Kiosk Industry list of over 500 retail kiosk manufacturing companies, suppliers and kiosk component providers, hardware and software. Looking for cash payment kiosks or an informational kiosk (such as a tablet kiosk), you need kiosk manufacturers. You also need software, hardware, wireless, management, consulting, sourcing, application, kiosk installation, kiosk servicing, site surveys, logistics, training, ADA consulting, kiosk devices, kiosk printers, remote monitoring and/or reporting plus a host of other capabilities. Maybe a kiosk revenue-sharing partner or kiosk lease. For more information email [email protected]
Actineon – Actineon is the market leader in high-performance and customizable computers for kiosks, micro-markets, edge, digital signage, AI, virtual medicine, and research. Beyond customization, Actineon can offer full stack development – incorporating expertise from all required engineering disciplines, including systems, software, electrical, electronics, mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, and test. Global sourcing, a broad and deep supply chain, and multi-sourcing allow Actineon to ship products with minimal lead times. We offer solutions integrating the latest technology that provides value to the healthcare and IT industry.
SelfPay — Since 2009, we develop and operate a global Network of Automated Payment Stations and Digital Channels offering all kinds of Payments to millions of consumers every year.
Looking for a kiosk manufacturer? Kiosk Industry has the major kiosk manufacturers as sponsors, and as members along with our industry lists bring over 500 companies from which to source and select. Adherence to kiosk-specific ADA accessibility guidelines, UL policy, HIPAA and PCI (KMA is a participating organization) are some of the criteria to employ in your selection of a kiosk partner. Don’t settle for cheap, under-engineered, “we also do kiosks” manufacturers. We also have a complete video library with over 100 different videos demonstrating kiosk companies on our vimeo site (https://vimeo.com/user21507462)
Interested in AI for your self ordering kiosk? Then the new Clover POS kiosk by Nanonation (and Samsung) is a must read. Included is AI Tools Setup Guide pdf. These AI Enhancements will transform your ordering kiosk experience, from crafting enticing menu descriptions to attracting more users and providing the right upsell suggestions to every customer. Suggestive Selling on kiosks leads to an average increase in ticket size of 20.3%, and our new Smart Suggestive Selling feature makes prompting for suggestions as easy as one click!
Here’s a summary of the key points:
Suggestive Selling: The AI enhancements for ordering kiosks can lead to an average increase in ticket size of 20.3% by providing upsell suggestions to customers
Smart Suggestive Selling: This feature simplifies sales analysis, A/B testing, and product configuration into a single click, optimizing the value of each order.
Engaging Content: Attract more traffic to your kiosk with content that automatically creates a visually attractive loop from your existing menu images.
Menu Descriptions: Generate appealing descriptions for menu items using AI, which can influence customers to order more or higher-priced items.
POS Clover 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. A great example of how kiosks can help a business save costs as well as how readily customers adopt the technology these days. More orders and faster orders with fewer people. One of the restaurant’s main points is shortening the decision process customers go through when ordering (and not tying up employees to wait on them while they do).
Thank you for your interest in the SuzoHapp Marketplace, the new Trading Platform for the Gaming Industry.
The SuzoHapp Marketplace was created to assist customers and suppliers alike to provide access to a global network of contacts to buy and sell excess stock. Stock that would otherwise sit on warehouse shelves, which can now be liquidated to cash and reduce inventories or supplement supply chain shortages. In creating a platform of this nature, we also acknowledge that we can contribute directly to the environmentally conscious and sustainability aspects of our industry.
As a registered user of the Marketplace, you are able to browse the items available for sale, send enquires for the items that you are interested in, and send requests for items needed that may not be listed on the platform. The back end of the SuzoHapp Marketplace is, by design, not a fully automated system, in that for us, one of the key elements of the platform is to retain and improve the communication directly between you as our customer and your SuzoHapp sales manager.
Through your Marketplace account, you are able to add products to the Marketplace that you would like to sell, and you can stay up to date on the interest shown in your products through the use of your personalised dashboard. There is an easy-to-use guide, which we will make available to you, which will help you through the simple process of adding products to the platform, making enquiries for items, or asking about items that you need. We will also engage with you on a Teams video call to help you set up the account and to navigate the platform.
If you would like access to the SuzoHapp Marketplace and be part of this exciting new platform, please ask your Suzohapp Sales Manager or contact Markus Prader directly [email protected]
Distressed Inventory as well as new kiosks and/or devices for sale are also posted on the Kioskindustry “For Sale” database. Today we posted 10″ Tablet deal for $80 for example. See our For Sale page
LOCKERS
Interested in electronic pickup lockers. We have new solution for 72 compartments complete with software for under $40K total. Think Amazon Hubs and USPS lockers. Contact [email protected]
Robot Waiters
New robot waiter pricing down from 9K to promotional under $5K
We all heard about the settlement with VISA and Mastercard and how consumers would see benefit. Unfortunately that is only a headline, not a fact. Once again Jordan with Reforming Retail breaks the settlement down, and what we find is same old same old (increasing rates). I like his cookies analogy where there are three ingredients: eggs, flour and sugar. After much discussion the cookie manufacturers agree to lower the cost of eggs. But guess what — the flour and sugar are going up.
