faster processor with two or more cores; 32-bit CPUs are not supported.
Windows 11 requires UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, while Windows 10 can run on traditional BIOS.
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is mandatory for Windows 11, offering enhanced hardware security; Windows 10 does not require this.
Windows 11 needs DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, a more modern graphics requirement compared to DirectX 9/WDDM 1.0 in Windows 10.
Should your replacement computer be TOPS-rated for AI? A standard i5 or i3 is less than 0.
Outdoor Kiosk Versus Indoor Kiosk
One thing the Chinese are extremely good at is copying excellent American technology. One of the “good” manufacturers there is BestKiosk and they have done an excellent job of categorizing the requirements of an outdoor kiosk. See the post. The American companies that they learned from? Those would include: KIOSK Information Systems,Kiosk Innovations and Olea Kiosks.
Skittles® Remix Digital Kiosk Powered By Giada – Case Study — Skittles® is the leading non-chocolate candy brand globally. To meet the demand for personalized candy selections, Incredivend developed the Skittles® Remix Digital Kiosk. These kiosks are strategically placed in high-traffic locations across the United States, including universities, movie theaters, airports, stadiums, entertainment centers, trampoline parks, casinos, and malls. The kiosks allow Skittles® fans to customize their candy mixes.
Outdoor Payment Terminals – Choosing the Right Payment Hardware — Demand for outdoor payment terminals is on the rise as consumers increasingly expect fast, contactless, and secure payment options, regardless of where they make a purchase. According to Market Research Future, the outdoor payment terminal market industry is expected to grow from $5.42 billion in 2025 at an 8.82 percent CAGR to reach $11.61 billion in 2034.
Amazon Fresh Digital Signage Giada Case Study — The article is a case study detailing how Giada media players power digital signage solutions at Amazon Fresh stores, particularly as Amazon expands its physical locations in the U.S. and London. Amazon Fresh needed a reliable, efficient embedded hardware solution for in-store digital signage capable of deploying varied digital content—like advertisements, videos, and interactive displays—with requirements focused on stability, ease of use, and scalability for busy retail environments.
Thoughtful kiosk design is the key to long-term success—combining accessibility, strong visual impact, seamless usability, and durability ensures each kiosk maximizes customer engagement and operational efficiency. By prioritizing modular features, real-world reliability, and effortless user experience, businesses can deliver powerful self-service solutions that strengthen their brand and bottom line — Olea Kiosks
What To Watch Out For – Pitfalls and Risks
FOBS or Fear of Being Sued is a big one. See ongoing legal decisions — Healthcare is very strong on HIPAA and the fines are in the millions of dollars. GDPR is big and it is enforced (ask Google). Kroger settled for millions of dollars with use of biometrics.
Whiz bang idea, unfortunately somebody already thought of it and patented it. We have resources for researching that going back to 1995
Going cheap is the biggest one. Example AT&T spends $50M on bill pay kiosks, but doesn’t train or educate store staff. They end up breaking cash boxes and costing AT&T $400K a month in ongoing replacements. Using plastic in the first place probably saved them $20K upfront. Pretty bad ROI.
Here is collection of good intentions degrading to poor execution. Case Study in reverse.
Practical Co-Design Details Often Missed
Develop processes used to synchronize the user interface (UI) and physical controls, such as how screen layouts match button placement or touch zones on various hardware platforms. This is best exemplified by LG kiosk
Utilize methods for testing or validating usability across different user groups, such as prototyping, user testing, or iterative design with feedback loops.
Integration techniques—such as APIs, device drivers, or communication protocols that enable hardware and software interoperability. Wayfinding kiosks for example integrate multiple transit protocols to deliver information. Self-order kiosk devices will be utilized by middleware such as Simphony by Oracle.
Examples given for accommodating unique verticals (e.g., healthcare kiosks vs. casino kiosks), which might require tailored sensors, peripherals, or workflows beyond the general advice of “intuitive interfaces”. Remember to tailor to customer but also the environment. Casino noise levels for example often exceed 90 decibels.
Develop a proactive sttrategy for handling device failures, adapting software to new hardware versions, or updating firmware and apps remotely—issues crucial in real-world, multi-unit deployments.
Troubleshooting Device Management — Imagine being a proactive provider and not just reactive.
payment kiosk news
Bill payment Olea Franklin
A person in a green apron stands behind a counter with a point-of-sale system, payment terminal, and stack of buzzers, reminiscent of the efficient setup at a Panera Kiosk. A note on the counter is partially visible.
Dark blue background with overlapping circles. Centered white text reads Text-to-Pay for restaurants. A red ribbon in the top right corner displays NOW AVAILABLE! in white capitals, courtesy of your trusted payment solutions provider.
ISVPay UCP payment kiosk Partnership
secure browser kiosk software windows linux
Diagram titled The ClearConnect Solution illustrates interconnected systems: Smart Locker Solutions, POS Hardware and Software Solutions, Back Office Solutions, advanced Drive-Thru solutions, Self-Ordering Kiosk Solutions with integrated digital signage, Deployment and Managed Services.
A computer monitor displays the blue JAWS shark logo with sound waves and the word JAWS. In front of the monitor is a JAWS Screen Reader software box.
kiosk software security
kiosk software security
kiosk software security
Acknowledgements
This write-up is based on input from one of the premier kiosk designers (Neil with Kiosk Innovations). Neil was Chief Engineer at KIOSK for many years before starting his own business. Projects tend to be 5 to 100 units. They specialize in kiosk design both standard and custom. Generally the clients have their application and are looking for custom hardware platform. They have many case studies of actual deployments and very few kiosk manufacturers come close to the same level of thoughtful and very experienced design.
Is Your Campus Achieving ADA Compliance and Promoting Inclusivity Through Digital Signage, Wayfinding and Mobile Integration?
Most digital signage is simply static one-way content presentation. The growing part of the overall digital signage market is Interactive. The 22Miles E-Book provides an overview of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance in higher education, focusing on the integration of interactive digital signage and mobile technology to foster inclusivity and equal access for all students, especially those with disabilities. ADA is usually referenced in terms of kiosks and physical reach requirements. Too often digital signage or wayfinding is neglected as is basic ABA requirements for placements. ADA and accessibility is a full equation.
Main Topics
The booklet highlights that roughly 1 in 5 college students has a disability, emphasizing the legal and ethical responsibilities of educational institutions to guarantee equal access to information and experiences on campus for every student.
Datapoint from National Center for Education Statistics — Among undergraduates, the percentage who reported having a disability was
It discusses how the ADA mandates access not only to physical spaces but also to digital content—meaning digital signage and information displays must accommodate those with mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive impairments.
The document points out the risks of non-compliance, including legal actions, financial penalties, and reputational harm for institutions failing to meet ADA requirements.
ADA-Compliant Digital Signage & Mobile Integration
The guide describes features needed for ADA-compliant digital signage: compatibility with screen readers, alternative text for images, content placement at accessible heights, captions for videos, and adjustable text sizes.
It introduces advanced accessibility features such as text-to-speech, voice control, onscreen magnification, mobile wayfinding, and integration with users’ smartphones to allow touchless interaction—improving accessibility for a variety of disabilities.
Mobile integration is a key theme, with the solution allowing users to scan QR codes on digital signage to transfer content to their phones, control digital signage remotely, and utilize their preferred accessible tools on personal devices.
Benefits and Institutional Impact
Adopting these solutions leads to increased accessibility, a unified and intuitive user experience, higher student engagement and satisfaction, improved institutional reputation, and better student retention and performance rates.
The product highlighted, “22Miles Carry2Mobile,” enables personalized, continuous access to campus information for disabled students by connecting digital signage with their smartphones.
Conclusion
The ebook argues that integrating ADA-compliant digital signage and mobile technologies is essential for colleges aiming to be fully inclusive and meet both legal obligations and the expectations of modern, tech-savvy students.
It positions these steps not only as compliance but as strategic advantages that improve campus experience, protect from legal risk, and enhance institutional standing in the competitive higher education environment.
How To Implement — Checklist for Digital Signage ADA
13 Key Elements of a Digital Signage ADA Checklist
Requirements : The same requirements for static content presentation via digital signage (think FIDs at airport) apply to interactive digital. Interactive adds additional requirements.
Testing : Integrate user testing (with diverse personas) during both design and post-deployment phases. If audio is utilized, then check in a high ambient noise level environment (think Vegas restaurant…)
Screen Reader Compatibility: Ensure all content is accessible to screen readers, including text descriptions for images.
Captions and Transcripts: Provide captions for all audio/video content and transcripts where appropriate.
Simple, Understandable Text: Use clear, jargon-free language easily understood by everyone, including those with cognitive disabilities.
Touchless and Accessible Interfaces: Implement touchless technology (e.g., motion sensors, mobile controls) and ensure large, easy-to-use buttons for those with mobility impairments.
Physical Placement: Mount signage at accessible heights and locations for all users, including people using wheelchairs.
High-Contrast, Non-Glare Finishes: Use high-contrast text, non-glare materials, and tactile features like Braille for permanent signs and room identifiers.
Ongoing Testing and Feedback: Regularly review, update, and seek user feedback to maintain compliance as technologies and standards change.
Mobile Phones – Don’t rely on Mobile Phones to provide accessibility to big screens.
Mobile Phones – Make sure your mobile phone app is accessible
Regulations — Consider a VPAT
Cost — You can start small — retrofit one building; integrate with existing screens; plan for incremental upgrades. Getting sued can be an expensive lesson. See legal actions for lessons learned and fines levied.
How retailers can minimize in-store friction during the checkout process to drive business growth
Coresight Research and Diebold Nixdorf published a report that analyzed friction in stores, especially the pain points US-based shoppers mention as a key reason to leave a store without making a purchase. Additionally, the report presents solutions for retailers covering every scenario.
Case Example 1 – Poor Inventory Systems + Dumb Advertising Search — Last time we walked out of a retail store without purchasing was 2 days ago in Lowe’s. Searched online and found what we wanted, at the store, went to store and it wasn’t there. Had to order. Likely due to online search adding in additional potential options to offer widest possible, but not addressing the specific requirement I had. I wanted cordless but they decided that perhaps I might like corded too. I was actually looking for the lightest leaf blower for my 69-year-old wife, but that isn’t a valid search parameter.
Case Example 2 — Too many options not enough clarity — another variation of too many options and not enough specific attention. Checking out at King Soopers in Denver via Toshiba self-checkout terminals. In order to help shoppers KS created a single sheet of digital specials. Scan one code and they all apply. My wife likes, but, they have separate digital specials that are keyed to shelf label. So now we have two to track. Then they overlay qty specials like “Buy 5 and get lower price”. That’s three. We are not done yet. There is the online app where you clip coupons to save money. Now we have four channels. To make it a bit more difficult, any of those are applied “post-scan” and show up after you have completed self-checkout. Overall? You feel like you are in Vegas….
Most Common Pain Point?
There is actually nothing wrong with self-checkout itself. The problem is the situation that retailers ask it to handle. For us it is simply poor inventory management being used and reflected back into the consumer. The first commercial database by Oracle was released in 1979. Forty six years later, accuracy still eludes us. Surrounding product with multiple offers to perhaps increase supplementary and add-on sales generally creates a fog of choice. You do have thieves, customers and staff, but they are actually good to have. Not unlike Microsoft offering rewards for finding exploitable bugs. It is a necessary real-world QA.
What this Report Gets Right
The report uses recent consumer and retail industry survey data to quantify key sources of friction, such as out-of-stocks and long checkout lines, and supports recommendations with proprietary research. This adds credibility and relevance, especially with data sourced as recently as August 2025.
It offers practical, actionable solutions for both pre-checkout and checkout friction. For example, it details how AI and robotics can address inventory issues, while also describing mobile POS devices and intuitive self-checkout solutions to accelerate the payment process.
The material balances technology and human elements, recognizing that technology alone doesn’t resolve every issue and that associate engagement remains a competitive advantage for brick-and-mortar retailers.
Vendor and technology examples (e.g., shelf-scanning robots from Badger and Simbe, CV platforms for queue analytics, GenAI advisory) make recommendations concrete and illustrate current industry practices.
What the Report Got “less than right”
The report is sponsored by Diebold Nixdorf, which adds bias factor. While the analysis is credited to Coresight Research, some sections—especially those referencing Diebold Nixdorf products or services—could benefit from clearer distinction between objective analysis and sponsored content.
Some solutions require significant financial investment (e.g., shelf-edge cameras, robots, fully frictionless checkout systems) without deep discussion of return on investment or feasibility for smaller retailers.
While the technology recommendations are forward-looking, there’s limited discussion on challenges with integration, cybersecurity, privacy, and shopper data trust—crucial elements for successful digital transformation.
The overview of operational improvements (such as redesigning store layouts or making processes more intuitive for both staff and shoppers) could be supplemented with more in-depth case studies showcasing implementation and measurable outcomes.
The discussion of survey methodology is good but could further detail how respondents were selected (e.g., demographic or regional breakdown, how representative the sample is) to help assess the generalizability of findings.
Overall Critique
This report is well-researched and provides an actionable framework for retailers seeking to reduce friction at checkout, backed by timely survey data and current industry technology. However, readers should note that it is sponsored and refer to financial feasibility, data privacy, implementation complexity, and vendor dependency when interpreting recommendations. The report would be even stronger with more independent analysis, case studies, and attention to varied retailer needs.
Noted — Chick-fil-A has launched its first food vending machine at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, located inside the hospital’s “F entrance.” This marks an innovation in Chick-fil-A’s service delivery, aiming to provide quick, convenient access to its food, particularly in a hospital setting where traditional dining options can be limited. The vending machine offers a new way to serve customers in healthcare environments where visitors and staff often seek fast, accessible meal options.
The implications for Chick-fil-A include expanding its presence in non-traditional foodservice venues such as hospitals, enhancing brand visibility, and meeting the demand for convenience without sacrificing its signature menu quality. This vending machine initiative could be part of broader efforts to adapt to evolving customer needs and preferences, especially in high-traffic, time-sensitive settings such as medical centers.
Additionally, this move may set a precedent for other quick-service restaurants exploring automated food vending as a supplementary channel, potentially transforming the fast-food experience in healthcare and similar environments. It also highlights potential growth in digital or contactless food service solutions post-pandemic.
Overall, Chick-fil-A’s vending machine launch at Augusta hospital suggests strategic innovation in expanding service accessibility, convenience, and market reach within healthcare facilities.
Chick-fil-A is testing its first 24-hour vending machines in Augusta, aiming to provide customers with access to their food at any time, including late-night hours like 2 a.m. This new initiative reflects the chain’s effort to expand convenience beyond regular restaurant hours, using vending technology to deliver fresh Chick-fil-A meals around the clock.
We are big fans of Jordan Thaeler of Reforming Retail and his evolving take on TOAST POS. Critical thinking is in short supply these days and keen observers like Jordan are indispensable. I think he has gotten as many Cease and Desist letters as I have signed NDAs. Here are some thoughts
ReformingRetail’s Recent Commentary on Toast
ReformingRetail has provided extensive, often critical, analysis of Toast’s business model, strategy, and market impact in several recent articles. Here are the key themes and insights from their latest coverage:
1. Market Dominance and “Flywheel” Strategy
ReformingRetail acknowledges Toast’s powerful “flywheel” effect, where the company’s dominance in payment processing generates enough margin to rapidly build and distribute new products. This allows Toast to outcompete third-party solution providers, as it can invest heavily in product development and distribution, quickly reaching thousands of restaurant locations with new offerings7.
The site notes that Toast’s scale—now touching 0.5% of US GDP—gives it immense pricing power and the ability to “monopolize” the restaurant tech ecosystem. They warn that unless other vendors can control payment processing margins, they are at a severe economic disadvantage and risk being pushed out of the market7.
2. Aggressive Upmarket Expansion
Toast is using its stronghold in the SMB segment to subsidize aggressive pricing and expansion into larger, enterprise-level restaurant chains. ReformingRetail describes this as using SMBs as a “personal balance sheet” to undercut competitors upmarket—a strategy they call “genius” but question the ethics of1.
They suggest that Toast will extract higher payment margins from SMBs while offering more competitive rates to win enterprise clients, making it difficult for legacy POS providers to compete1.
3. Surcharging and Payment Margins
ReformingRetail has criticized Toast’s surcharging practices, noting that even when Toast encourages merchants to pass a 3% surcharge to customers (ostensibly to lower the merchant’s processing bill), Toast still collects a significant margin—potentially around 1.25% of gross payment volume—after the rate cut3.