Get a subscription to Reforming Retail to stay in the know is our advice.
Here’s a Pilot summary of the key points:
20-Year Litigation: discusses a lengthy legal battle involving Visa and Mastercard, accused of operating a duopoly and imposing excessive fees
Settlement Outcome: It highlights that the settlement benefits lawyers more than merchants, with no significant changes for small businesses.
Swipe Fees Data: The article provides data showing a record $160 billion in swipe fees paid by U.S. merchants in 2022, a 16.7% increase from 2021
Fundamental Change Needed: The text argues that without a fundamental restructuring of the payment system, merchants will continue to face unfair fees
The article is critical of the current payment system and suggests that real change is necessary for merchants to benefit.
Here’s your Chat GPT summary of the Visa, Mastercard settlement:
After 20 years of litigation there’s no practical change and merchants will continue to get screwed
The lawyers are the real winners, reaping billions of dollars despite a useless outcome
Visa and Mastercard will continue making unlimited money via non-Interchange fees (i.e. dues and assessments)
Small merchants on flat-rate pricing will see any potential benefit accrue to their processors
Zero practical changes to surcharging despite the lip service
The Visa, Mastercard Settlement Is A Massive Joke And A Waste of Everyone’s Time
After 20 years of litigation, where merchants (rightly) accused Visa and Mastercard of operating a duopoly and extracting limitless fees as they sought fit, a settlement has finally been reached.
The winners?
The lawyers.
In fact, in reading the outcome of the settlement we’re convinced that the plaintiffs’ lawyers knew that their clients weren’t actually going to receive any benefit.
That’s right merchants: after this settlement you can… keepbending over and taking even more from the payments ecosystem.
In no way, shape, or form do merchants win, particularly the “small business” variety for which Visa and Mastercard so arduously fight to protect from… themselves? We never understood their positioning, frankly.
And nor will merchants ever win without a fundamental restructuring of payments as we know it.
Some data:
FACT: Per Nilson Report, in 2022, U.S. merchants paid a record $160 billion in swipe fees. This represents a 16.7% increase in fees from 2021.
FACT: American merchants—retailers, restaurants, contractors and anyone that accept credit cards—pay five times more in swipe fees for the exact same transaction than VISA and Mastercard charge businesses in other countries.
That’s because Visa and Mastercard (and to lesser extent Amex) are utilities, protected by banking and finance laws that ensure that utilities continue to reap tens of billions a year in what is tantamount to EBITDA (the card schemes have no real costs and one only need examine Pix to quantify the expense of both building and maintaining a real-time payment network supporting trillions of dollars in volume; hint, it’s a few million dollars).
Let’s break our discussion/analysis into three buckets.
Interchange “Cap” Does Not Equal Lower Processing Costs
Talk about a con job.
What great collusion from the attorneys on this one.
Plaintiff Attorneys: Okay, so our law firm can’t make billions without something to show for it. What can you offer us?
Defendant Attorneys: Hmm… what if we agree that our clients will lower “Interchange”?
Plaintiff Attorneys: Wait: won’t that affect your client’s revenues? I own a lot of their stock since they’re duopolies with infinite pricing power and I need that to pay from my wife’s 9th rhinoplasty.
Defendant Attorneys: LOLz. Bro, do you even litigate? “Interchange” caps mean nothing! Our clients have dues, assessments, and other fees that they can add to their hearts’ desire to ensure that they keep crushing the quarter so your wife won’t look a day over 77.
Plaintiff Attorneys: Thank you, Jesus!
Defendant Attorneys: Just remember who did you a solid when your firm takes your $2B payday.
Plaintiff Attorneys: Oh, don’t you worry: I’ll definitely be calling my wife’s plastic surgeon to tell him that your wife’s next boob job is on me.
Defendant Attorneys: Perfect. See at our 8 AM tee time tomorrow.
Let’s see if we can’t put this into an easier analogy to follow.
Imagine that you belong to a race of people that must eat cookies to survive.
Cookies have three ingredients: eggs, flour, and sugar.
There are only two cookie manufacturers, and they are very aware that your entice race of people will die without cookies.
And they keep increasing the price of cookies.
Well, some of you cookie-eaters band together and sue the cookie manufacturers.
After much hemming and hawing, the two cookie manufacturers agree to lower the price of eggs.
Your lawyers pat themselves on the back.
But you’re no fool.
You know that there are two other ingredients in the cookies.
Without a guarantee that the flour and sugar will also come down in cost, the cookies might be more expensive.
Not only might, but with near certainty will be more expensive given the history of the cookie manufacturers.
WTF?
Note: we are not anti-capitalists by any stretch of the imagination. Indeed, we are about as pro free-market as one can get. But Visa and Mastercard do NOT operate in a free market, and that is the delusion here.