They highlight that Toast’s payment margins (around 55 basis points, and rising) are a major profit driver, especially compared to competitors like Shift46.
4. Critique of Locked-In Ecosystem and Data Practices
ReformingRetail has repeatedly warned merchants about the risks of Toast’s closed ecosystem. They point out that Toast often refuses to share customer data with merchants, charges steep integration fees, and makes it difficult or expensive to use third-party tools5.
The site argues that this “monopolize the stack” approach increases costs for restaurants and reduces their flexibility, likening Toast’s practices to those of restrictive third-party delivery companies5.
5. Skepticism About Upmarket Ambitions
While Toast is moving aggressively upmarket, ReformingRetail is skeptical about the long-term viability of this strategy. They note that enterprise merchants are harder to win and retain, often prefer local support, and may be resistant to Toast’s all-in-one, closed model8.
They also question whether Toast’s market share numbers are as high as claimed, suggesting some of the company’s self-reported figures may be based on payment volume rather than actual site count7.
Latest News from Toast POS System (as of April 2025)
Applebee’s Selects Toast as POS and Kitchen Display Partner
On April 14, 2025, Applebee’s announced it will implement Toast’s technology as its new point-of-sale (POS) and kitchen display system. This marks a significant enterprise win for Toast, expanding its reach into large, national restaurant chains and further validating its platform for high-volume, multi-location operations123.
Record Growth and Financial Milestones in 2024
Toast reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024:
Added a record 28,000 net new locations, ending 2024 with approximately 134,000 locations using Toast69.
Achieved its first full year of GAAP profitability, with full-year net income of $19 million and adjusted EBITDA of $373 million6.
Annualized recurring run-rate (ARR) increased 34% year-over-year to over $1.6 billion as of December 31, 20246.
Fourth quarter revenue reached $1.34 billion, a 29% increase from the previous year7.
Expansion Beyond Restaurants: Retail & International Markets
Toast is actively expanding into the retail sector, targeting food and beverage retailers such as grocery and convenience stores. In 2024, the company tested its offerings in retail and, based on positive results, is investing in a dedicated retail sales team in 2025. Toast aims to reach 10,000 customers in new segments—including retail and international markets—by the end of the year7.
Strategic Partnerships and Enterprise Wins
Expanded partnership with Uber Technologies, enabling restaurants to leverage Uber’s delivery network for greater reach and cost efficiency6.
Signed major agreements with Ascent Hospitality Management (Perkins and Huddle House, 500+ locations) and Mendocino Farms (70+ locations), marking significant enterprise customer growth6.
In 2024, Toast partnered with more than a third of James Beard award-winning restaurants and over half of Michelin-rated U.S. restaurants, demonstrating strong adoption among top-tier establishments6.
Product and Platform Updates
Continued investment in features for both full-service and quick-service restaurants, including mobile ordering, integrated payments, and enhanced reporting tools5.
Ongoing development of solutions tailored for hotel restaurants and quick-service concepts, supporting operational efficiency and guest experience5.
Financial Outlook for 2025
Toast projects non-GAAP subscription services and financial technology solutions gross profit of $1.75–$1.77 billion for 2025, representing 23–25% growth over 20246.
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to reach $510–$530 million for the full year6.
Toast’s momentum in both the restaurant and retail sectors, coupled with its enterprise wins and profitability milestone, position it as a leading technology provider in hospitality and adjacent markets as of early 2025123679.
Original Article
The latest analysis by Jordan Thaeler and Reforming Retail covering Toast POS – Bottomline — We’d estimate that at $20,000 a year a merchant could buy a competitive POS for three stores for every one store on Toast. This is very enticing to Toast’s competitors. But then again, Toast’s customers can’t add 1 + 1. Literally.
Toast POS Is 2.6x Pricier Than Legacy POS, So How Much Will Merchants Pay for POS?
After Toast was forced to rethink their dollar ordering fee many are wondering what Toast will do to their guidance.
To squeeze $400M means each location would need to pay an additional $4,300 per year.
Toast reported Q2 2023 ARR at $1.1B.
That means Toast merchants would need to pay ~36% more for Toast POS for Toast the company to be a going concern.
The numbers imply that the average Toast merchant is paying nearly $12,000 year per location for Toast (this is SaaS + payments margin).
Adding 36% would mean that the merchant will be paying $16,300 per location for their POS.
Remember in 2010 when literally every cloud POS company’s pitch was:
“Your legacy machines are super expensive. Cloud is way cheaper.”
My, my my: how times have changed.
Here’s the math for how a traditional POS business worked, and how much more expensive Toast really is.
There are two models here: one without payments, and one with. The one with payments assumes market rates of 20 bps of payments margin on $1M of GPV, or roughly 30% of what Toast charges for payments.
This model was refined by a long-time POS industry expert, so it is reliable enough for us to publish.
So what does Toast look like in comparison?
If we take Toast’s current revenues the implied 5-year revenue for Toast is $60,000. This compares with about $50,000 for a POS with payments, although the merchant would own that system free and clear.
Is Toast creating an additional $10,000 of value over those five years?
Absolutely: Toast is offering a ton more products than the legacy systems.
BUT.
That legacy model is spitting out 50% gross margins.
Toast has 21% gross margins.
AND the price of hardware in the legacy model isn’t accurate anymore: the cost to outright buy a POS terminal is < $2,000, accounting for inflation. Assume 3 terminals in the average Toast merchant and there’s a $14,000 difference in the models.
To really make this apples-to-apples, we’d need to increase Toast’s pricing AND reduce the cost of hardware in the original model.
The result is that Toast would need to increase it’s prices by 58%, so that 5-year pricing from Toast goes from $60,000 to $95,000, or an annual price of $19,000 per store.
And that 5-year cost of a legacy system falls to $36,000, or $7,200 per year per store.
Toast is now 2.6x the price of a legacy POS.
Another way to think of this is the SaaS rule of 40. Toast is public and they will be judged – ultimately – by these metrics.
But the law of large numbers and, more importantly, as the market limits of what Toast can penetrate before their churn catches up with them, means that Toast will need to get creative.
When revenue growth stalls in comes profit growth.
And you know how Toast gets profit?
Toast merchants will have to pay even more for their Toast POS.
Here’s a table we made with sliding scales based on the rule of 40:
As of Q2 2023 Toast grew revenues 45% with an annualized EBITDA margin of -40% ($98M quarterly loss * 4 divided by their $1B ARR).
Realistically we see Toast’s organic (i.e. not fee-induced) revenue growth slowing to 30% in the next year.
That means the average Toast merchant will need to pay nearly $19,000 per store if Toast is to operate according to the rule of 40 (though they have nearly 4 years of balance sheet to support burning $400M annually.)
If we were Toast here’s how we’d make the math work:
Pull out the same $1 ordering fee but allow merchants to eat it. Those that do make your life a lot easier
Hide the $1 ordering fee in the payment stream. Don’t even call it a separate fee but lie about interchange rates – Toast has no ethics so this is eminently doable
What Toast absolutely cannot do is transparently increase costs.
Merchants will not like this.
It’s the classic frog in the boiling pot analogy.
You can’t tell the frog you’re going to put it in boiling water (not that the merchant frog would even understand).
Because even Toast has to second guess itself: are we really 2-3x better than the competition?
That’s what a lot of merchants will start asking if Toast makes their pricing transparent.
Toast will argue that they’re providing a lot more value than their legacy POS counterparts, and there’s truth to that.
But it’s also true that Toast is the most expensive POS on the planet.
We’d estimate that at $20,000 a year a merchant could buy a competitive POS for three stores for every one store on Toast.
This is very enticing to Toast’s competitors.
But then again, Toast’s customers can’t add 1 + 1.
Literally.
If think it’s a pejorative then you haven’t spent enough time around retailers.
As of February 15, 2025, here are the latest developments regarding MinuteKey:
MinuteKey, the automated key duplication kiosk company, has continued to expand its presence in retail locations across North America. Some key points include:
Increased partnership with major retailers, now available in over 5,000 locations
Introduction of new kiosk models with enhanced features and faster duplication times
Expansion into the Canadian market, with kiosks now present in several provinces
MinuteKey has made significant strides in improving its technology:
Implementation of AI-powered key recognition software, improving accuracy and reducing errors
Integration of mobile app functionality, allowing users to save key profiles and expedite future duplications
Introduction of RFID-enabled keys for enhanced security options
The company has seen some notable business changes:
Acquisition of a smaller, regional key duplication competitor to strengthen market position
Launch of a subscription-based service for frequent users, offering discounts and priority service
Partnerships with several smart home security companies to offer integrated key solutions
MinuteKey has also focused on sustainability:
Introduction of eco-friendly key materials and packaging
Implementation of a key recycling program at select locations
Commitment to carbon-neutral operations by 2026
Original Minutekey Post
There are multiple copy key kiosk manufacturers but the largest is Minutekey.
copy key kiosk minutekey
The most widely used and deployed would be MinuteKey. They make their own branded key copy kiosks (such as Lowes) and also white label and do more exotic such as Pet tagging.
This machine is able to copy home and office keys. This includes most: Kwikset, KW1 and KW10 Schlage, SC1 Weiser, WR3 and WR5 (in some areas) Others: Baldwin, Titan, and clones of the above key types Padlock key Masterlock M1 (on some machines)
Key duplication specialist KeyMe announces the debut of a new service which will become available stateside soon. The KeyMe self-service key copy kiosk will allow motorcycle riders to order and obtain a duplicate key for their ride without the need to contact the dealership and at the same time cutting down costs significantly.
So far, the KeyMe kiosks are able to offer support key for a large number of Harley-Davidson, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Moto Guzzi motorcycles, but this base will be expanded, the company says. Car and house keys are next, as well as other common locking devices, extending the practicality and convenience of using the self-service KeyMe kiosks.
This functionality will be available with the next generation of KeyMe kiosks. The official KeyMe website lists brass keys, car keys, lockouts, custom designs and hi-performance keys, so we are in for a new stage in the recovery of lost or damaged keys.
As of February 1, 2025, 18.6 million Californians have obtained a REAL ID, with the federal enforcement deadline approaching on May 7, 2025.
The DMV has been expanding digital services, including an improved online customer experience and new online options for services such as Clean Air Vehicle decal applications and the Employee Pull Notice service for employers.
Several DMV offices have recently closed temporarily for renovations, with reopening dates announced for locations such as Quincy, Woodland, Needles, Gilroy, Davis, Lake Isabella, and Watsonville.
The DMV is actively promoting the use of mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) and recently held its first community hackathon to recognize innovative use cases for mDL technology.
The California DMV is making it easier for customers to complete transactions online, reducing the need for in-person visits for simple services.
Some DMV offices are now opening earlier to accommodate increased demand for REAL ID applications as the deadline nears.
Virginia DMVNow
The Virginia DMV, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation, is running a campaign to remind drivers to “Slow Down, Arrive Alive”.
Virginia DMV and TSA are encouraging residents to plan ahead to obtain a REAL ID before the federal deadline.
The Virginia DMV continues to offer a wide range of online services, including registration renewal, address changes, and license renewals.
Other DMV Developments
The California DMV is now offering a “no-fail” eLearning driver’s license renewal course in Spanish, expanding accessibility for non-English speakers.
New laws and service upgrades continue to be rolled out, including enhancements to commercial driver’s license renewals and online testing options for driver’s license knowledge tests.
Key Takeaways
The push for REAL ID compliance is a major focus across states, with DMVs expanding hours and digital services to meet demand.
DMV offices in several locations are undergoing renovations, with reopening dates provided for customer planning.
Digital transformation is ongoing, with new online tools and language options to improve accessibility and efficiency.
Public safety campaigns and regulatory updates, such as those concerning autonomous vehicles, are also in the spotlight.
For the latest updates, check your state DMV’s official news page or online service portal.
Running errands just got a lot easier for people living in some cities across Colorado now that the DMV has renewal sites at some King Soopers stores. The plan is to add even more in the state.
The new Colorado MV Express network by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles currently has 57 kiosks statewide. Five new kiosks in select Denver grocery stores are augmented by 19 kiosks in bordering counties — Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson — and more scattered around the state.
Public kiosk transactions cost $3.95 and transactions at county motor vehicle kiosks cost $3.00, plus the cost of the registration. The kiosks dispense license plate tabs and registration documents, so there’s no waiting.
The kiosks are operated by Intellectual Technology, Inc., a leading provider of DMV software used throughout North America to increase the speed, visibility, and security of motor vehicle transactions, according to a news release.
Nice video on renewing at King Soopers in Colorado.
Colorado MV Express is a self-service kiosk that offers a fast and easy way to renew your vehicle registration, print a duplicate registration & tab, and check on the status of a title. It is a blue and yellow machine with touch-screen technology that looks similar to an ATM. Simply scan the barcode on your renewal postcard or type your license plate number on the touch-screen. The machine will accept your payment and print your registration and license plate tabs on the spot!
A Colorado MV Express kiosk sits at the front of the King Soopers grocery store at 3100 S. Sheridan Blvd. on Thursday, March 23, in Denver Colo. (Timothy Hurst/Denver Gazette) Timothy Hurst/Denver Gazette
The best resources for finding a Coinstar kiosk near me are:
Coinstar’s Official Kiosk Locator: The most reliable method is Coinstar’s website locator tool. Just enter your zip code or city on their “Find a Kiosk” page to see all nearby kiosks, including specific stores and available services at each location.coinstar+2
Google Maps: Coinstar kiosks are typically listed on Google Maps. You can simply search for local results.gobankingrates
Major Grocery Chains: Coinstar kiosks are commonly found in stores like Safeway, King Soopers, Walmart, Kroger, and others. Even though many stores host Coinstar machines, not all locations have one, so check or call ahead before visiting.mybanktracker+1
Editors Note: if interested in the software development company that does this application for Coinstar, contact [email protected]
“Coinstar, in partnership with Coinme, has launched a pilot that allows its customers to use cash to purchase bitcoin,” Walmart communications director Molly Blakeman said. “There are 200 Coinstar kiosks located inside Walmart stores across the United States that are part of this pilot.”
Coinstar kiosk
Walmart shoppers who buy bitcoin at the Coinstar kiosks will be given a voucher that they must then redeem for bitcoin on Coinme — each bitcoin purchase carries a total of 11% in fees: transaction fee of 4% and a cash exchange fee of 7%, according to Coinstar. Fees to buy bitcoin vary by exchange, but at the cryptocurrency exchange undefined, for example, there’s a 2.49% transaction fee to buy bitcoin.
Ironically, Walmart shoppers cannot use U.S. coins to make bitcoin purchases at Coinstar machines — only paper money.
Coinstar LLC, a provider of self-service coin counting kiosks, will install Coinstar kiosks at 100 Mountain America Credit Union locations in six states, according to a press release.
Coinstar kiosks in branches will allow members to convert their coins to cash or directly deposit into their account.
“After a successful pilot, we are excited to roll out kiosks at our branch locations,” Erik Finch, senior vice president, chief data and strategy officer at Mountain America, said in the release. “The pilot results showed improved operational and teller labor savings, as well as an improved experience for both staff and members. In addition, we look forward to offering coin-to-deposit functionality to provide members with the ability to automatically deposit their coin balance directly into their accounts.”
Kiosks Provides Multiple Benefits to Credit Unions
Yes, Redbox kiosk is shutting down after its parent company, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (CSSE), filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in July 2024:
Notes 2025
Redbox kiosks are effectively defunct as of 2025. The company behind Redbox, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in July 2024, leading to a full shutdown of operations. This included the cessation of its online streaming services, mobile app, and the removal or abandonment of most of its roughly 24,000–26,000 DVD rental kiosks across the U.S.26
Current status of Redbox kiosks in 2025:
Most kiosks have been removed or are abandoned. Major retailers like Walgreens and CVS have been working to remove the machines, which are expensive to power and maintain, with removal costs estimated at $500 per unit5. Some companies have hired contractors to haul away or recycle the kiosks7.
A few abandoned kiosks still exist and may even function. There are scattered reports and videos from early 2025 showing individuals finding and sometimes using powered kiosks to rent DVDs, despite the company’s shutdown11112. However, these are rare exceptions, and most kiosks are either unplugged, removed, or vandalized.
No new movies or updates. Since the company is liquidated, there are no new movie releases being stocked, and the payment infrastructure is largely non-functional21012.
Collectors and hobbyists have taken over some machines. Some enthusiasts have acquired old kiosks as collectors’ items, and a few have managed to keep them running independently510.
Legal and financial fallout continues. The company’s assets, including the Redbox brand and remaining kiosks, were auctioned off in April 2025, but there is no indication that the DVD rental business will be revived under new ownership6.
In summary: There is no sign of a Redbox comeback in 2025. The vast majority of kiosks are gone or abandoned, and the business is officially closed. Any remaining operational kiosks are isolated oddities, not part of a functioning rental network12612.
History of Redbox
My kiosk company actually turned them down when the first sought manufacturers. No ROI
Eventually they made their way to FLEX (big supply chain)
Redbox Automated Retail, LLC, commonly known as Redbox, was founded in 2002 by Gregg Kaplan. Initially developed as part of a McDonald’s business expansion initiative, Redbox started with automated DVD rental kiosks. The concept was tested in Denver in 2004 and quickly gained popularity due to its convenience and affordability.In 2005, Coinstar (later known as Outerwall) acquired a 47% stake in Redbox, eventually buying the remaining shares by 2009. Redbox expanded rapidly, with kiosks located at convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies across the United States. At its peak in the early 2010s, Redbox operated over 34,000 kiosks and controlled more than half of the U.S. DVD rental market.However, the rise of digital streaming services led to a decline in physical DVD rentals. In 2016, Apollo Global Management acquired Outerwall, including Redbox. In 2022, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment purchased Redbox, but the company faced financial difficulties and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June 2024. The case was converted to Chapter 7 liquidation the following month, leading to the cessation of Redbox’s online streaming services and the removal of many kiosks
Redbox actually spawned Blockbuster kiosks which was NCR entry into DVD vending. Eventually NCR gave up.
Good links
Fast Company – Redbox closing down: What happens to kiosks, employees?
IGN — Redbox Officially Shutting Down, Spelling the End of Thousands of DVD Rental Kiosks Across the U.S.
Kiosks
Many of Redbox’s 26,000 kiosks have been removed, but the remaining ones will continue to work for the time being.
Online services
Redbox’s online streaming services and mobile app stopped working in July 2024.
Employees
Over 1,000 employees were laid off and will not receive severance or extended benefits.
Redbox’s closure is due to a number of factors, including:
Competition
The rise of streaming platforms and digital offerings led to a decline in DVD sales in the 2010s.
Debt
CSSE acquired Redbox in 2022 for $375 million, but the company’s debt grew to nearly $1 billion.
Mismanagement
CSSE was accused of gross mismanagement, including failing to pay employees and payroll taxes, and cutting employee health insurance.
Redbox was founded in 2002 and was known for its bright red touch-screen movie-rental machines. At its peak, Redbox had 43,000 kiosks in the U.S. and Canada and an annual revenue of $1.97 billion.
Blockbuster, once a giant in the video rental industry, ventured into the DVD kiosk market in the late 2000s to compete with the rising popularity of Redbox. These kiosks were designed to offer a convenient way for customers to rent DVDs without needing to visit a traditional store.
Key Points in the History of Blockbuster DVD Kiosks:
Launch and Expansion: Blockbuster introduced its DVD rental kiosks in 2008, aiming to provide an alternative to Redbox’s successful model. The kiosks were placed in various locations, including grocery stores and pharmacies.
Partnerships: Blockbuster partnered with NCR Corporation to manufacture and deploy the kiosks. This collaboration aimed to rapidly expand the number of kiosks available to consumers.
Decline: As Blockbuster faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 2010, the focus on kiosks diminished. The company continued to close stores and reduce its footprint in the market.
End of an Era: By 2013, Blockbuster announced the closure of its remaining company-owned stores and the end of its DVD-by-mail service, marking the decline of its kiosk operations as well.
Blockbuster’s attempt to enter the DVD kiosk market was a notable effort to adapt to changing consumer preferences, but it ultimately couldn’t compete with the convenience and established presence of Redbox
Yes, there are kiosks available for redeeming unused gift card balances. These are called gift card exchange kiosks, and they allow users to convert unwanted gift cards into cash or store credit. Here’s how they work and where to find them:
How Gift Card Exchange Kiosks Work
Insert the Gift Card: You insert your gift card into the kiosk’s scanner or swipe it.
Receive an Offer: The kiosk scans the card and provides a cash offer, usually ranging from 60% to 85% of the card’s value depending on the retailer and location367.
Accept or Decline: You can choose to accept the offer or retrieve your card if the offer is unsatisfactory.
Print a Voucher: If accepted, the machine prints a voucher.
Redeem Cash: Take the voucher to the customer service desk at the same store to receive cash or another form of payment36.
Popular Locations for GiftCard Kiosks
Gift card exchange kiosks are typically found in high-traffic areas such as:
Most kiosks accept gift cards from major retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, Home Depot, etc., with a balance minimum of $2037.
Some kiosks may require identity verification, such as a driver’s license or email address37.
Availability
While these kiosks are convenient, their availability may vary by location. Many Coinstar Exchange kiosks (yellow machines) have been discontinued in some areas due to operational costs, but alternatives like Alula kiosks and store-specific systems may still be operational137. It’s recommended to search online or call ahead to confirm if a kiosk is available near you.
In addition to physical kiosks, online platforms like CardCash and Raise also allow users to sell gift cards for cash or trade them for other cards24.
Gift Card Kiosk Resources
Looking for a Coinstar kiosk? click here — the yellow gift card exchange kiosk went away in 2019 though
Target will exchange gift cards for Target cards
CardCash option
Yes, CardCash offers gift card exchange services, allowing users to sell or trade their unwanted gift cards. Here are the key details about their platform:
How CardCash Works
Sell Gift Cards for Cash: Users can sell their gift cards directly on the CardCash website. Payments are made via check, ACH deposit, or PayPal, typically within 1-2 days of order approval6.
Trade Gift Cards: CardCash also allows users to trade their gift cards for new ones from a selection of available brands. Trading often provides better value compared to selling6.
Instant Offers: Users receive an instant offer for their gift card after entering its details (merchant name and remaining balance). If accepted, the transaction is processed quickly6.
Features
No Mailing Required: Many exchanges can be completed online by entering the card number and PIN, though some cards may require mailing6.
Wide Brand Selection: CardCash accepts gift cards from over 200 brands and offers discounts on purchased cards56.
Fraud Prevention: The platform uses advanced tools like FraudFix to ensure secure transactions1.
Additional Partnerships
CardCash has partnered with platforms like Mercari to allow users to exchange gift cards for Mercari credit, which can be used for purchases on Mercari.com or its app3. It also collaborates with local retailers for in-person exchanges4.
CardCash is a reliable option for converting unused gift cards into cash or trading them for more desirable options.
Target offers an in-store gift card exchange program at participating locations. Customers can trade unwanted gift cards for Target store credit or cash, typically receiving 75%–85% of the card’s value23.
Walmart Money Centers:
Walmart provides gift card exchange services at its Money Centers. Customers can exchange gift cards for cash, with rates ranging from 70%–80% of the card’s value3.
Coinstar Exchange (Limited):
Coinstar no longer operates its original yellow gift card exchange kiosks for cash transactions. However, Coinstar kiosks still offer eGift cards and other services, such as coin exchanges and cryptocurrency purchases15.
CardCash Local Partners:
CardCash partners with local retailers to provide in-person gift card exchanges. Rates typically range from 70%–85%, and the service is available in select grocery stores and other retail locations34.
Grocery Stores:
Chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix offer gift card exchange services at customer service desks or through partnerships with platforms like Cardpool3.
Gas Stations and Electronics Stores:
Some gas stations (e.g., Shell, Chevron) and electronics retailers (e.g., Best Buy) provide gift card exchange services at select locations3.
Coinstar discontinued its yellow gift card exchange kiosks on June 26, 2019, primarily due to operational challenges and shifting business priorities. These kiosks, which allowed customers to exchange unused gift cards for instant cash, were phased out as Coinstar refocused its efforts on its core coin-counting services and other offerings, such as e-gift cards and cryptocurrency transactions12.
Several factors likely contributed to the discontinuation:
Operational Costs: Maintaining the kiosks and managing the logistics of reselling exchanged gift cards through secondary markets may have been cost-prohibitive3.
Fraud Prevention Challenges: The kiosks required identity verification to prevent fraud, adding complexity to operations3.
Market Competition: Online platforms like CardCash and Raise gained popularity, offering similar services with greater convenience, which may have reduced demand for physical kiosks23.
Coinstar now focuses exclusively on its green coin-counting machines, which provide options for cash redemption, e-gift cards, or donations
In 2024 You can find us in Booth 5536 in the North Building, Here is our portal page.
NRA is our next show (May in Chicago). Visit our NRA page. We’ll be in the Tech Pavilion in booth 6475. If you are interested in a free pass, would like to meet or just reconnecting, drop me an email or call (720-324-1837). We will also be holding Kiosk Association ADA and Accessibility meeting and dinner Sunday night.
Click for full size
At the show and booth we will have around 10+ companies represented. We’ll have tablet kiosks from imageHolders and countertop from Pyramid doing Storm Interface accessibility demo. Also an outdoor capable portable digital signage A-Frame. Pitney Bowes will be in the booth to talk service, installation and monitoring for your self-service devices.
Note from Craig:
We’ll be exhibiting in Chicago May 20th-23rd at the National Restaurant Show and if you are considering attending we can offer you a free customer invite pass as thanks for stopping by in NY. Our booth is in the Tech Pavilion again (6475). If you are interested in a free pass or just reconnecting drop me an email or call (720-324-1837).
We’ll have 10 or so solutions we’ll be demonstrating (we have a larger 10×20). Kiosks, tablets, menu boards, service/installation and accessibility. Information on the show is best viewed on the NRA site here.
Accessibility and Conversational AI Voice assisted self order are featured.
Self-Order with Accessibility by Storm Interface (Pyramid Kiosks)
assistive tech swair storm
Self-order systems are utilizing the AudioPad from Storm Interface. Major users include Mcdonald’s, Southwest Airlines, and Marriott.
Nicky Shaw, the US Managing Director, will be in the KMA booth so stop by and speak with her.
Storm in Mcdonald’s News
Follow Up 10/18 — from Wall Street Journal
The technology will be added to all existing kiosks in company-owned restaurants in California, and 25% of existing kiosks in other U.S. states. [company-owned restaurants]
McDonald’s only operates around 5% of its roughly 14,000 U.S. restaurants, the company said. The rest are run by franchisees.
The company said it would add the new accessibility function to all new kiosks installed in any U.S. restaurant after July 1, including those sold to franchised restaurants.
imageHOLDERS is very well-known in Europe and has opened offices and manufacturing capability in the U.S. Elevating your customers’ digital experience with best-in-class kiosk solutions. imageHOLDERS design and build innovative business solutions, making technology more accessible.
SapientX We Are Building the Next Generation of Conversational AI Voice Assistants and Conversational Avatars
Current voice systems have surprisingly poor accuracy. Our patent pending system is up to 99% accurate!
We speak 40 languages and dialects allowing us to serve 5.5 billion potential users.
Our conversational interface needs no user training, functions with or without the internet and will never sell sensitive user data.
Note that these will demo the self-order app in conjunction with AudioPad accessibility as well.
Too often kiosk service or Point-Of-Sale service, installation, training, and logistics are an afterthought or just another wrap-up detail. For long-running projects it is crucial. For pilots, it is crucial. The kiosk association is happy to introduce Pitney Bowes as one of our Gold sponsors. They will have multiple people at the upcoming National Restaurant Association tradeshow and if you want to meet with them there send a note to [email protected] — if you need a pass we can help too.
Service Delivery Innovation: Smart, strategic support solutions for your clients and technology
By partnering with Service Delivery Innovation by Pitney Bowes, companies can streamline operations, deploy new capabilities, scale, and accelerate growth. Pitney Bowes has the experience, expertise and service infrastructure to help her plan strategically, act quickly and compete effectively.
Real Life Case Study – Complete case study on customer order kiosks’ positive impact on a relatively small retail shop. Most of us like to think in terms of 14,000 kiosks at Mcdonald’s and relegate small businesses to the footnotes. It’s a challenge aggregating tens of thousands of SMBs literally and dealing with an overall number literally 3X the number of Mcdonald’s. This is a small bubble tea shop in Kansas City and they have been killing it with 100-200+ orders a day through their kiosks.
Events
KMA Advisory Board Dinner – Sunday evening
RTN Happy Hour for Members Only — MONDAY, MAY 22 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM CT
Proudly serving as Chairperson of the KMA Accessibility Committee!
Pete Thompson
A commercially minded engineer who has the ability to communicate confidently at every level and the technical knowledge and organizational skills to ensure that projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Pete Thompson
Vice President of Sales | imageHOLDERS | North America Book a meeting with me
M: +1 (778) 222 5694
T: +1 (604) 475 7776
E: [email protected]
W: imageHOLDERS
A: Unit 105 -84 North Bend Street, Coquitlam BC Canada V3K 6H1 LinkedIn
Making the most of the NRA show by Toastab — To help save yourself time during the show, do some research beforehand. You can find the exhibit floor plan here, a complete exhibitor list here, and the schedule here.
Amazon Pharmacy to launch electronic kiosks for prescriptions at One Medical locations
From Reuters — Amazon is launching electronic pharmacy kiosks at its One Medical locations in Los Angeles starting December 2025, allowing patients to immediately pick up common prescriptions like antibiotics and asthma inhalers right after their doctor visit, removing a major barrier to treatment and reducing the need for separate pharmacy trips.
What Are Amazon Pharmacy Kiosks?
These in-office kiosks, operated by Amazon Pharmacy, are positioned in One Medical facilities throughout greater Los Angeles, including Downtown LA, West LA, Beverly Hills, Long Beach, and West Hollywood. The kiosks will offer frequently prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, inhalers, blood pressure treatments, and seasonal remedies, but will not include refrigerated or tightly controlled medications.
How the Service Works
Patients can create an Amazon Pharmacy account, book an appointment at a participating One Medical office, and have their provider send their prescription to Amazon Pharmacy. During checkout in the Amazon app, users select kiosk pickup, pay, and receive a QR code to retrieve their medications within minutes. There is virtual access to pharmacists for consultation, just like at a regular pharmacy counter.
Impact and Expansion Plans
Amazon aims to broaden kiosk deployments beyond California by 2026, partnering with other health systems. The program seeks to address pharmacy deserts—areas lacking easy drug access—and improve adherence to prescriptions, as nearly one-third of prescriptions nationwide go unfilled due to logistical barriers. One Medical membership is not required to access the kiosk service; appointments and medication pickups are available to non-members as well.
Why Amazon Is Doing This
High shipping and delivery costs have tempered the profitability of Amazon’s mail-order pharmacy business. By placing kiosks where patients receive care, Amazon hopes to reduce those costs and raise demand, while boosting treatment initiation rates and improving overall patient health outcomes.
What Could Go Wrong?
Amazon’s new pharmacy kiosks in One Medical offices offer convenience for patients to get prescriptions filled immediately after appointments, but face operational and access challenges. Medcity did an analysis.
Good Points
The kiosks make it easier for patients to pick up common medications right after their doctor’s visit, removing the barrier of a second trip to the pharmacy, which could improve prescription fill rates.
Patients can view costs and pay through an app, see available discounts, and get insurance copays upfront, enhancing price transparency and convenience.
If patients have questions, they can access Amazon pharmacists by video or phone for real-time support at the kiosk or afterwards.
Experts think Amazon’s scale and resources may help the company succeed where others have failed in similar kiosk ventures.
Bad Points
The kiosks are only available at select urban and affluent One Medical locations, so the impact on underserved “pharmacy deserts” is limited and access for vulnerable populations remains a challenge.
Managing, powering, and maintaining the kiosks is expected to be very costly and complex, which could threaten operational success.
Privacy and cleanliness concerns persist, especially post-pandemic, as people may not want to touch machines for sensitive health needs and may prefer the privacy of a traditional pharmacy.
Previous companies with similar kiosk ideas have failed, raising doubts about whether the model can work at scale despite Amazon’s advantages.
For the model to succeed, kiosks need to be well-stocked, quick, easy to use, offer full prescription fills, and keep costs competitive—otherwise, patients may stick with traditional pharmacies.
There are real risks of abuse and concerns over patient behavior changes with machine-driven medication dispensing, requiring supervision and human support for safe operation.
Leading Examples of Automated Prescription Vending
Asteres ScriptCenter: One of the earliest and still most recognized systems, ScriptCenter machines have been used in hospitals, grocery stores, and military bases since the mid-2000s. They allow patients to pick up prescriptions securely after hours, requiring identity authentication and pharmacist approval before dispensing.
As of January 2025, Asteres has deployed 1,000 ScriptCenter automated prescription kiosks across 38 U.S. states in locations such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, military bases, VA facilities, and employer groups.