Visa and Mastercard are free to change non-Interchange fees as they see fit, and we guarantee that they will.
Watch.
There will be no missing earnings despite the optics this settlement might have you believe.
SMB Merchants Get Hosed
Let us tell you a story from 9 years ago.
In a far away land called Europa, the governing bodies looked at the costs of payment acceptance and viewed them as a tax on their constituents (never mind that Europa had a seemingly endless number of other taxes that drove many businesses to establish operations elsewhere).
In 2015 these governing bodies passed a law called PSD2 that included provisions to lower the cost of payments acceptance.
How?
By reducing the cost of interchange, or the amount that the card issuing banks and card schemes take from each card transaction.
But the people working in those governing bodies had never actually had a real job, or they would know better.
Just because one decrees something doesn’t make it so.
The governing bodies had clearly forgotten about mercedem fratibus, colloquially known as merchant acquirers, or to all our readers, payment bros.
This particular group of individuals believe it their God-given responsibility to ensure that merchants receive no such savings from any decree, and that instead those savings end up in their own pockets.
And that’s precisely what transpired.
A European Commission study in 2020 found that the interchange caps redistributed revenues from interchange: merchants saved $1.2B Euros annually, and then merchant acquirers gained $1.2B Euros annually.
The merchants who recognized the savings?
Large, tier 1 merchants that hired their own payment bro consultants.
Back to the US settlement…
Under the agreed-upon guidelines, Visa and Mastercard would reduce swipe rates by at least four basis points (0.04 percentage points) for three years and ensure an average rate that is seven basis points below the current average for five years.
These savings will not reach SMB merchants because their processors are nearly exclusively flat-rate their processing pricing. So instead of their merchants seeing the benefit on an interchange plus pricing model, their merchants are paying a flat, fixed percentage on each transaction, with savings accreting to the processor.
Just like in that magical land of Europa, these processors will see a 7 bps increase in EBITDA.
Not revenue: EBITDA.
As far as this blog’s coverage is concerned, here’s who stands to benefit:
Toast
Square
Shopify
Lightspeed
The math for these guys will be quite compelling. Toast for example, does $126B of GPV. 7 bps on this is $88M.
Of free money.
The Surcharging Changes Do Nothing
There’s a lot of indigestion over surcharging.
Smart consumers hate it. The average consumer who thinks that they’re earning 1% cash back by paying via card is actually losing 3% to pay via card as processors convince more merchants to surcharge.
The card schemes hate it because the above math should, at some point, lead consumers to use alternative payment methods (but Americans are nearly as financially illiterate as merchants).
Payment bros love it. What easier way to make free money than to surcharge?
But those asshole card schemes are capping my surcharge income by decreasing the surcharge limits to 3%. It should be a much more reasonable cap of 3,000,000%.That feels fair for the value I provide.
No shortage of animosity.
And confusion.
That’s because if you actually read the surcharging language in the merchant rules for Visa, Mastercard, and Amex, you’ll find discordance that makes it impermissible to surcharge.
Since this settlement pertains to Visa and Mastercard we need to read the Amex rules:
3.2. Treatment of the American Express Brand
Merchants must not… impose any restrictions, conditions, disadvantages, or fees when the Card is accepted that are not imposed equally on all Other Payment Products, except for electronic funds transfer, or cash and check,
FIS does a great job producing collateral that explains the discordance:
Amex has a non-discrimination policy, but their regulations require imposing equal treatment across all Other Payment products. A payment product is defined as any charge, credit, debit, stored value, prepaid, smart card, account access devices or other payment cards, services or products other than the Card. Since the Amex requirement includes debit and prepaid products and it is against Visa and Mastercard rules to surcharge debit and prepaid products, merchants wishing to charge a surcharge would be considered non-compliant (from an Amex rules perspective) in certain scenarios.
None of the merchant rules make sense because none of the card schemes actually want merchants to surcharge.
In comes this VIsa, Mastercard settlement to confuse surcharging even more… but it’s for absolutely nothing.
Motion for the sake of motion with nothing substantive accomplished.
At least the proposed surcharging language is consistent with the rest of the settlement and is, in itself, a huge joke and waste of everyone’s time.
Borrowing from TSG’s analysis, here are the four main points as the settlement pertains to surcharging:
Brand Level Surcharge Rules on Credit (not Debit) Cards: A brand-level surcharge is one in which the merchant imposes the same surcharge on all of a particular network’s (e.g., Visa’s) credit cards regardless of the issuing bank (e.g., Chase) or the product (e.g., Visa Signature card). Under the Settlement Agreement, a merchant can surcharge all Visa-Branded Credit Cards up to 1% regardless of whether the merchant also surcharges other comparator credit cards that it accepts, e.g., American Express or Discover. Under the Settlement Agreement, a merchant can surcharge all Visa-Branded Credit Cards up to 3% (or the merchant’s cost of acceptance if it is less than 3%), if the merchant either (a) does not accept other comparator credit cards (e.g., American Express or Discover) or (b) does accept those comparator credit cards but also surcharges them in at least the same amount. The same rules apply to surcharging Mastercard-Branded Credit Cards at the brand level.