InstyMeds: A Minnesota-based company providing automated medication dispensers often located in emergency departments and urgent care facilities. These machines dispense prepackaged prescriptions directly to patients after verification by a physician and remote pharmacist.
MedAvail SpotRx: MedAvail’s kiosks combine telepharmacy and dispensing, enabling remote pharmacist consultations via video along with automated drug release. They have been deployed in U.S. clinics and retail pharmacies, offering prescription and OTC medications with pharmacist oversight.
JVM MENITH: A South Korean automated drug dispensing machine launched in Europe in 2023, focusing on precise robotic dispensing and improved medication management processes in pharmacies and hospitals.
MTS Medication Technologies: A Florida-based firm specializing in large-scale automated medication dispensing systems for long-term care and institutional pharmacies. Acquired in mid-2025, it represents the expanding commercial interest in automated drug delivery technology.
Use Cases and Benefits
These machines are generally designed for:
Reducing wait times and after-hours pickup barriers.
Providing access to nonprescription and some prescription medications in controlled environments.
Supporting telepharmacy to connect patients with remote pharmacists.
While automation improves access and convenience, experts consistently highlight challenges such as limited formulary, patient education gaps, maintenance costs, and regulatory compliance concerns.
Kiosk Conversational AI Voice Adds new interactivity for self-service devices
2025 Update —
Wow — voice order has rapidly emerged as critical technology for self-order, wayfinding, drive thru and almost anything else. Next up is Visual AI but it will face privacy obstacles and associated liabilities. Visual AI released in mid 2025.
Original Article from 2020 — how do kiosks help people with speech needs?
When we think of interactive kiosks, what typically comes to mind is the touch-enabled displays that are a nearly ubiquitous component of today’s self-service devices. Trained in part by the tap, pinch and swipe actions that are the main feature of smartphones, we’ve come to expect to be able to interact with kiosks through touch. Although touch-enabled displays have been around in one form or another for more than 50 years, it’s only recently that they have become mainstream thanks in part to Apple’s introduction of the iPhone.
Over the past few years, though, the concept of interactivity has taken on a new dimension. Driven in part by home automation devices such as Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home, people are becoming increasingly comfortable with a new way of interacting with self-service devices: by voice.
A growing number of technology vendors have been introducing voice-enabled kiosks over the past few years. The question remains, though: what does the future hold for interactive voice response and what needs will it fill when it comes to interactive kiosks?
Challenges slowing adoption
Simply put, an interactive voice response system is a computer interface that accepts input by voice rather than mouse, keyboard or touch. The technology has been around at least since the 1970s but has become increasingly widespread as large organizations deploy such systems to handle customer service. And when combined with artificial intelligence, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish VR from communication with a live person.
When it comes to self-service kiosks, a quick Internet search shows dozens of vendors offering devices outfitted with a VR interface. Such interfaces are touted as a way to provide access for those with limited hand mobility as well as those who can’t read. As is the case with on-screen touch menus. It’s relatively easy to incorporate a variety of languages into VR, allowing the deployer to serve those with a limited command of English.
But while the technology improves on nearly a daily basis, it may be a while before VR-enabled kiosks become commonplace. One of the key reasons is that deploying VR will mean either retrofitting existing kiosks with new hardware or deploying new devices outfitted with the technology.
“Voice recognition is ready for kiosks and companies like Zivelo are already looking at ways to begin rolling the technology out on a wider scale,” said Rob Carpenter, CEO and Founder of Old link for https://valyant.ai/ — Valyant AI, an enterprise-grade conversational AI platform for the quick-serve restaurant industry.
“The biggest hindrance to adoption and scale is going to be the inclusion of microphones and speakers in kiosks, which are required for conversational AI, but hadn’t been included in past hardware iterations because they weren’t needed at the time,” Carpenter said.
The environment where the kiosk will be located will also be a consideration.
“It’ll be important to look at the hardware’s ability to handle conversational AI (it’ll need embedded microphones and speakers), but it’s also important to consider the noise level in the environments,” Carpenter said.
“Conversational AI might struggle in high traffic areas like airports where there is so much noise it’s hard for the AI to hear the customer,” he said. “It’s very likely that for the highest and best use of conversational AI in kiosks, it may also require other capabilities like lip reading and triangulating the customer in a physical space to separate out disparate noise channels.”
As such, deployers will need to incorporate design considerations that include microphone arrays focused on specific areas where a user might be standing. They’ll also need to incorporate design considerations beyond the kiosk itself, including noise-absorbing carpet and walls in the area where the device will be located.
Privacy Concerns
Privacy concerns will come into play as well. Amazon’s Echo devices, for example, store a record of what they hear when activated. And while such recording is only supposed to occur when the user says a “wake” word such as Alexa, anyone who owns such a device knows similar words can prompt a wakeup as well. In addition, when someone is using a VR-enabled kiosk there’s a distinct possibility that nearby sounds will be picked up and recorded as well.
“[It’s a concern] not only for the person ordering train tickets, but for the person who might be standing next to that person who’s having a quite high-level conversation on the phone with a business colleague—or his mistress,” said Nicky Shaw, North American distribution manager with Storm Interface. Storm designs, develops, manufactures and markets heavy-duty keypads, keyboards, and custom computer interface devices, including those that provide accessibility for those with disabilities.
“Now that’s also been picked up and sent to the cloud,” she said. “Privacy needs to be given more consideration in my view because just deploying a microphone on a kiosk with no visible or audible means of letting people know it’s always on needs to be factored into the design.”
Accessibility Protocol
The protocols and practices for implementing voice in kiosks are not addressed in any U.S. Access Board standards and the KMA with Storm have incorporated a proposed voice framework for accessibility and more. The Access Board has these standards to consider as a baseline for when they create actual standards. In that sense KMA is setting the table for them.
The degree to which companies mine voice data for advertising information creates its own set of privacy concerns. Because most voice user interfaces require cloud processing services, any time the voice leaves the device makes the process more susceptible to a privacy breach.
That can also create branding issues, with potential confusion as to who exactly the kiosk represents. Is it the foodservice operator, ticker or retailer, or is it a company such as Google or Amazon?
And at the end of the day, making it easy for the average person to use will go a long way toward determining how successful VR in interactive kiosks will be.
“Voice input is the collection method, while the platform collecting the command is the brain/processing power to take the correct actions,” said Tomer Mann, EVP for Milpitas, Calif.-based software company 22Miles.
“We are moving forward with integration but there is a long way to go,” Mann said. “We have the input command solution but the processing machine learning technology needs to improve. It will happen with a few more iterations and innovation.”
Applications Impact
One of the obvious applications for VR in self-service kiosks is for accessibility, enabling their use by those with impaired vision or limited hand mobility.
VR can also be used to create the “wow” experience business operators are looking for. Imagine, for example, the opening of the latest blockbuster superhero movie.
“Let’s say a video wall at the theater senses that someone is approaching,” said Sanjeev Varshney, director, Global SAP with Secaucus, N.J. based Cyntralabs, a developer of integrated solutions that help retailers drive sales.
“It could display a character from the movie, who says something such as ‘what movie would you like to see?’,” he said. “The character could then point to a card reader and say ‘just insert your credit card here” and have the tickets printed out or have an SMS sent to your phone.”
“One driver for voice relates to efficient and faster transactions” said Joe Gianelli, CEO & cofounder of Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Aaware Inc., a developer of technology that enables voice interfaces.
Consider tasks that may require an excessive amount of screen navigation or drilling down, Gianelli said. Voice is usually much more efficient if the user needs to navigate beyond three levels of touch.
Of course, VR won’t be a catch-all solution. Still, VR could be part of a menu of accessibility options.
“Speech command technology will never replace the need for other interface devices because people with speech impediments won’t be able to use it, just like there are people who are blind and can’t use a touchscreen,” Shaw said.
“A deployer would still need to provide tactile interface devices as well as the speech command,” she said. “This needs to be seen as another element in multimodal accessibility. There’s not a one-size-fits all solution.”
The technology is at its infancy, but with further innovations and feature updates, the solutions will only be more agile to day-to-day user experiences,” Mann said.
“Technology is getting there,” he said. “22Miles just wants to stay ahead of that innovation as we do it all other digital or content triggering capabilities.”
And when it comes to industries, some of the key applications insiders are seeing are in the ticketing and restaurant ordering fields, with initial results showing promise. Catalogue lookup in a retail setting might also be a prime candidate.
“Imagine being able to find, filter and sort any item through voice,” Carpenter said. “It would eliminate the tedious tasks of searching through pages and pages of items to find your favorites. Just tell it what you want and then be on your way.”
Posted on Digital-Signage.blog – Redbox digital signage is now a real thing here in 2021. Should be a good test for DOOH network like Velocity and whether it can increase the visibility and impact of Redbox kiosks. We haven’t seen exactly how they intend to display the digital advertising. Usually that might be via a dedicated topper as opposed to the main user video selection screen. This technology group being used by Redbox is also active in the Checkout Aisle digital signage segment which sports a large number of captive viewers.
From businesswire Dec2021 – Redbox promotes new movie releases and its free streaming service, and offer advertising opportunities in high traffic locations. Rebox coming soon with new digital signage for the kiosks.
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Redbox (NASDAQ: RDBX), a leading entertainment company, today announced it has deployed digital video signage on the top of over 2,000 kiosks across the US, with nearly 4,000 expected total installations. Through a partnership with Velocity, A Managed Service Company, the new video screens give the company a powerful new way to partner with Hollywood studios to promote new release movies, its rapidly growing free streaming service, as well as provide advertising opportunities for national and hyper-local media campaigns that will be seen by millions of consumers in high traffic locations.
“Velocity has been very bullish on the retail sector and is continuously seeking additional partnerships to grow within the industry. We are proud to partner with Redbox to deliver an industry-leading digital signage solution to enhance and elevate the existing Redbox kiosks”
Velocity, which has expanded its footprint of digital signage networks, will source, operate, and support the Redbox signage network. The addition of the Redbox network enhances Velocity’s grocery presence, which was initiated by its acquisition of Impax Media, a checkout aisle digital signage network, in September 2020. Velocity has strategically developed its digital-out-of-home (DOOH) media portfolio to create cross-industry partnerships that connect high-impact environments for its advertising customers.
“The addition of Velocity screens gives us a powerful new way to promote new release titles with our content partners including all major Hollywood studios, as well as provide brands and studios a uniquely customizable out of home campaign, while also promoting our free streaming service and Redbox Entertainment originals in high trafficked locations,” said Galen Smith, CEO, Redbox. “We’ve already seen success with the screens we’ve tested to date, and we’re excited to see this quickly scale and potentially grow to additional kiosks in the future.”
“Velocity has been very bullish on the retail sector and is continuously seeking additional partnerships to grow within the industry. We are proud to partner with Redbox to deliver an industry-leading digital signage solution to enhance and elevate the existing Redbox kiosks,” said Greg Kiley, Chairman and CEO of Velocity. “Redbox is a formidable presence in the retail space, especially in national grocery stores. We look forward to helping Redbox expand its advertising capabilities.”
Direct ad sales for the new screens are handled by Redbox in partnership with Screenvision, and through connected programmatic exchanges.
About Redbox Kiosk
Redbox (NASDAQ: RDBX) is a leading entertainment company that gives consumers access to a large variety of content across digital and physical media. The company operates a rapidly growing digital streaming service that provides both ad-supported (AVOD) and paid movies from Hollywood studios and hundreds of content partners, as well as over 120 channels of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST). The Redbox app is available on major entertainment platforms that include Roku devices, connected TVs, gaming platforms, the web as well iOS and Android devices. Redbox also operates its popular kiosks across the US at thousands of retail locations – giving consumers affordable access to the latest in entertainment. The company produces, acquires, and distributes movies through its Redbox Entertainment™ label, providing rights to talent-led films that are distributed across Redbox’s digital and physical services as well as through third-party digital services. Headquartered just outside of Chicago, Redbox has offices in Los Angeles and Seattle. For more information visit www.redbox.com.
About Velocity MSC
Velocity delivers customized managed services such as IT support, network management, voice and data connectivity, multinational data networking, on-site repairs and service, field project rollouts and implementations, free-to-guest TV and Wi-Fi solutions, digital signage and DOOH media solutions, and more in the retail, hospitality, healthcare, and entertainment industries.
Founded in 2005, Velocity is a privately held company headquartered in Holland, Ohio. Today, the company has approximately 500 employees, 13 redundant data centers, 5,500+ certified technicians throughout the U.S., and 450 carrier agreements and is a CLEC in all 50 states. Velocity is a proud member of the DPAA. For more information: www.velocitymsc.com.
The U.S. Access Board, an independent federal agency that issues accessibility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), Rehabilitation Act of 1973 , and other laws, is providing a technical assistance document to assist in the design and construction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.
The ADA covers entities including state and local governments (Title II) and places of public accommodation and commercial facilities (Title III). Under the ADA, the Access Board issues minimum scoping and technical requirements. Other federal agencies with enforcement responsibility under the ADA, such as the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), adopt enforceable standards that must provide at least the same level of accessibility as the guidelines issued by the Access Board. Additional requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and ADA regulations issued by DOJ and ADA regulations issued by DOT may be applicable, such as requirements for nondiscrimination in services, programs, and activities. For more information, visit the Access Board’s About the ADA page.
The ABA requires that buildings or facilities that were designed, built, or altered with federal dollars or leased by federal agencies be accessible. The ABA covers a wide range of facilities, including U.S. post offices, Veterans Affairs medical facilities, national parks, Social Security Administration offices, federal office buildings, U.S. courthouses, and federal prisons. It also applies to certain non-government facilities constructed with federal funds, such as funds made available under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. For more information, visit the Access Board’s About the ABA page.
The ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards include many requirements applicable to electric vehicle charging stations, among which are provisions regarding access to sites, facilities, buildings, and elements, as well as specific requirements for operable parts and accessible routes. Even absent a specific reference to EV charging stations in the ADA and ABA Standards, regulated entities must still ensure that they are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Some EV chargers also have user interfaces and payment systems that would be considered information and communication technology (ICT). Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires individuals with disabilities have access to and use of ICT provided by the Federal government. The law applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use ICT. Federal agencies must ensure that any ICT that is part of an EV charger is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities to the extent it does not pose an “undue burden.”
In this technical assistance document, the Access Board uses the terms “must” or “required” with reference to the applicable ADA, ABA, and Section 508 Standards with which entities must comply. The words “should” or “recommends” refer to additional recommendations for accessible EV charging stations. Recommendations are not legally binding on any regulated entity but are provided as technical assistance to help regulated entities design and install EV charging stations that are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.
Types of EV Charging Stations that Must Be Accessible
Entities subject to the ADA or ABA must provide EV charging stations that are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.
Some examples of EV charging stations that may be covered under the ADA or ABA include those installed at:
State or local government offices
Public parks
Municipal building parking lots
Street parking and the public right-of-way
Residential housing facilities provided by a state or local government
Public EV charging stations provided by a private entity
Fleet charging stations used by the federal government
Commercial fleet charging stations available to corporate clients
Rest stops along the Interstate Highway System
Definitions
AC Level 2: A charger that uses a 240-volt alternating-current (AC) electrical circuit to deliver electricity to the EV.
Charger: A device with one or more charging ports and connectors for charging EVs. A charger is also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) or EV charger.
Charging Network: A collection of chargers located on one or more property(ies) that are connected via digital communications to manage the facilitation of payment, the facilitation of electrical charging, and any related data requests.
Charging Network Provider: The entity that operates the digital communication network that remotely manages the chargers. Charging Network Providers may also serve as Charging Station Operators and/or manufacture chargers.
Charging Port: The system within a charger that charges one (1) EV. A charging port may have multiple connectors, but it can only provide power to charge one EV through one connector at a time.
Charging Station: One or more EV chargers at a common location. A large site can have multiple charging stations, such as in various parking lots and parking garages.
Charging Station Operator: The entity that operates and maintains the chargers and supporting equipment and facilities at one or more charging stations. This is sometimes called a Charge Point Operator (CPO). In some cases, the Charging Station Operator and the Charging Network Provider are the same entity.
Combined Charging System (CCS): A standard connector interface that allows direct current fast chargers to connect to, communicate with, and charge EVs.
Connector: The device that attaches EVs to charging ports to transfer electricity. Multiple connectors and connector types (such as J1772, CHAdeMO, Tesla, and CCS) can be available on one charging port, but only one vehicle will charge at a time. Connectors are sometimes called plugs.