Product Level Surcharge Rules on Credit (not Debit) Cards: A product-level surcharge is one in which the merchant imposes the same surcharge on all of the network’s (e.g., Visa’s) credit cards of a specific product type, e.g., Visa Signature credit cards, regardless of the issuing bank (e.g., Chase). Under the Settlement Agreement, a merchant can surcharge a particular Visa-Branded Credit Card product up to 1% regardless of whether the merchant also surcharges the comparable products of other comparator credit cards that it accepts (e.g., American Expressor Discover). Under the Settlement Agreement, a merchant can surcharge a particular Visa-Branded Credit Card product up to 3% (or the merchant’s cost of acceptance if it is less than 3%), if the merchant either (a) does not accept other comparator credit cards (e.g., American Express or Discover) or (b) does accept those comparator credit cards but also surcharges their comparable products in at least the same amount. If the merchant cannot readily determine its cost of acceptance of the Visa product at the point-of-sale, before authorization using electronic data, the merchant can consider its cost of acceptance to be 3%. The same rules apply to surcharging Mastercard-Branded Credit Cards at the product level.
Surcharging Visa but not Mastercard, and Vice-Versa: The Settlement Agreement provides that, subject to the rules described above, a merchant may surcharge Visa-Branded Credit Cards (at the brand or product level) but not Mastercard-Branded Credit Cards (at the brand or product level), or surcharge Visa-Branded Credit Cards at one level (brand or product) and surcharge Mastercard-Branded Credit Cards at a different level (brand or product), and vice versa, in any combination.
No-Discounting and Non-Discrimination Rules: Visa and Mastercard will modify their “no discounting” and “non-discrimination” rules to clarify that merchants may offer discounts to their customers at the issuer level, i.e. discounts that vary by the issuing financial institution of the credit or debit card.
In plain English:
You still can’t surcharge more than 3% even if your cost of acceptance is higher than 3% (it happens)
You can’t practically surcharge any card brand (e.g. Visa) more than any other card brand (e.g. Mastercard)
Technically any surcharging is still impermissible if the merchant accepts Amex
So, in effect, no actual benefit to merchants.
Shocker.
This is how absurd this whole thing is.
Imagine you’re in the market to buy a car and you want a lower price.
You: What’s the best you can do on price?
Car dealer: How about I call a random person in India?
You: Huh? What’s that have to do with anything?
Car dealer: I know: I’ll eat a salad for lunch tomorrow!
You: Are you f*cking high? What is wrong with you?
This conversation, in essence, summarizes the entirety of this settlement.
Here’s your Chat GPT summary of the Visa, Mastercard settlement:
After 20 years of litigation there’s no practical change and merchants will continue to get screwed
The lawyers are the real winners, reaping billions of dollars despite a useless outcome
Visa and Mastercard will continue making unlimited money via non-Interchange fees (i.e. dues and assessments)
Small merchants on flat-rate pricing will see any potential benefit accrue to their processors
Zero practical changes to surcharging despite the lip service
CBS NorthStar Partners with Datacap to Reform Payment Processing
Innovative Collaboration to Offer Any Payment, Any Place, Any Processor Solutions
CHALFONT, PA.– April 22nd , 2024 – In a move to enhance payment processing capabilities and address historical challenges, CBS NorthStar has announced a partnership with Datacap Systems(Datacap), a giant in the omnichannel payments arena. This collaboration delivers unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in payment processing for CBS NorthStar clients, solidifying a future of success and remedying past inconveniences.
CBS NorthStar, known for their commitment to providing cutting-edge technology solutions, has identified Datacap’s extensive experience and innovative solutions as key to developing how businesses handle transactions. “CBS Recognized the needs for our clients continue to evolve. Our previous solutions were not able to meet the needs of the everchanging consumer so we partnered with Datacap to help provide for their needs.,” comments Jeremy Julian, CRO of CBS NorthStar. “Datacap, with over 40 years of experience in the payments industry since 1983, brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success that stands to benefit CBS NorthStars clientele immensely.”
“CBS NorthStar is a powerhouse in the restaurant space, who has been delivering value through their suite of business management tools for over two decades. They have a unique ability to blend their industry experience with emerging technologies when solving complex problems for their merchants. We are excited to be partnering with CBS NorthStar and look forward to a long term mutually beneficial relationship,“ commented George Hudock, VP of Business Development at Datacap.
Key Features and Benefits:
Universal Payments Integration: NorthStar’s Order Entry and Datacap’s state-of-the-art universal payments integration offers immediate access to an extensive range of payment processors. This feature, combined with a selection of EMV-ready devices from leading OEMs, ensures that businesses can accommodate all types of payments, anytime and anywhere.
Industry-Leading Omnichannel Payments Provider: The partnership leverages Datacap’s status as an industry-leading provider, enabling seamless and efficient payment experiences across all channels.