Contactless Payment Methods: A secure method for consumers to purchase services using a debit, credit, smartcard, or another payment device by using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and near-field communication (NFC).
Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC): A charger that uses a 3-phase, 480-volt alternating-current (AC) electrical circuit to enable rapid charging through delivering a direct-current (DC) electricity to the EV.
Electric Vehicle (EV): An automotive vehicle that is either partially or fully powered by electricity.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE): See definition of a charger.
Open Charge Point Protocol: An open-source communication protocol that governs the communication between chargers and the charging networks that remotely manage the chargers.
Open Charge Point Interface: An open-source communication protocol that governs the communication between multiple charging networks, other communication networks, and software applications to provide information and services for EV drivers.
Plug and Charge: A method of initiating charging, whereby EV charging customers plug a connector into their vehicle and their identity is authenticated, a charging session initiates, and a payment is transacted automatically, without any other customer actions required at the point of use.
Site: A parcel of land bounded by a property line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way.
Vehicle Charging Inlet: The inlet on a vehicle that a connector is plugged into. Also referred to as a charging port, or charging door.
Vehicle Charging Space: A space to park a vehicle for charging. A vehicle charging space can be a marked parking space, or an unmarked area adjacent to an EV charger.
The following image shows one charging station with two chargers. There are a total of three charging ports capable of charging three vehicles concurrently and four connectors.
Differences Between Charging Spaces and Parking Spaces
Although EV chargers are often installed in parking lots, there are some significant differences in use that warrant EV charging spaces be treated differently from parking spaces.
EV charging requires drivers with disabilities to exit their vehicle, traverse to the charger, and carry the connector back to their vehicle charging inlet (which may be on the opposite side of where they enter/exit their EV). Since EV’s do not have a standard location for the vehicle charging inlet, maneuverability around the entire EV is needed. Also, as DCFC cables get heavier and shorter to achieve faster charging, EV’s need to be parked in a way that aligns the vehicle charging inlet with the charger, which could conflict with the orientation needed for a driver with a disability to use the access aisle.
By contrast, a driver with a disability can use an accessible parking space as long as the vehicle is oriented with the access aisle; a person with a disability could either pull-in or back-in to the parking spot to get the access aisle on the appropriate side. The additional space provided by an access aisle is needed only by the person with a disability (who may be either a driver or passenger) and additional space on the opposite side of the vehicle is usually not needed.
Because of this fundamental difference in use, this document differentiates between parking and EV charging, and primarily focuses on the needs of an EV driver with a disability. The needs of passengers with disabilities are not addressed in this document because it is presumed passengers with disabilities could enter or exit the vehicle at a nearby accessible parking space or passenger loading zone.
Existing Requirements that Apply to EV Charging Stations
Various accessibility standards may apply to EV charging stations, including:
Under the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards, EV charging stations must comply with the technical requirements for floor and ground surfaces (§302), clear floor or ground space (§305), reach ranges (§308), operable parts (§309), accessible routes (§402), and other provisions when needed, such as some of the provisions in parking (§502), signs (§703), and fare machines (§707). See 36 C.F.R. §1191.1 .
EV chargers developed, procured, maintained, or used by federal agencies must also comply with the revised Section 508 Standards. See 36 C.F.R. §1194.1 , App. A and C . This includes that the user interface (UI) be accessible. EV chargers which do not incorporate a display screen would not be required to be speech-output enabled, but are still ICT and would have accessibility requirements if they are any more complicated than just plugging it in.
EV charger with Display Screen. Speech Output enabled is required under Section 508EV charger without a display screen, showing a lighted indicator. In addition to the color, charging progress might be indicated by the number of LEDs illuminated. Section 508 requires auditory or tactile indication in addition to visual cues.
Accessible EV Chargers
Unlike gas stations where an attendant may be available to assist with refueling vehicles, EV charging stations are often unattended. Thus, it is important that EV charging stations be sufficiently accessible to allow independent use by drivers with disabilities, including people who have limited or no hand dexterity, limb differences, or upper extremity amputations and use adaptive driving controls.
Two aspects of accessibility need to be considered:
Accessible mobility features
A reasonable number of EV chargers must have physical access for people who use mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and canes. Accessible mobility features primarily concern the size of the vehicle charging space, providing access aisles, how and where the chargers are installed, and the physical operability of the charger. Also see: Number of accessible chargers
Accessible communication features
All EV chargers should have accessible communication features and operable parts. This enables EV chargers to be used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing, little people, and other people with disabilities who do not need accessible mobility features (like access aisles) to use an EV charger.
All EV chargers containing ICT that are developed, procured, maintained, or used by the federal government must comply with the Section 508 Standards and have accessible ICT, including accessible hardware, software, and operable parts.
Accessible Mobility Features
EV chargers designed to serve people who use mobility devices must be located on an accessible route and should provide:
a vehicle charging space at least 11 feet wide and 20 feet long
adjoining access aisle at least 5 feet wide
clear floor or ground space at the same level as the vehicle charging space and positioned for an unobstructed side reach
accessible operable parts, including on the charger and connector
These mobility features allow sufficient space for a person who uses a mobility device to exit and maneuver around the vehicle, retrieve the EV connector, and plug the connector into the electric vehicle charging inlet. Since EVs do not have a uniform vehicle charging inlet location, a larger vehicle charging space is needed to maneuver around all sides of the electric vehicle.
Accessible Routes
EV chargers with accessible mobility features must be connected to an accessible route (§206.2.2; §402). The technical requirements for accessible routes can be found in Chapter 4 of the ADA and ABA standards as well as in the Access Board’s technical guides on accessible routes , including walking surfaces (§403), curb ramps (§406), and ramps (§405).
Electric Vehicle Charging Space and Access Aisle
EV charging spaces with mobility features should provide a vehicle space with a minimum width of at least 132 inches (11 feet) and a minimum length of at least 240 inches (20 feet). Adjacent to the vehicle charging space should be an access aisle that is at least 60 inches (5 feet) wide and the full length of the vehicle charging space. A vehicle charging space at least 11 feet wide and 20 feet long would provide sufficient space to maneuver around an electric car, but larger vehicle charging spaces may be needed for electric trucks.
Where vehicle charging spaces are marked, access aisles should also be marked to discourage parking in them. State or local codes may have specific requirements for marking and signing access aisles (e.g., access aisle markings in blue or “no parking in access aisle” signs). The width of the vehicle charging spaces and access aisles is measured to the centerline of markings, but it can include the full width of lines where there is no adjacent vehicle space or access aisle.
One access aisle may be shared by two vehicle charging spaces, or a charging space and a parking space, but overlap of the aisle should be limited to 60 inches (5 feet). The exception in §502.2 that leads to two 8-foot accessible parking spaces sharing an 8-foot access aisle should not be used for vehicle charging spaces because there would be insufficient space to access the vehicle charging inlets on the opposite side of the access aisle.
Access aisles should not be blocked or obscured by curbs, wheel stops, bollards, or charging cable slack. Floor or ground surfaces of vehicle charging spaces and access aisles should comply with §302 and not have changes in level or slopes that exceed 1:48. For more information, please consult the Access Board’s guide on floor and ground surfaces and guide on parking spaces .
Access Aisle Relation to EV Charger
The access aisle must be connected by an accessible route to the clear floor or ground space at the EV charger.
When charging cables are short, the charger should be positioned so that the operable parts and clear floor or ground space are on the same side as the access aisle. This configuration allows for placement of bollards to protect chargers without obstructing clear floor or ground space.
EV chargers with long charging cables have more flexibility regarding placement. With long charging cables, chargers can be placed at the center of the vehicle space or access aisle, or between vehicle spaces, if ample room is available for maneuvering around and between bollards. For more information, please consult sections Clear Floor or Ground Space and Example Charging Scenarios of this technical assistance document.
Alignment of Charger with Location of Vehicle Charging Inlets
The placement of the vehicle charging inlet varies across make and model of EVs. This variety can create challenges to designing an EV charging space with accessible mobility features that can meet the needs of all types of EVs since the vehicle charging inlet needs to align closely to the charger, especially for DCFC with short charging cables. Generally, a person with a disability driving an EV will need the access aisle positioned on the driver’s side.
Examples of Vehicle Charging Inlet Locations
Make
Model
Charging Inlet Location
Tesla
S, 3, X, Y
Driver side rear
Chevrolet
Bolt EV
Driver side front
Ford
Mustang Mach-E
Driver side front
Ford
E-transit
Front
Nissan
Leaf
Front
Audi
E-Tron
Driver side front
Volkswagen
ID .4
Passenger side rear
Porsche
Taycan
Passenger side front, driver side front
Hyundai
Kona
Front
Hyundai
Ionic
Driver side front
Toyota
Prius plug-in
Passenger side rear
Honda
Clarity plug-in
Driver side front
Ford
Fusion energi
Driver side front
Toyota
RAV4 prime
Passenger side rear
Chrysler
Pacifica hybrid
Driver side front
When designing a charging station to serve multiple types of EV’s with various vehicle charging inlet locations, it is recommended to provide more mobility accessible vehicle charging spaces with a variety of access aisle locations and charger configurations.
Example Charging Scenarios
The scenarios below indicate how a vehicle’s orientation changes depending on the location of the vehicle charging inlet. This is particularly important for DCFCs with short and heavy charging cables. AC Level 2 and some DCFCs that have sufficiently long and light cables may not have this issue.
Figure B1:
B1 depicts an ideal scenario with the most common EV charging inlet location, which is on the driver side rear. When the vehicle is backed into the vehicle charging space, the driver side door is aligned with the access aisle and the vehicle charging inlet is close to the EV charger. The EV charger is located at the same level as the charging space and access aisle by depressing the curb to the same level as the asphalt. The EV charger has been rotated so that the clear floor or ground space is on the same side as the access aisle and not obstructed by bollards. Bollards are used instead of wheel stops to provide ample maneuverability around the vehicle.
Figure B2:
B2 depicts a vehicle backed into a charging space, but the vehicle’s charging inlet is located on either the rear or passenger side rear. While the access aisle is still aligned with the driver side door, the vehicle now needs to be spaced at least 36 inches (3 feet) away from the bollards in order for mobility device users to pass between the vehicle and bollards and reach a charging inlet located on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Figure F1:
F1 depicts a vehicle pulled forward into the EV charging space. The access aisle is now on the passenger side, but the vehicle charging inlet located on the passenger side front aligns closely with the EV charger. A mobility device user would need 5 feet of space on the driver’s side to exit the vehicle, and at least 3 feet of space to travel around the rear of the vehicle and to the EV charger. This may require the EV to partially overlap the access aisle. A vehicle charging space at least 11 feet wide and 20 feet long would provide sufficient space to maneuver around an electric car. Large electric SUVs and trucks may need larger vehicle charging spaces.
Figure F2:
F2 depicts a similar scenario of a vehicle pulled forward into the vehicle charging space, but the vehicle charging inlets are either on the front or driver side front, which requires passing between the EV and bollards.
Charging may not be achievable if cables are too short in scenarios F2 and B2. A better solution is to design the adjacent vehicle charging space to also have accessible mobility features. With two mobility accessible vehicle charging spaces sharing a common access aisle, a variety of charging inlet locations can be served. Longer charging cables should also be provided.
Charging stations designed to serve specific vehicles with consistent and known vehicle charging inlet locations should provide access aisles on the driver side and ensure the vehicle charging inlets align closely with the EV charger.
Clear Floor or Ground Space
To provide accessibility for people who use mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and canes, EV chargers must provide a clear floor or ground space complying with §305 and be located on an accessible route. Clear floor or ground spaces must meet requirements for ground and floor surfaces, including criteria for firmness, stability, and slip resistance. They must be free of changes in level and not sloped more than 1:48. Grass, curbs, wheel stops, and bollards may not be located within the clear floor or ground space.
Clear floor or ground space at chargers must be a minimum of 30 inches by 48 inches. Additional space may be required where the clear floor or ground space is confined on three sides and obstructed for more than half the depth (e.g., bollards, curbs, etc.).
While both a forward approach and parallel approach are permitted under the ADA and ABA Standards, it is recommended that the clear floor or ground space be positioned for a parallel approach to the charger and centered on the operable part. If there are multiple operable parts, the clear floor or ground space should be centered on the EV charger.
EV chargers are highly recommended to be installed at the same level as the vehicle charging space and access aisle so that the clear floor or ground space can be placed as close as possible to the EV charger. This design ensures people who use mobility devices can readily access chargers.
IMPORTANT: Do not do this!
Avoid installing accessible EV chargers on top of or behind curbs. Where chargers are installed on or behind curbs, people using wheelchairs have very limited access to approaching and using them. Depending on users’ ability, reaching the operable parts may be difficult if not impossible.
If EV chargers must be installed on a curb, such as at on-street parking, place them as close to the edge of the face of the curb as possible and no farther than 10 inches away from the face of the curb.
Alternatively, the EV charger and a clear floor or ground space can be placed up on the curb or sidewalk, but this design should only be used at existing curbs when it is technically infeasible to lower the curb or sidewalk. The front of the charger should not face the street or curb, and charging cables should be sufficiently long and light enough to allow mobility device users to travel back down the curb ramp and reach their vehicle charging inlet. Reaching some vehicle charging inlets may only be achievable with long charging cables, and DCFCs may be limited to charging only vehicles that have charging inlets that can be reached from the sidewalk. (Also see: On-Street EV Charging Stations Design)
When possible, providing additional clear floor or ground space for a forward approach and turning space is recommended. Aligning the EV charger with the access aisle takes advantage of existing clear floor or ground space.
Operable Parts within Reach Range
At a charging station, a reasonable number of EV chargers must comply with §205 Operable Parts , including technical requirements for clear floor or ground space ( §305), reach ranges& (§308), and| operation ( §309). We recommend EV chargers be designed with parts that are operable by the widest range of users with disabilities, including people with limited or no hand dexterity, limb differences, or upper extremity amputations.
Operable parts on EV chargers include, but are not limited to, the connector, card readers, electronic user interfaces, and switches and buttons, including the emergency start/stop button.
Unobstructed side reach
All operable parts should meet the requirements for an unobstructed side reach (§308.3.1 ) and be no higher than 48 inches above the clear floor or ground space and no farther than 10 inches away. The exception for fuel dispensers should not be used (See: fuel dispensers). Placing operable parts higher than the 15 inch minimum is recommended.
The operable portion must be within an accessible reach range, but non-operable portions can be located outside of reach ranges. For example, a display screen that does not require user touch input, or has buttons located within reach range, can be located above 48 inches. Similarly a card reader that can be activated below 48 inches with a portion of the card reader above 48 inches would still be operable. The operable portion of the connector, particularly the release button and handle, should be below 48 inches. A connector with no release button that can be used without reaching above 48 inches would also be within reach range.
Connectors
Connectors must meet the requirements for operable parts (§309), including operation with one hand and no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and no more than five (5) pounds of force to operate.
Connectors generally have a release button that needs to be pressed to connect/disconnect the connector from the vehicle charging inlet. Simultaneously grasping the connector and pressing a release button can be challenging for people with limited hand dexterity. Connectors that are a consistent diameter and very smooth are also challenging because they require grasping, especially when cables and connectors are heavy.
One way to informally test if an element is sufficiently accessible for a person with limited hand dexterity is to try operation of the element with a closed fist. Connector designs that have a handle with a release button on the inside, similar to a fuel dispenser, can be more accessible because a person can often place a closed fist inside of the handle and simultaneously pull on the connector and press the release button. The addition of straps and loops may also help a user carry the connector because it could be looped onto the user’s wrist or arm, or even hung on the user’s mobility device, to free both hands up to maneuver a mobility device (e.g. push a wheelchair, keep both hands on a walker etc.).
Future connector designs that are more accessible are encouraged. Until more accessible connectors are available, some chargers may be limited to using connectors that require pressing a release button with the thumb.
Manufacturers have developed automatic connection devices, which improve accessibility of EV charging because they eliminate the need to physically manipulate the connector. When possible, consider installing automatic connection devices, especially at fleet charging stations.
Charging Cables
The ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards require operable parts to be operable with no more than 5 pounds of force and to not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
Light weight charging cables (AC Level 2, and some DCFCs) should be of sufficient length to charge a vehicle with various charging inlet locations.
As thicker and heavier charging cables are used to achieve faster charging speeds, it becomes more difficult for people who use mobility devices to lift the cable and carry it back and forth to their vehicle charging inlet. Heavier and shorter DCFC cables should be able to charge a vehicle positioned at least 60 inches (5 feet) away and be installed so that users can access the vehicle charging inlet, access aisle, and charger.