OS-Agnostic Solutions: With a focus on versatility, CBS NorthStar’s and Datacap’s OS-agnostic payment solutions ensure that businesses can implement cutting-edge payment processing capabilities regardless of their existing operating system environments.
Versatility Across Industries: Datacap’s technology is designed to be industry-agnostic, offering customizable solutions that cater to the specific needs of any business vertical. This flexibility ensures that CBS NorthStar clients from all sectors can benefit from the partnership.
This partnership represents a significant milestone for CBS NorthStar, underscoring its dedication to rectifying past challenges and laying a solid foundation for a prosperous future. By integrating Datacap's innovative payment solutions, CBS NorthStar is set to offer its clients a level of payments flexibility and reliability that is unprecedented in the industry. This is truly a step towards a brighter future for the CBS NorthStar clients.
CBS NorthStar and Datacap are excited to embark on this journey together, ushering in a new era of payment processing that promises flexible omnichannel payment solutions for all clients. This collaboration is not just about technology; its about building trust, enhancing customer satisfaction, and driving business success for years to come.
For more information on how this partnership will transform your payment processing experience, please contact CBS NorthStar.
About CBS NorthStar
At CBS NorthStar, we’re not just about software; we’re about redefining service in the hospitality industry. Our innovative platform transforms how restaurants and hospitality businesses operate, increasing operational efficiency, boosting revenue, and enriching the guest experience. Tailored to meet the unique needs of the industry, our solutions are designed to make a tangible difference in your business.
With over 20 years dedicated to innovation in hospitality technology, we pride ourselves on
understanding the challenges our customers face and crafting enduring solutions. Our commitment to excellence and passion for service drive us to deliver cutting-edge technology and exceptional support every day. #FindyourNorthStar
Datacap develops payment processor and hardware-agnostic omnichannel integrated payment
solutions for any Point of Sale, regardless of system architecture. One simple interface allows Point of Sale developers to keep pace with evolving trends and payment industry standards, via plug-and-play integrated payments solutions, so they can spend development dollars on POS innovation
It’s a good time with NRA coming up to review some of the robot servers that are “flooding” the market now. Recently a feature on CBSnews and California restaurant (see link below)
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.
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 buildin
Pyramid– best known for its diverse lineup of Self-Checkout/Self-Serve and Digital Signage solutions – is constantly striving for ‘what’s next’.
It’s with that in mind that we are proud to announce our newest development: The POLYTOUCH SWIFT.
Our new SWIFTcomes with everything you need to make ordering as smooth as possible for your guests. Characteristics include:
Small Footprint
With a footprint of just 42 × 27.5 cm (16.5″ x 11″), it conserves the resources of your valuable space.
Easy Installation
With just four screws, it can be assembled in a short time.
Loaded With Peripherals
Coming with Touch Display, Payment Holder, Printer, Scanner and optional ADA, Status Light and more.
Interested in learning more about the SWIFT, or any of our other products? Just let me know and we’d be happy to set up a quick call to answer any questions you might have!
Kiosks are everywhere, helping scammers steal cash from victims
Article from AARP in March 2024 on What to Know About Cryptocurrency ATMs and Why Criminals Love Them. There is a nice video explaining it all. Thanks to Francie M.
cryptocurrency atm kiosk
Here’s a summary of the key points
Scam Incident: Alaina Weisman, a 77-year-old actor and writer, was tricked into feeding over $11,000 into a cryptocurrency ATM by scammers posing as federal agents
Crypto ATMs: These kiosks are increasingly being used by scammers for various schemes, with over 49,000 in the U.S., up from about 1,200 in 2017
Scammer Tactics: Scammers exploit the ATM’s resemblance to traditional bank ATMs and the anonymity of cryptocurrency to move victims’ cash into untraceable accounts.
Consumer Protection: Several states are enacting laws to regulate crypto ATMs, and authorities urge reporting scams to the FTC and FBI’s IC3.gov
For detailed information on how victims can protect themselves from further loss or identity theft after a scam, the web page suggests contacting the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline
The bitcoin vending kiosks often get called “Bitcoin ATMs”. They get called “BTMs” for that matter. Noted on Fox8 —
In Brief Summary
Bitcoin of America did not have a license for Ohio for “money transmission” terminals
Three arrested including the CEO
50 Bitcoin “ATMs” seized (Mostly neighborhood gas stations)
BOA has around 2,500 “ATMs” in 31 states
8 victims but “tip of the iceberg”
They are all charged with one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, one count of conspiracy, eight counts of money laundering, eight counts of receiving stolen property, 33 counts of license requirement violation, five counts of tampering with records, one count of possessing criminal tools and one count of taxation.
The news5cleveland people have a nice video summarizing everything.
Video
Excerpt
Prosecutors say the machines were frequently, and in some cases exclusively, used as a middleman between scammers and their victims. All the while, prosecutors say Bitcoin of America took 20% off the top of every illegal transaction.
The Secret Service also says that the company’s lack of licensing and compliance with the law allowed for funds taken from Northeast Ohio to go to criminal groups in Russia and to neo-Nazi groups.
Insight
The 20% markup was in addition to the standard transaction fee markup which was ??. Was there anything limiting the size of the transaction? Unknown.
California has proposed limiting the transaction fee markup the bitcoin kiosk operators can charge. 2% or $5.
Many of the bitcoin kiosks are operated in underserved communities and are a positive factor for the stores there.
Seems related to Cannabis and cash in that regulatory controls have been avoided. Congress seems more interested in disagreeing with each other than working with each other.
Asian Grill, known for its authentic regional cuisines, has recently implemented XPR’s self ordering kiosks and mobile application to help automate the ordering process. Along with the new equipment throughout the kitchen to help relay orders to the staff, these changes have helped to improve operational efficiency, check averages, and the overall customer experience.
XPR’s kiosks have a simple, yet appealing interface to increase guest satisfaction. Upon entering the restaurant, customers can easily skip the line and use either of the 2 large self ordering kiosk solutions. There the customer can build and submit their orders. If they are paying with credit card the customer can pay using the readers attached to the kiosk. If they wish to pay by cash a receipt is printed with a barcode that can then be taken to the cashier station to complete payment. Customers can also place order at the register if they wish to do so. There are 2 large menu boards above the register with high resolution images to help sell the menu items.
Asian Grill is also using a XPR’s mobile app which allows customers to order from their mobile devices, securely pay by credit card, and have their order ready for pickup when they arrive at the restaurant.
Here are our Asia Self Service and Kiosk media partners
China International Self-service, Kiosk and Vending Show | Shanghai International Smart Retailing Show
As one of the core exhibitions of HOTEL PLUS Shanghai International Hotel and Business Space Exposition, is held at Shanghai New International Expo Center in every April. So far, 16 sessions of CVS have been successfully launched, renowned in self-service and smart retail industry at home and abroad.
CVS, as a professional exhibition, provides various self-service terminals, products in the vending machine and relevant accessories, integrated solution and trading service for hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, office buildings, hospitals, communities and other business spaces; meanwhile, it links the smart applications, products and suppliers, and converges the various business giants in the smart retail industry chain to advance the development of smart retail under the support of well-known enterprises in the industry.
Situated at the forefront of innovative retail solutions, Retail Asia Conference & Expo (RACE) is a must-attend event that brings together the brightest minds in the retail industry to explore revolutionary ideas and cutting-edge technologies to ride the new wave of consumerism in Asia.
Hong Kong May 6-8, 2020
https://www.retailasiaexpo.com/about/
Digital Signage Expo Shanghai
Starting from 2009, Digital Signage has been showcasing variety exhibits including large terminal screen display, LCD panel, LCD spliced screen, LED display, glasses-free 3D display, laser projector, indoor and outdoor advertising display, virtual dressing display, touch screen, multi touch integrated machine, multimedia display system, content creation, high-definition transmission process and related accessories and services. From 2016, Digital Signage becomes one of flagship events of UBM TRUST, which is concurrently held with SIGN CHINA and LED CHINA to share the industry resources.
Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Address:
Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre
(Longyang Road 2345)
Exhibit Profile
Complete Machine Zone: Internet Advertising Player, LCD Advertising Player, Digital Board, Interactive Advertising Player
Display Area: Large Screens Display, LCD and Other Displaying Devices, Led Display, 3D Naked Eye Stereoscopic Display, VR/AR Large Screen Interaction, Desktop Display, Plasma Display
Starbucks Kiosk
Starbucks announced on Monday a plan to implement the coffee franchise’s first self-order kiosks in select stores across tourist-heavy areas in South Korea and Japan.
The kiosks are aimed at enhancing the customer experience by reducing wait times and streamlining the ordering process.
In South Korea, the kiosks will debut at the Starbucks Korea branch in ...
Outdoor Kiosks
One of our APAC members is Best Kiosk. Kitty is the main rep and here is a nice article by her on outdoor kiosks
Kiosks have become very helpful tools for businesses. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, they are a flexible, affordable, and customer-friendly option for walk-in customers.
When comparing indoor vs outdoor kiosks, there are ...
Vending Automation at NAMA
The future of unattended retail was on full display last week at the Las Vegas Convention Center. And the take-home for the approximately 5,200 attendees at the three-day NAMA Show was that the future has already arrived, thanks to the rapid pace of self-service technology and the consumer’s rising acceptance of self-service. ...
Skechers and We Are Social Singapore Launched the Luna Kiosk
Nice modern iteration of AI enabled kiosk. Personalized stylist recommends clothes and shoes based on what you are wearing and talks and listens.
Here’s a summary of the article titled “Skechers and We Are Social Singapore“:
Overview
Skechers has partnered with We Are Social Singapore to launch an innovative marketing initiative that focuses on ...
Self Service Market Research Review
We see reports generated by “analysts” who never talk to people and simply summarize the internet (which is often riddled with old companies). We have an obligation to review sometimes. Here are some quick notes on the latest “offering”.