Charging cables cannot block or obstruct accessible routes when stored or when connected to vehicles. Cable management systems can be provided to prevent cable slack from accumulating on the ground and potentially offset the weight of heavier DCFC cables, but cable management systems must be kept in good condition to maintain the accessibility of the chargers. Overhead cable management systems may also be able to help with cable weight and operation, but the systems and cables must not become protruding objects.
There are many promising solutions to the issue of heavy charging cables, including the use of cable management systems, automatic connection devices, and wireless charging, which could greatly improve accessibility. In the interim, however, the benefits of fast charging provide greater user convenience and should be available at accessible EV charging stations, even if the issue of charging cable weight has not been addressed. Persons with disabilities should still have access to DCFCs and not be restricted to AC Level 2 chargers. Future innovations may address the issue of charging cable weight and should be used when available to achieve accessible operation.
Accessible Communication Features
Accessible communication features enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing, people with vision impairments (but who drive), little people, and other people with disabilities who might not need accessible mobility features (like access aisles) to use an EV charger.
All EV chargers should have accessible communication features and operable parts. All EV chargers that are procured or maintained by a federal agency must comply with the Section 508 Standards because they are Information Communication Technology (ICT). See 36 C.F.R. §1194.1 , App. A & C.
Although the ADA and ABA Accessibility Standards have technical requirements for ATM and fare machines (§707), and two-way communication systems (§708) that could be informative, only the Section 508 requirements are referenced in this section of the document because they are similar, but more detailed.
Although a number of provisions are specific to the accessibility needs of people who are blind and low vision and who cannot drive a vehicle, the provisions are still applicable to EV chargers purchased or used by federal agencies. Entities concerned only with ADA requirements may have a limited need for certain accessible communication features (e.g. braille instructions, tactilely discernible features, speech output, audio descriptions) on an EV charger, however some of these features may benefit all users. For example, speech output may be helpful if there is glare on the display screen, and elements that are tactilely discernible are easier to find in the dark. By universally designing EV chargers with the needs of people with disabilities in mind, a better user experience can be provided for all.
EV Charger User Interface
Many EV chargers have an electronic user interface (UI) and are similar to smart parking meters or fare vending machines. Section 508 includes technical requirements for operable parts and reach ranges that were previously addressed. Section 508 also has technical requirements for hardware that include:
Display Screens:
Visible from a point located 40 inches above the clear floor or ground space (§408.2)
Avoid bright rapid flashing (more than 3 flashes per second) (§408.3)
At least one mode with text characters in sans serif font, adjustable text size or minimum character height of 3/16 inch (§402.4)
Speech Output Enabled: There must be an option for display screens to provide speech output that is capable of full and independent use by individuals with vision impairments.
Speech output must provide all information displayed on-screen, including information necessary to verify the interaction and transaction with the EV Charger.
Speech output must be coordinated with information displayed on the display screen.
Speech output must allow for pausing and repeating.
Braille instructions provided for initiating the speech-output mode (402.2)
Volume controls (402.3) must be provided for the speech output.
Input Controls
Labels on keys and for visual controls must have high contrast (§407.2)
Controls must be tactically discernible.
When alphabetical keys are provided, they must use a QWERTY layout.
Where a numeric keypad is provided, it must use a standard layout ( §407.3)
If keys repeat, there must be at least a 2 second delay before a key repeat (§407.4)
If a timed response is required, the user must be alerted visually and by sound (or touch), and given the opportunity to indicate more time is needed (§407.5)
Keys or Cards
If the EV Charger requires the user to have a NFC key-chain card or other physical token, and that key/card requires a particular orientation for its use, then the key/card must provide a tactically discernible orientation.
Audible signals or cues must not be the only single means of conveying information, indicating an action, or prompting response. For example, an audible warning tone needs to be paired with a visual indicator.
Color must not be the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, or prompting response. Color can be used to convey meaning but needs to be supplemented with other visual means of conveying information such as the use of position, or different markings or shapes.
Visual status indicators, like the status of EV charging, should also be discernible by sound (or touch) (§409).
Registration and payment card readers should be compatible with contactless payment systems, tactically discernible, and provide visual and audible feedback. Tactile discernability can be achieved by slightly raising the contactless system reader, providing tactile labels, or by providing card readers capable of both inserting/swiping a card and contactless payment. Visual and audible feedback can be achieved with lights or display screens, and sounds or audio recordings.
Customer service/help
Charging station operators should provide customer service, help support, or other mechanisms to report outages, malfunctions, obstructed EV chargers, and other issues. Technical requirements for two-way voice communication can be found in Section 508 ( §412 ), and effective communication is addressed in DOJ ADA regulations. Multilingual access may also be required.
Chargers can provide signs or labels with phone numbers/TTY, text message support, or help features integrated into the user interface. Multiple means of communicating audibly and visually should be provided.
If two-way voice communication is integrated into the EV charger, §412 of Section 508 requires:
Volume gain controls
Effective means for coupling with hearing aids.
This can be a handset conforming to ANSI/IEEE C63.19-2011 or TIA-1083-B.
For IP-based networks, this can be achieved by conforming with ITU-T Recommendation G.722.2 or IETF RFC 6716
Audio jacks are the most common approach.
Any caller ID feature must be both visible and audible
Support for bi-directional text communication, TTY functionality, or compatibility with legacy TTY systems.
Websites and Mobile Applications
Many EV charging stations have websites and mobile applications used to locate charging stations, pay for electricity, start/stop charging, and send notifications to users. These websites and mobile applications must conform to industry standards for digital accessibility. The Department of Justice has guidance on web accessibility and the ADA . Section 508 requires websites and mobile applications to be accessible and incorporates by reference the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ( WCAG 2.0 ).
Connectivity
Charging Networks should utilize the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) and provide information on accessibility in addition to the connector type, output power, availability, repair status, etc. Specific information on accessibility is more helpful than a generic designation of “accessible”. Specific information could include:
Accessible Mobility features
Access aisle left side
Access aisle right side
Long charging cable (capable of reaching a vehicle charging inlet regardless of vehicle orientation)
accessible connector (operable by people with limited hand dexterity)
automatic connection device
wireless charging
Accessible Communication features
accessible user interface (section 508)
contactless payment
“Plug and Charge” compatible
Providing pictures of accessible EV charging stations and chargers is also encouraged.
The Access Board welcomes collaboration with the Open Charge Alliance to develop protocols for information on accessibility.
EV Charging Station Location within a Site
An EV charging station must connect to an accessible route that leads to an accessible entrance of the building or facilities on the same site. Additionally, the accessible EV chargers should be on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance relative to other chargers at the same charging station.
EV charging stations in parking garages must provide an accessible route that connects to the accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking garage. Additionally, a minimum vertical clearance of 98 inches should be maintained throughout the vehicular route to the accessible vehicle charging space and access aisle.
Sites with EV charging stations as the primary purpose should include accessible routes that connect to any amenities on the site and, if provided, a sidewalk in the public right-of-way.
Multiple EV Charging Station Locations within a Site
Some large sites may have multiple EV charging station locations, and an accessible route should be provided at each location, similar to multiple parking facilities on a site .
Adding EV Charging Stations to Existing Parking Lots
EV charging stations added to existing sites must comply with the ADA and ABA requirements for alterations and additions. In alterations, compliance with the ADA and ABA standards is required to the maximum extent feasible (§202.3). For more information, please consult the Access Board’s guide on alterations and additions .
When EV charging stations are added to an existing site, they must connect to an accessible route and a reasonable number of EV chargers must comply with §309 and have a clear floor or ground space and operable parts within reach range. Also see: Number of accessible chargers
Converting accessible parking spaces to EV charging spaces is not recommended, especially when use will be restricted to electrical vehicle charging only. The ADA and ABA standards prohibit an alteration that decreases accessibility below the requirements for new construction (§202.3.1). If an existing accessible parking space is converted to an EV charging space, the minimum number of accessible parking spaces required by table 208.2 must be recalculated based on the total number of parking spaces provided, and accessible parking spaces may need to be added elsewhere.
Key considerations when adding EV chargers with accessible mobility features to existing parking facilities:
Can the chargers be connected by a compliant accessible route to the accessible entrance of the building or facility?
Is the slope and cross slope of the vehicle charging space less than 1:48? Can the floor or ground surface be altered to achieve slopes less than 1:48?
Is there sufficient space for an 11-foot-wide, 20-foot-long vehicle space and 5-foot-wide access aisle?
Can the chargers be placed at the same level as the vehicle charging space? Will existing curbs and landscaping need to be removed or altered to place chargers at the same level as the vehicle charging space?
Can a clear floor or ground space positioned for a parallel approach with an unobstructed side reach be provided?
Is the clear floor or ground space firm, stable, and slip resistant?
If EV chargers must be mounted on a curb, are operable parts of the chargers still within an unobstructed side reach and no farther than 10 inches and no higher than 48 inches above the clear floor or ground space?
What existing site constraints are there, and would locating chargers elsewhere on the site make them more accessible?
EV Charging Stations at Residential Facilities
Shared or common use EV chargers located at residential facilities provided by a state or local government must be accessible.
EV chargers that are designated to specific residential units should provide the appropriate accessibility features. When residential facilities designate parking spaces to each residential unit, the parking space for the mobility accessible unit must be an accessible parking space (§208.2.3.1). Similarly, a charger provided for a mobility accessible residential unit should have an electric vehicle charging space with accessible mobility features. A charger provided for a communication accessible residential unit should have an electric vehicle charger with accessible communication features. Upon request, additional chargers may need to be made mobility and/or communication accessible.
EV chargers installed at privately-owned residential housing are not subject to the ADA. However, privately-owned multifamily housing may be subject to the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and may be required to be accessible. For more information, contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Accessibility First at 1-888-341-7781 or [email protected].
Note: Some accessibility content has been removed from federal websites.
EV Charging Stations in the Public Right-of-Way
EV chargers installed in the public right-of-way have unique design challenges due to existing sidewalks and infrastructure that may make installing chargers at the same level as the vehicle charging space technically infeasible.
On-Street EV Charging Stations Design
EV chargers installed on the sidewalk for on-street parallel parking should locate chargers with mobility features at the end of the block, or at the closest curb ramp. Section R309 of the proposed Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines provides design requirements for accessible on-street parking spaces, which can be used to design accessible charging spaces.
Chargers can be placed on narrow sidewalks but should be oriented facing the sidewalk and not the street in order to ensure there is adequate clear floor or ground space in front of the charger to allow for a person with a disability to approach and operate the charger. Chargers should not be placed within the middle 50% of the sidewalk adjacent to the on-street parallel parking space because this design would obstruct entry to and exit from the vehicle.
It may be challenging to bring the charging cable out to the street to connect to a vehicle with a charging inlet located on the street side, so use of chargers at on-street parallel parking may be limited to charging electric vehicles with charging inlets located on the same side as the sidewalk. Providing chargers on both sides of one-way streets is a more accessible option.
On-street parking with wide sidewalks complying with § R309.2.1 have 5-foot access aisles at street level. EV chargers can be provided at the ends of the space or along the side up on the sidewalk. Clear floor or ground space at EV chargers, access aisles, and accessible routes must not be obstructed by bollards, curbs, trees, grass, garbage cans, etc. Accessible routes must not be blocked when cables are connected to vehicles.
Fleet Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Fleet vehicles are cars owned by an organization (business, nonprofit group, or government agency). Under the ABA, fleet EV charging stations at facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds for charging organizations’ vehicles must be accessible.
Fleet EV charging stations that serve various businesses are considered a place of public accommodation or commercial facility and must comply with the ADA Standards. Examples include a vehicle manufacturer that installs charging stations to serve its corporate fleet customers.
Employee Use of EV Chargers
Under §203.9 of the ADA Standards, entities subject to Title II or Title III of the ADA may be eligible for an exception for EV charging stations provided at a commercial facility for charging fleet vehicles under the employee work area exception if charging stations are used only by employees for charging company/fleet vehicles. However, it is recommended that at least one EV charger have accessible mobility features to accommodate employees with disabilities because the employer may be required to provide an accessible EV charger if requested by an employee as a reasonable accommodation.
If charging stations are provided for employees to charge their personal vehicles, the employee work area exception would not apply and EV charging stations must be accessible.
EV chargers provided for specific employees to charge their personal vehicles should provide accessibility as needed.
Pull-Through EV Charging Stations Design
As EV charging gets faster and more EVs become capable of towing, EV charging stations may be designed for pull-through or drive-up access, similar to gas stations. Pull-through EV charging stations do not need to mark or stripe vehicle charging spaces, but they should provide at least sixteen (16) feet of width for vehicle charging spaces. Charging cables should be able to connect to a vehicle positioned five (5) feet away.
Chargers with accessible mobility features must have a clear floor or ground space and operable parts within reach range (i.e., less than 48 inches above the ground). Bollards aligned with the sides of EV chargers provide protection without obstructing use. Designing all pull-through EV chargers with accessible mobility features is encouraged and can be achieved by avoiding installation on curbs. If installation on curbs is required, it is recommended to create a cutout in the curb that allows the clear floor or ground space to be placed closer to the charger. Also see: Are EV charging stations considered fuel dispensers and eligible for the reach range exception #2 in 308.3?
The use of automatic connection devices is encouraged at fleet charging stations, especially when chargers serve a specific vehicle make and model. If/when very short charging times are achieved, it may be unnecessary to exit the vehicle for charging.
Other Considerations
Lighting
The use of lighting can be an effective way to indicate where an EV charging station is located within a site. Lighting can also be an effective way to indicate which chargers are accessible, which are in use, in which are not working. Lighting also helps with the operation of the charger, including plugging the connector into the vehicle charging inlet at night.
Shelters
The use of shelters to protect EV charging stations and their users from the elements (rain, snow/ice, and extreme sun/heat) is also recommended. Snow and ice can be difficult, if not impossible, for a mobility device user to traverse over. Plowed snow should not obstruct access to and use of the EV charger. Black charging cables in the extreme sun/heat can also burn people with limited sensation. Shelter supports, such as columns and pylons, should not be installed in or obstruct vehicle charging spaces or access aisles, and must not be installed in or obstruct clear floor or ground space and accessible routes.
Innovation
Innovations in automatic connection devices and wireless or inductive EV charging can greatly improve accessibility. This could simplify the charging process, including the potential to eliminate the need to access and operate the charger. If/when very short charging times are achieved, it may be unnecessary to exit the vehicle for charging.
Number of Accessible Chargers
The ADA and ABA Guidelines do not specifically address how many chargers must be accessible at an EV charging station. Under the ADA Standards, when a facility or element does not have specific scoping requirements, access to a “reasonable number” is required under the general prohibitions against discrimination in the Department of Justice (DOJ) regulations for Title II and Title III entities. For more information, please contact the DOJ Office of Civil Rights at 1-800-514-0301 or 1-800-514-0383 (TTY).
This “reasonable number” must be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, and where appropriate technical requirements for elements and spaces are provided in the ADA Standards, a reasonable number must meet those technical requirements.
The Access Board will be issuing a Notice of Proposed Rule Making that will solicit comments from the public on the minimum number of chargers that must be accessible at EV charging stations. Several approaches are possible, including:
a minimum number based on the table in 208.2 for accessible parking spaces
aligning with the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) that requires 5%
a “use last” approach where a higher percentage have accessible mobility features, but are not reserved or restricted to people with disabled parking placards/license plates. See more on the “use last” approach
a hybrid approach of use last and reserved
Issues concerning signage at accessible EV charging spaces include use of the ISA and how to indicate if accessible charging spaces should be reserved for use only by people with disabilities, or available for use by people without disabilities when all other chargers are being used.
In the interim, several states have already issued accessibility requirements for EV charging stations. If a state or local code requires a minimum number of chargers be accessible, at least that minimum number must be provided.
Signs displaying the ISA are not recommended at accessible EV charging spaces at this time, unless required by a state or local code.
The Access Board recommends designing at least two EV charging spaces with accessible mobility features, and providing accessible communication features and operable parts at all EV chargers.
This can be achieved with the following example EV charging station designs:
“Use Last” Approach to EV chargers with accessible mobility features
Traditionally, accessible parking spaces are identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) and reserved for use only by a person with a disability placard or license plate. Use of the ISA at EV charging spaces causes confusion about whether people without a disability placard can use accessible EV charging spaces. Since EV charging stations usually have only a few chargers, reserving a charging space only for use by a person with a disability placard may result in underutilized chargers.