Let’s begin by saying the Self Service Market is definitely increasing. We all ...
Narrow Touch Screen 16:3
Nice touchscreen “bar” monitor unit from TDS Touch. $525 quantity 1. Figure the bulk price will be $475. Sample price is approximately $650.
24″ “Bar” configuration (16×3 format). TDS Touch is based in California so no worries on tariffs. Check with Helen — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tds-touch-helen-55a737132/
Features
Metal shell, open-frame structure
LEDL energy saving backlight
Special 16:3 narrow elongated ...
Mini-PC Quote Example with Tariff
Talk about a rollercoaster… The White House seems to have a new strategy every three days. The only thing for certain would seem to be uncertainty where it all ends up. The winners seem to be Europe and Asia for now.
To measure the practical effect we looked at core component for ...
Here are our Asia Self Service and Kiosk media partners
China International Self-service, Kiosk and Vending Show | Shanghai International Smart Retailing Show
As one of the core exhibitions of HOTEL PLUS Shanghai International Hotel and Business Space Exposition, is held at Shanghai New International Expo Center in every April. So far, 16 sessions of CVS have ...
Kiosk Market latest prediction 2024 – click for full size
There are many reports with many numbers and most of them are from research data firms (India) trying to make a buck. We have seen good reports, bad reports, and even done our own reports. Frost and Sullivan did their due diligence way back when but that generation of genuine data providers has passed unfortunately. Here is what the Kiosk Industry Group will say.
August 2025 — R&M still calls it 44B but they doublecount and don’t research.
Most reputable sources (excluding company press releases and studies with vague or inflated numbers) cluster in the $30billion–$37billion range globally for 2025.
The US market alone is usually cited at about $12–$15billion for interactive kiosks in 2025.
For 2024 — $16B is still a good number but remember that is a composite of several revenue/sale mechanisms. Support and service can easily be 25%. Software can easily be same or double or triple. Installation, shipping and logistics are always forgotten. You cannot take average cost of kiosk (e.g. $7,000) and divide that in 16B and get shipped units. Hopefully you don’t work in accounting (though possible).You can double count and triple count and quadruple count if you insist on biggest possible numbers. Or you can be reasonably accurate.
2024 Update — It’s interesting to see all the hiring and firing. Levels are up for both. Some thoughts:
Rising demand
More challenges – big super projects take a back seat to 3 at that restaurant and 3 at this one.
More variants of self-service (lockers, robotics and POS are zooming)
Tough for fat profit margins
The declining market in China is causing those vendors to now look to US
Other hotspots like Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia
$16B is still a good number but remember that is a composite of several revenue/sale mechanisms. Support and service can easily be 25%. Software can easily be same. Installation, shipping and logistics are always forgotten. You cannot take average cost of kiosk (e.g. $5,000) and divide that in 16B and get shipped units. Hopefully you don’t work in accounting (though possible
If you are interested in what those $5000 reports being hawked over the internet are going to tell you, here is a sample from 2023. Internet scrape reports are not much different than get rich digital currency deals
Knowing the ecosystem of payment devices with people UCP Inc. and Datacap is highly recommended
$799 billion: Restaurant industry sales in 2021, down $65 billion from 2019’s pre-pandemic levels
14.5 million: Restaurant industry employees at the end of 2021, down 1 million from pre-pandemic levels
90,000: Restaurant locations temporarily or permanently closed because of the pandemic
9 in 10 restaurants have fewer than 50 employees
7 in 10 restaurants are single-unit operations
8 in 10 restaurant owners started their industry careers in entry-level positions
9 in 10 restaurant managers started in entry-level positions
Restaurants employ more minority managers than any other industry
41% of restaurant firms are owned by minorities – compared to 30% of businesses in the overall private sector.
The waitstaff at full-service restaurants earns a median of $27.00 an hour, with the highest-paid group making $41.50 an hour and the lowest, $19.00 an hour.
Our data is from the National Restaurant Association 2023 along with Nations Restaurant News. They keep each other fairly honest.
Our Past Predictions
Click for full size Bingo Card Predictions
2023
The workforce shortage will continue and that will drive self-service options for customers.
And even more so this year for employees and robotics are gaining traction.
Face-enabled contactless transactions will easily triple
The main media will always focus on high-value/high-click targets such as Walmart, Aldi, Krogers and Mcdonald’s
New technology will become more widely available-to and deployed in small and medium and medium business. Cloud services help aggregate those offerings and become a viable distribution channel.
This post is continually updated..
Restaurant Kiosks, Self-Order Kiosks and McDonalds Kiosks – March 10, 2022 Viewpoint
Worldwide kiosks by region
There is always interest in metrics for restaurants and self-order despite being a somewhat saturated market at the top end (McDonalds, KFC, etc) and historically a low profit margin for kiosk manufacturers. The only advantage is having manufactured for Walmart is being totally prepared for manufacturing for McDonalds 🙂
It starts in North America and the number of restaurants McDonald’s has. And then Yum, and then another 400 or so. It gets problematic when you consider All In Ones (AIOs) or even ala carte ad hoc customer order systems such as Costco. Perhaps kiosks in function, but not in composition.