The “use last” model would require more EV charging spaces be designed with accessible mobility features, but would not require that the charging spaces be reserved exclusively for people with disability placards. People without disability placards could use accessible EV charging spaces when all others are occupied, resulting in greater use of available chargers. This would allow mobility device users to have more options to find a charging space with the ideal design for their EV, and alternative charging spaces to use if a charger is broken or obscured. Having alternatives is extremely important, especially if the next accessible charging station is very far away.
A “use last” sign would indicate an EV charging space is accessible, but also direct people to use this space only when other charging spaces are occupied or accessibility features are needed.
At the time of this guidance, neither Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) nor any other code-setting organization has a standard for “use last” signs, but the Access Board has designed several examples.
Kiosk Innovations went to ATMIA 2022 in Florida. Nice to see their units in the flesh and blood. Many images are “renderings”. You can see the online catalog for Kiosk Innovations for more. If any questions or would like to be put in contact send email to [email protected]
Bitcoin Kiosks at ATMIA Bitcoin ATMs at ATMIA
More Information
BTM’s need to be…
Reliable – This is done by using top-tier components to minimize downtime, which reduces revenue generation and leads to onsite service calls.
Attractive – This helps with adoption and lets your customers know that you are technologically advanced, providing a secure product. Consumer confidence is important and helps drive
additional transactions.
Identifiable – Users need to be able to identify your BTM quickly. You can differentiate yourself with graphics or with a custom design option.
Usable – Usability is oftentimes overlooked but is so important in providing a smooth transaction for your customers. This means placing components at comfortable heights for your user and making sure devices are visible.
Secure – Having cash in a machine is a huge liability, some BTM’s completely ignore security and thieves are starting to realize this. Kiosk Innovations Digit has 3 grades of security with varying price points.
With Kiosk Innovations expertise in design and engineering, we are in a unique position to provide solutions that mirror what the bitcoin ATM operators need out of crypto ATM’s. Kiosk Innovations BTM’s are designed and manufactured in the USA to ensure both an efficient and high-quality machine which reduces long-term operational cost.Component SetOur team has intimate knowledge of components required for BTM’s and can assist you with component specifics such as capacity. Components many times include:
Touch Screen – Allows user to interact with kiosk
Barcode Scanner – Scan wallet
Bill Acceptor – Accept bills for user purchase of cryptocurrencies
Bill Dispenser – Dispense change back to user for purchase or sale of cryptocurrency
Bill Recycler – Accept bills for user to post payment to account & dispense change back to user
Receipt Printer – Kiosk prints transaction and credit card receipt for user
LED Component Indicator – LED lights next to each component to let user know where to direct their attention throughout the
process
Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) – Allows user to finish transaction and kiosk to gracefully shut down in case of power
interruptions
Alarm – Audible siren, tilt meter, and sensors for each entry point
Custom Branding (Silk Screen or Vinyl) – Helps user to recognize solution
CPU – Brain of the kiosk – Linux or Windows
Security Locks – Keyed or auditable combo options available
New member SapientX provides A.I. Software That Gives a Voice and Intelligence to Products. AI is a very big thread throughout the media these days. Restaurants and retail in particular. Avatars for every segment of business.
SapientX We Are Building the Next Generation of A.I. Voice Assistants and Avatars
Current voice systems have surprisingly poor accuracy.
Our patent-pending system is up to 99% accurate!
We speak 40 languages and dialects allowing us to serve 5.5 billion potential users.
Our conversational interface needs no user training, functions with or without the internet and will never sell sensitive user data.
SapientX Uses a Unique Mix of Machine Learning and Symbolic Reasoning to Field a Voice System Unrivaled in the Industry.
SapientX runs on almost anything and it works or without the internet.
Historically, building and maintaining voice systems was the province of computational linguistics engineers.
We just changed the playing field with RayGun Studio, an authoring tool based on Hollywood scriptwriting tools.
Soon, we will also have plugins for Unity and Unreal, the most popular game-authoring platforms.
SapientX is Working With Friends Who Make Cars, Robots, Vending Machines and All Sorts of Consumer Products.
They want a friendly user interface where users aren’t required to learn commands so that they can talk to products like they are speaking to their best friend.
They also want their own branding, their own wake word and increasingly, they want an avatar brand ambassador. Research shows that avatars boost user trust and satisfaction scores by as much as 25%.
See some of the new tools (Badger) available these days supporting multiple languages with AI. Thanks to Matt Ater of Vispero for spotting this one at CES
SPiER: Transforming Healthcare Systems to Save Lives
The Suicide Prevention & Integration via Electronic Records (SPiER) Project, led by Zero Overdose and supported by the Four Pines Fund, is a national initiative working to make evidence-based suicide prevention tools a standard part of healthcare delivery.
SPiER addresses critical gaps in suicide prevention by developing tools and technologies that integrate into existing systems, enabling safer and more responsive care. The project supports suicide prevention across the full continuum of care— inpatient, outpatient, emergency departments (ERs), and community-based organizations (CBOs)— ensuring that no matter where an individual seeks care, providers have the systems in place to respond.
SPiER is laying the groundwork for a unified, technology-enabled approach to suicide prevention— ensuring every care setting is equipped to respond effectively and consistently.
Why This Matters
Today, most healthcare systems rely on electronic medical records (EMRs) to manage patient care, yet many lack integrated features to identify and respond to suicide risk. This leaves critical gaps in care during high-risk moments when timely intervention could save
lives.
The SPiER Project works to bridge these gaps by embedding suicide prevention workflows, screening tools, and decision support directly into EMRs, while also incorporating complementary technologies like standalone screening kiosks, population health tools, and real-time analytics.
By leveraging both EMR-based and external solutions, SPiER offers a scalable, flexible approach to suicide prevention—ensuring healthcare systems and community partners are equipped to respond effectively, consistently, and at every point of care
Impact of Your Support
Your support helps drive a national transformation in how healthcare and community systems respond to suicide risk. By investing in SPiER, you’re enabling the development of integrated tools, scalable technologies, and implementation strategies that make suicide prevention a consistent, system-wide standard.
Funding ensures we can:
• Expand outreach to EMR and technology partners
• Accelerate development of suicide prevention workflows and toolkits
• Launch pilot implementations across diverse care settings
• Build the infrastructure for long-term adoption and sustainability
Together, we can close the gap between what we know works and what systems are equipped to deliver—saving lives by turning innovation into action.
Driving Systemic Change: What the SPiER Logic Model Shows
The SPiER Logic Model outlines a clear path from planning to measurable impact—showing how national partnerships, integrated tools, and data-driven implementation strategies come together to strengthen suicide prevention across healthcare and community systems.
The SPiER Logic Model illustrates how each component of the project—from partnerships and tools to implementation and evaluation—works together to drive national impact. It follows a left-to-right flow:
Inputs: The people, partnerships, and infrastructure that power the work.
Activities: The core actions, including vendor outreach, resource development, and data collection.
Outputs: Deliverables like toolkits, surveys, and early implementation pilots.
Outcomes: System-level adoption, improved workflows, and stronger prevention practices.
Impact: Long-term reductions in suicide risk and scalable improvements in care quality.a shared understanding of SPiER’s progress and supports alignment across stakeholders, implementers, and funders.
Click for full size — A colorful chart titled SPER Logic Model displays six columns—Inputs/Resources, Activities/Planning, Outputs/Deliverables, Short-term Outcomes, Medium-term Outcomes, Long-term Outcomes, and Impact—with labeled boxes including zero overdose assist.
Contact Information
For more information about the SPiER Project, please reach out to:
Zero Overdose (zerooverdose.org) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing overdose deaths by treating overdose as a preventable public health crisis. The organization addresses the escalating overdose epidemic in the United States, where more than 106,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2021, with early data for 2022 indicating nearly 110,000 deaths—the highest number ever recorded2. Zero Overdose works with individuals, organizations, and communities across more than 36 states and Puerto Rico, providing tools, resources, and training to reduce overdose events and strengthen harm reduction efforts23.
Mission and Approach
Zero Overdose’s mission is to significantly reduce risks associated with substance use and prevent overdose-related events and deaths. The organization emphasizes that overdose is preventable and equips communities with evidence-based strategies and interventions5.
Assess and mitigate overdose risk based on individual needs and circumstances.
Facilitate open discussions about addiction and overdose risk between patients, families, and providers.
Develop personalized strategies to reduce overdose risk by identifying triggers, accessing support, and connecting with treatment resources47.
The Overdose Safety Plan consists of seven key components, including identifying risk factors, actions to reduce risk, wellness strategies, support networks, crisis contacts, personal motivations for recovery, and next steps7. This plan is integrated into clinical care and is used by a range of providers, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, community behavioral health clinics, and substance use treatment programs nationwide47.
Services and Training
Zero Overdose offers:
Training and Technical Assistance: Programs for healthcare providers, organizations, and communities on overdose prevention, safety planning, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction56.
Specialist Training: Overdose Safety Planning Specialist Training tailored to organizational needs6.
Resources: Free access to the Overdose Safety Plan template and related materials online7.
Partnerships: Collaboration with health systems, including integration of their tools into electronic health record platforms (e.g., Cantata Health Solutions’ Arize EHR), to enhance overdose risk management and care coordination9.
Leadership and Expertise
Zero Overdose is led by experienced professionals in substance use disorder treatment, trauma-informed care, and program development. Notably, Kelly Samuelson, LADC and MSW candidate, specializes in delivering evidence-based training, facilitating workshops, and developing curricula for diverse populations24.
Impact and Recognition
The organization’s safety planning model has been successfully implemented across New York State and in other states, earning recognition for its innovative approach to overdose prevention7. Training evaluations show increased confidence and willingness among providers to discuss and address overdose risks with patients7.
How to Get Involved
Anyone—individuals at risk, family members, community members, or healthcare providers—can access Zero Overdose’s resources and participate in training. The organization welcomes partnerships and donations to further its mission248.
Summary Table
Feature
Details
Mission
Prevent overdose deaths through proactive, community-based interventions
Training, technical assistance, resource provision, partnership development
Implementation
Used in 36+ states, Puerto Rico, FQHCs, behavioral health clinics, and social service agencies
Leadership
Led by experts in substance use disorder, trauma-informed care, and program development
How to Access
Resources and training available via zerooverdose.org
Zero Overdose stands at the forefront of overdose prevention, providing practical, evidence-based solutions and fostering a nationwide network committed to saving lives235.
Don’t miss NAMA 2025 May 7-9: Convenience Service Delivered
Elliot Maras has written about vending for over 30 years. An industry-acknowledged expert.
Editor’s Note: Be sure and visit Crane CPI in #2331, DPL Wireless in #1874, Actineon in 2067, and Pyramid in 2249 while at the show. Zhilai is in 2640 (pizza vending machine). 365 Markets has a HUGE booth.
Keeping up with today’s technology-savvy consumer is not for the faint of heart. Anyone in the consumer services industry will attest to that.
But for those in the convenience services industry, the bar is especially high: self-service technology has empowered today’s connected consumer with more tools to manage their everyday tasks.
Hence, forward-thinking self-service operators will be converging on the Las Vegas Convention Center May 7-9 at the NAMA Show 2025, to view the latest equipment, technology, and product offerings on display during breaks between education sessions. Attendees will feast their eyes on state-of-the-art self-service kiosks, robots, holographic touchscreens, and multi-cellular routers. voice interaction modules, identity verification tools and much, much more.
Forward-thinking vending equipment, technology, and product providers, for their part, will have a chance to get feedback from the nation’s most progressive convenience services operators.
A “must attend”
The NAMA show, titled, “Convenience Service Delivered,” is a “must attend” for everyone interested in staying up to date in this rapidly evolving industry.
The vending machines of yesteryear have evolved into automated retailers, not limited to food and beverages. Today’s automated retailers serve any and all types of products, including electronics, apparel, pharmaceuticals and more – catering to growing consumer demand for convenience, accessibility and variety.
As equipment and technology have evolved, convenience service operators have more data than ever before when making business decisions. Operators can better understand how to optimize pricing based on time of day, location, inventory management and route optimization.
At the same time, retail, hospitality and other businesses are seeking to leverage self-service concepts to serve time-pressed consumers better and compensate for less available labor. State-of-the-art technology has also unleashed opportunities for self-service kiosks to play a role in a brand’s last-mile delivery.
Given the challenges of the labor shortage, changing work habits, and inflation, operators are also anxious to find new products to offer their customers.
Education, tours and exhibits
Early show attendees can take in pre-conference education and special tours beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6. These include:
Category management bootcamp from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. will address understanding pricing elasticity, aligning product selection with your brand and using data to measure success.
The Caesars Palace Food & Retail Operations Tour from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will demonstrate how the resort’s logistics feed thousands of guests daily and how unattended retail can boost the guest experience.
The Pepsi Equipment Certification Center Tour from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will offer an inside look at how equipment is refurbished and prepped for employment.
The Allegiant Stadium Tour from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. will demonstrate how the new home of the Las Vegas Raiders will build customer loyalty and deliver exceptional experience to fans.
This year’s show will once again feature the interactive “Imagination Way” gallery that greets attendees on the way to the main trade show floor. The Imagination Way exhibits demonstrate how innovations can be leveraged in unique consumer environments, such as hospitality, health care, transit centers, multi-family/campus housing and senior living centers.
“Imagination Way” will be open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.
“Imagination Way” exhibits scheduled to date include:
365 Retail Markets
Aeti Global
Aramark Refreshments
brd BOT
Crave Robotics
DFY Vending
Kitchenless
PayRange
Vendi Bean
VenHub
Vistar
Vivreau
Warehouse-13.
The main Expo Hall will be open from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, following education sessions from 8 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday following education sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday following a Small Operator Roundtable Breakfast from 7:30a.m. to 9 a.m.
Exhibitors include:
365 Retail Markets
CPI – Crane Payment Innovations
ID Tech
Dr Pepper
Mondelez
PAX
Zhilai
Education sessions on Wednesday and Thursday will offer a variety of topics including technology, business management, leadership training, salesmanship and operations management. Attendees will be able to choose from as many as five simultaneous morning and afternoon sessions.
Friday includes two morning sessions following the Small Operator Roundtable Breakfast.
MEDIA ADVISORY: The NAMA Show 2025: Get a First Look at the Tech That’s
Changing How We Shop, Eat, and Grab-and-Go
The NAMA Show Takes Place May 7-9 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, NV – [March 31, 2025] – The way consumers access everyday items is changing rapidly. The NAMA Show 2025 offers a front-row seat to this transformation, showcasing the latest innovations in unattended retail, smart vending, workplace refreshments and on-the-go solutions. Taking place May 7-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, this event unveils the technology and trends reshaping consumer expectations for speed, ease, and access.
What: The NAMA Show, the ultimate destination for self-service convenience and unattended retail.
When/Where: May 7–9, 2025 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Why Attend:
• Imagination Way: Immerse yourself in emerging innovations, including how products, technology and machines are shaping hotels, workspaces, and more.
• New Products and Innovations: Discover the newest technologies and products that are changing how we get what we need on the go.
• Explore how technology and robotics are transforming everything from micro markets in offices to coffee service and self-checkout.
• See how businesses are adapting to meet consumer demands for speed, ease, and access in getting food, drinks, and other products.
• Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and businesses shaping the future of unattended retail, micro markets and workplace refreshments.
Newsworthy Angles for Media:
• Beyond Vending Machine: How technology is creating new ways for consumers to access food and everyday items.
• The Rise of Automated Retail: Exploring the growth of self-service technologies and their impact on businesses and consumers.
• Cool Breakrooms and the Future of the Office: Examining how technology is transforming workplace amenities and employee experiences.
• Tech That Delivers: Highlighting innovative technologies that improve convenience and customer service.
Media Registration: Complimentary media registration is available. View credential and guidelines at https://thenamashow.org/2025-media-press/.
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NAMA represents the $34.9 billion U.S. Convenience Services Industry. By providing advocacy, education and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s over 160,000 hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school and play.
McDonalds has taken the lead in testing and evaluating at large scale providing accessibility features for the blind. One of the improvements is by adding in a screen reader (JAWS Kiosk by Vispero) and coupling that with Storm Interface AudioNav assistive technology.
Providing accessibility to every user group has taken on an even more pronounced imperative with the recent legal suit and class action which the DOJ is pursuing against Quest Diagnostics. The probable outcome there is a nationwide retrofit of literally thousands of units. See our Legal News summary page.
National Federation of the Blind
Here is a video by the National Federation of the Blind’s Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access demonstrating new accessibility features on McDonald’s kiosk in June 2021.
Kiosk Marketplace wrote up their recent Lunch And Learn which talked about the new McDonalds kiosk accessibility features.
Highlights
Kelsey Hall, senior product manager, global digital accessibility, McDonald’s, and Matt Ater, vice president of business development and software engineering at Vispero, demonstrated how McDonald’s digital accessibility works.
The demo used headphones. Note in the video above the NFB opts for public audio. Ambient noise can make it more difficult for a human to hear, or for a microphone with noise cancellation to discrimminate.
Mentioned too is the kiosk also has Braille labels at any point of actionable contact, such as the scan area, the headphone insert, the receipt area and the payment pad.
Asked about the possibility of offering voice recognition, Hall said voice recognition cannot replace the current solution. “Even if you have voice recognition options there are some limitations based on connectivity.”
Latest – 49 inch digital menu – click for full size
This directory lists Chinese manufacturers of LED / LCD displays and touchscreens, along with sample pricing and datasheets for 2025. We keep a running list of China Display and Chinese display quotes and brochures. Also included are Chinese kiosks and China Manufacturers as whole.
China has become a global leader in the production and innovation of displays, touchscreens, and kiosks. The country’s manufacturing prowess, combined with its technological advancements, has positioned it at the forefront of these industries.
Displays: China is home to numerous companies specializing in LCD and LED displays. These displays are used in a variety of applications, from consumer electronics like smartphones and televisions to commercial uses such as digital signage and video walls. Companies like FUNLCD and Pro Vision Display are notable players in this field, offering a wide range of products that cater to both indoor and outdoor environments. The emphasis on high resolution, durability, and energy efficiency has made Chinese displays highly sought after worldwide.
Touchscreens: The touchscreen market in China has seen significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for interactive devices. Touchscreens are now integral to many sectors, including retail, education, healthcare, and transportation. Chinese manufacturers have been quick to adopt and innovate with technologies such as capacitive and resistive touchscreens, ensuring high sensitivity and accuracy. This has led to the widespread use of touchscreens in devices ranging from smartphones and tablets to interactive whiteboards and self-service kiosks2.
Kiosks: Touchscreen kiosks have revolutionized the way businesses interact with customers. In China, these kiosks are used in various settings, including retail stores, airports, hospitals, and government offices. They provide services such as information dissemination, ticketing, bill payment, and wayfinding. The integration of advanced features like facial recognition, QR code scanning, and contactless payment has further enhanced their functionality23. Companies like Pro Vision Display are at the forefront of this innovation, offering customizable solutions to meet the specific needs of different industries2.
Overall, China’s dominance in the display, touchscreen, and kiosk markets is a testament to its commitment to technological advancement and quality manufacturing. This has not only boosted the country’s economy but also set a high standard for global competitors.
How To Vet and Order
WhatsApp is very common. Just remember time difference. When its 10am today here in Denver, it 12pm tomorrow in Shenzen
Regulatory
ISO certification is widespread
We know of no UL-certified kiosks
EMV Level 3 certification? Nope…
Components
You can pick component brands to use
There are always cheaper components but most of the quality component manufacturers have offices in Shenzhen and are the best choice for reliability and service. It is getting easier to read Chinese for sure.
Software
Chinese like just doing hardware though some like Zhilai offers locker software
Most of the Chinese have software partners outside China
Accessibility
ADA is not in Chinese dictionary but they are aware and if asked can and will include assistive devices like Storm
Shipping, Tariffs & Lead Times
In the US tariffs are every changing, no change for non-US
Shipping — air freight has gotten better but shipping containers for large shipments are cheapest of course
Transition Period The updated timeline still includes a transition period for organizations to update from PCI DSS v3.2.1 to PCI DSS v4.0. To support this transition, PCI DSS v3.2.1 will remain active for 18 months once all PCI DSS v4.0 materials—that is, the standard, supporting documents (including SAQs, ROCs, and AOCs), training, and program updates—are released.
This transition period allows organizations time to become familiar with the changes in v4.0, update their reporting templates and forms, and plan for and implement changes to meet updated requirements. Upon completion of the transition period, PCI DSS v3.2.1 will be retired and v4.0 will become the only active version of the standard.
Future-Dated Requirements In addition to the transition period when v3.2.1 and v4.0 will both be active, there will be an extra period of time defined for phasing in new requirements that are identified as “future-dated” in v4.0.
In PCI DSS, new requirements are sometimes designated with a future date to give organizations additional time to complete their implementations. Requirements that are future dated are considered as best practices until the future date is reached. During this time, organizations are not required to validate to future-dated requirements. While validation is not required, organizations that have implemented controls to meet the new requirements and are ready to have the controls assessed prior to the stated future date are encouraged to do so. Once the designated future date is reached, all future-dated requirements become effective and applicable.
We anticipate that PCI DSS v4.0 will contain a number of new requirements that may be future dated; however, we won’t know the exact number until the standard is finalized.
While the effective future date for these new requirements will not be confirmed until PCI DSS v4.0 is ready for publication, it will provide enough time for organizations to plan and implement new security controls and processes as needed to meet all the new requirements. The future date will be dependent on the overall impact that the new requirements will have on implementing controls in the standard. Based on the current draft, the future date is expected to extend beyond the planned transition period, with a possible future date being between 2½ – 3 years after PCI DSS v4.0 is published.
Account data includes:
Primary account numbers (PANs)
Cardholder names
Card expiration dates
Service codes
Magnetic-stripe or chip data
Card verification codes
PINs and PIN blocks
PCI DSS 4.0 comprises 12 requirements, organized into six categories:
Secure networks and systems:Implement and maintain network security controls.Securely configure all system components.
Protect sensitive data:Secure stored account data.Use strong cryptography to protect cardholder data during transmission over public and open networks.
Have a vulnerability management program:Keep systems and networks protected against malware. Maintain the security of all developed systems and software.
Implement access control:Follow the “need to know” principle for access to system assets and cardholder data.Use proper identification and authentication measures when granting access to system components Limit physical access to cardholder data
Test and monitor networks on an ongoing basis:Monitor and log access to cardholder data and system components.Perform regular security tests on all systems and networks.
Establish and follow an information security policy:Implement official policies and programs to support security goals within the organization.
NRA Chicago is proving to have a very high interest in robotic waiter and service robots. Automation is the mantra. Along with AI Assist of course.
Key players in this emerging market include Appetronix Inc, Euphotic Labs, Home Tech Innovation Inc, Hyper Food Robotics Ltd, Kitchen Robotics, Miso Robotics, Moley Robotics, Nala Robotics Inc, Robo Arete Co Ltd, and Thermomix. These companies are at the forefront, developing and deploying advanced robotic solutions that are transforming the way food is prepared, cooked, and served in professional and domestic kitchens.
We’ve included the GuideBot by LG Business. Autonomous Guiding Service in Virtually any Facility — The CLOi GuideBot promptly informs visitors with facility information upon request and conveniently escorts visitors to their desired location.
General retail is approximately $7K for just the robot. Software can be extra monthly support.
Orionstar
Click for full size – Orionstar food delivery robot for restaurants
At Orionstar, we pride ourselves on having five key advantages:
Most Advanced Chip: Our robots are powered by the Qualcomm 8-core processor, which ensures superior development capabilities.
The Easiest Robot OS for Extra Development: We offer a user-friendly robot operating system that allows for seamless customization and development.
The Most Powerful AI Voice Capability: Our robots possess exceptional AI voice capabilities, enabling natural and engaging interactions.
Restaurant Robot Multiple Solutions: including Smart Positioning Solution, Smart Summon Solution, and Multi-Robot Cooperation Solution.
Service-Oriented Sales Strategy: We prioritize the health of our partners’ businesses and offer comprehensive pre-sales and after-sales support.
Our restaurant robot is very competitive on the market. Now the best selling market is Japan and Korea, we are the top 1 brand in these two markets.
Suzhou Alpha Robotics Co.,Ltd. was founded in 2006. It is a high-tech enterprise focusing on the R&D, production and sales of commercial service robots and has more than 300 independent patent intellectual property rights and masters core technologies such as Robot Chassis, Algorithms, and Deep learning.
Info
Products include AI Service Robot, Delivery Robot, Hotel Delivery Robot, Unmanned Vehicle and Vacuum Cleaner Robot
Alpha Robotics is one of the main makers of “National Standard for Food Delivery Service Robots” (GBT37395- 2019). Alpha Robotics has 5 main products series：AI servic robots, Delivery robots,Unmanned Vehicle, Vacuum Cleaner Robot and Disinfection Robots.
They are mainly used in nine areas: catering services, hotel services, new retail, government services, education services, medical services, public services, financial services, exhibition halls and other scenarios.
Suzhou Alpha Robotics Co.,Ltd has four R&D centres in Suzhou,Shanghai and Tokyo and nearly 30,000 square meters of production bases in East and North China. Alpha Robotics is one of the largest service robot manufacturers in China. The products have been certified by the European Union CE, American FCC, Japan Telec and other professional certifications.Alpharobotics exported to 70 countries and regions, offering more than 8000 well-known customers services worldwide, and leading global sales.
LG RSCGD20 CLOi GuideBot with Guiding Services, Mobile Advertising, Security Monitoring, and Dedicated CMS
Autonomous Guiding Service in Virtually any Facility
The CLOi GuideBot promptly informs visitors with facility information upon request and conveniently escorts visitors to their desired location. With a dedicated content management system (CMS), you can easily update the CLOi GuideBot with new menu items, services, or other types of information.
Synchronize the Guidebot with an existing signage solution to enable time-based promotions or display advertisements for nearby stores based on the Guidebot’s location
For Museums — Optional Docent Capabilities
CLOi GuideBot can act as a docent for art galleries and museums, guiding visitors to artworks before playing related audio-visual commentary whilst providing accompanied touch screen interaction. Touch screen interaction and voice recognition technologies allow the GuideBot to respond to visitor questions.
Autonomous Security Patrol
Users can manually set a patrol route and schedule for on-site security purposes, which can improve security staff productivity with remote monitoring capabilities.
From NRF 2024 – We just got back from NRF and AI robotic restaurant stuff was all over the show floor. Robotic pizza for example. One of our favorite aspects of AI is overhead cameras in the kitchen to monitor food preparation. Also table usage. Here is our wrap on recent robotic restaurant news
Success story in Pizza (by Korean) — 50 sq feet, $4K a day, AI powered smart topping . Started as food truck in South Korea. Recently raised $50M. Cinema, Cstores and more transitory locations. Third largest chain in Singapore now —
Robotic automation research reports are starting to cover the automation in South Korea — Key players in this emerging market include Appetronix Inc, Euphotic Labs, Home Tech Innovation Inc, Hyper Food Robotics Ltd, Kitchen Robotics, Miso Robotics, Moley Robotics, Nala Robotics Inc, Robo Arete Co Ltd, and Thermomix. These companies are at the forefront, developing and deploying advanced robotic solutions that are transforming the way food is prepared, cooked, and served in professional and domestic kitchens.
Sodexo selects ART to introduce robotic kiosks in US facilities — Sodexo has partnered with Automated Retail Technologies (ART) to introduce thousands of hot food robotic kiosks across its facilities in the US.
Uber Eats and Mitsubishi in Japan delivery robot — 1. Pan of delivery robot of Uber Eats moving on the sidewalk in Nihonbashi, Tokyo 2. Various of delivery robot moving on the sidewalk 3. Mid of person ordering food on a smartphone for demonstration 4. Wide of delivery robot starting delivery 5. Various of delivery robot moving on the sidewalk 6. Pan of a media conference 7. SOUNDBITE (Japanese), Alvin Oo, Director of Market Operations of Uber Eats Japan:
Rivalry Tech partnering with RoboEatz — RoboEatz is known for its autonomous robotic kitchen system, which prepares high-quality dishes efficiently and consistently for health care organizations, businesses, higher education institutions and quick-service restaurants. Rivalry Tech will couple RoboEatz’s system with its user interface, known as myEATZ, that’s currently in use at several Houston Methodist Hospitals, the TMC Innovation Factory, and in resorts, hospitals, office buildings, and more, according to the company’s website.
Market Leader Chef Robotics Surpasses 10M Meals in Production Using AI-Enabled Robots — Consider that it took Chef 314 days to get to 1M meals in production, 100 days to reach 2M, an additional 21 days to get to 3M, and only 18 additional days to get to 4M.
5 Things to Know About Kernel, the New Restaurant From the Founder of Chipotle — You can’t just walk in and get food. What’s so unusual about Kernel? It shaves down the number of workers per shop to three instead of, say, 10. It features a robot arm that prepares up to 1000 individual items a day. And it blows past current notions of hospitality with the shop’s method of ordering and pick up.
The Robot Report — According to A3, North American companies purchased 31,159 robots in 2023, compared with 44,196 ordered in 2022 and 39,708 in 2021. These 2023 robot orders were divided almost equally among automotive (15,723 robots sold) and non-automotive companies (15,436 robots sold). This represented a 34% drop in sales to automotive OEMs and automotive suppliers over 2022 and a 25% total decrease in all other industries. A3 will show the latest technologies at Automate in Chicago from May 6 to 9, 2024. It will feature more than 750 exhibitors of everything from robotics and motion control to machine vision and artificial intelligence for a variety of industries and applications. “While robotic sales were down over the year, 2023 ended with both an increase over the previous quarter and a nearly equal number of sales from automotive and non-automotive companies,” noted Burnstein. “Both are promising signs that more industries are becoming increasingly comfortable with automation overall.”
See our NRF 2024 review and writeup. The show was terrific. Check out our photo gallery. The line at the pizza ordering kiosk to order the robotic pizza was very long.
From Tim Tang — “The most impressive thing that I saw at NRF 2024 for restaurants was the bartaco dine-in restaurant experience with Amazon Pay and OneDine. This initiative demonstrated an intimate understanding and sensitivity to the guest experience while creatively solving a common industry tech debt challenge of legacy POS through an innovative collaboration with market leading technologies. With rising operational costs, an ongoing labor shortage and shrinking customer wallet, the restaurant industry will need this type of thoughtful operational execution to thrive.”
Craig K — Robotics were something to see though the details are still being worked out (food source, etc). On the kiosk side it was good to see Samsung kiosks adding accessibility finally. POS and mobile POS for employees and customers was EVERYWHERE. Payment systems as well. AI was overblown and almost trite. theroboburger.com
Adam your robotic bartender — A dozen Adam robots have been deployed nationwide so far, in venues such as the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Los Angeles, the Cloutea boba shop at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, and the Botbar Coffee chain. Adam also gets rented out for parties and conferences.A complete Adam with a custom setup table and equipment sells for $180,000, though Casella says they’re experimenting with other pricing models and partnerships.
How Restaurants Are Embracing Robots — All the big chain restaurants are testing and installing AI-infused robotics — mainly in the back of the house, but also in customer-facing roles, both tableside and at the drive-thru. We tend to think a lot of testing is going on, but that is about it.
Aniai is bringing a burger-cooking robot to restaurants with $12M — Aniai, a startup that has built a burger-grilling robot, Alpha Grill, said today it has raised $12 million, bringing its total raise to $15 million. The money will go toward launching its first manufacturing facility, Factory One, in South Korea. The firm will also be deploying a cloud-based AI software platform for the robot called Alpha Cloud. Robot adoption in the restaurant business is becoming popular as it can help restaurants address their high pain points like labor shortages, and rising wage issues. Robotics enables restaurants to save 30% to 70% of labor costs, and restaurants could replace more than 80% of restaurant positions with robots, according to a research report.
Raising the Bar:Empower Field at Mile High Secures Top Spot in Zippin’s Highest Sales per Event Award — Drink Mkt 103 is one of nine at the venue and has seen impressive sales since opening in 2019. This year, in partnership with Zippin, IDmission, and Aramark, the store further revolutionized the fan experience by integrating Digital ID Verification and eliminating manual ID checks for alcoholic purchases. In a world where efficiency and convenience reign supreme, combining checkout-free technology and digital identification proved to be a game-changer. Fans can zip through Drink Mkt 103 even faster than before, as evidenced by the store’s performance this year. The integration is now rolled out across all Zippin-powered stores at Empower Field.
Food Assembly — Chef Robotics Raises $14.75M To Automate Food Assembly in Commercial Kitchens. From Techcrunch: Rajat Bhageria tells TechCrunch that Chef distinguishes itself from the likes of Miso by focusing on food assembly, rather than cooking specifically. The company is also touting ChefOS, the underlying software driving its robot arm’s decisions. “[F]ood is very highly dimensional: depending on how you prep the ingredients (e.g., julienned onions vs chopped), cook the ingredients (e.g., sauteed, baked, broiled), store the ingredients (e.g., cooked, room temp, frozen), the material properties radically differ,” the company notes.
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