The chart to the right is a quick estimation based on a series of excel sheets drawn from corporate sites, NRN, NRF and others. Year over Year growth trends.
With a region like Asia, what about China? YUM is huge there. Just look at restaurants domestic and international.
US
International
KFC
3943
21000
Pizza Hut
6561
11000
Taco Bell
6799
628
Habit
278
9
That was 2022 — How About 2025?
2025 restaurant count
Kiosk Market Data
The US market alone is usually cited at about $12–$15billion for interactive kiosks in 2025.
Latest from IndustryARC — expected to reach a valuation of USD 56.49 billion by 2031, growing at a steady CAGR of 7.1%. — Terrible list of participant profiles (only 6 players) — : KIOSK Information Systems Advantech Meridian Kiosks Hitachi SlabbKiosks – Kiosk Manufacturer & Distributor Kiosk Innovations Armagard REDYREF Interactive Kiosks PARTTEAM & OEMKIOSKS® SZZT ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD. Olea Kiosks Kiosk Kiosks
MetroClick ZYTRONIC Nanonation Protouch Qwick Media Inc.
Research and Markets November 2023 — These people from India are fairly persistent. Every two months they push another report. They have lowered their prices down to $2500
Ironically they call out Vending Kiosks as the big segment though they never identify what a Vending kiosk actually is
Looks like they include SCOs, hybrids and ATMs given NCR and DN.
Glory Limited does cash, not kiosks. Source Tech isn’t a player at all. Embross is only airlines and Lilitab is iPad tablets. Intuiface is software and Slabb only does micro markets (though they want to expand that.).
Pretty misleading report all around. You should recommend to your competitors.
KioskMarketplace 2023 – Their number is $14.52 but no indication how they came up with that. In the past surveys of vendors, 200 or less, is the sample survey crowd. Chicken bones at midnight in the parking lot and copy of account receivables is our guess. In 2022, the recovery gained momentum, delivering $14.52 billion in global sales of interactive kiosks, not counting ATMs and refreshment vending machines, a 20% gain over the $12.1 billion in 2021, and a 6-point increase over the prior one-year gain, according to the 2023 Kiosk Marketplace Census.
TechNavio – $8B in 2027. CAGR = 12.6% — Looks like usual internet scrape/reformat. 20 companies profiled including Zivelo who went out of business 5 years ago. Some lockers and micromarket companies. Out of 10 stars we give it 3 stars. — Link
The global digital signage market size is expected to grow from USD 20.40 billion in 2021 to USD 36.89 billion by 2028; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 8.8% from 2022 to 2028. From Yahoo
The digital wayfinding solutions market is projected to reach US$ 665.0 million by 2028 from US$ 234.6 million in 2021; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.0% from 2021 to 2028. The key companies operating in the digital wayfinding solutions market and profiled in the report include 22 Miles, Inc.; Acquire Digital; Click Grafix; ConnectedSign; Gozio Inc.; Jarma Technologies LLC; LamasaTech Ltd; Ping HD; TrouDigital; Visix, Inc.; Xtreme Media Pvt. Ltd.; Everbridge Inc.; and Digital Wayfinding Solution (Advertise Me Pty Ltd). ReportLinker — Moreover, 22Miles offers 3D interactive navigation for touchscreens, video walls, and mobile devices, along with intelligent routing, for any audience or setting. Thus, the popularity of interactive wayfinding software is expected to drive the demand for digital wayfinding solutions market during the forecast period.
Rankings of the Top 50 food and grocery retailers and wholesalers in the U.S. and Canada, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, dollar stores, convenience stores and drugstores. Sales figures are based on reports from public retail companies and, in cases of privately owned companies, IGD estimates. Amazon almost as large as Kroger and Costco combined. +43% change (8% typical)
Digital Delivery Report 2022 — Order & Delivery report examines industry trends across the digital ordering landscape, from multiunit brands to independent restaurants
and c-stores. The primary areas of focus are sales, guest experience, fulfillment method, and guest retention. — Paytronix Order And Delivery Report 2022-compressed
66% of consumers prefer self-service over interacting with an employee because it is faster and less stressful. [Palmer Retail]
Payment Options: 29% of consumers prefer contactless payments such as mobile wallets, contactless payment kiosks, and QR code payments.
“According to a recent study on checkout lines, 69 percent of shoppers said long lines were the most irritating part of shopping,” Rob Meiner with Peerless-AV said. “That beat out high prices (66 percent) and inventory being out of stock (65 percent). Eighty-four percent of those customers said watching digital displays helped them pass the time while they waited.
IHL Growth Numbers 2021
kiosk market research 2019 numbers
Self-Checkout 178%
Consumer Mobile Checkout 300%
Contactless Payment 190%
Electronic Shelf Labels 600%
Dark Stores 900%
Before listing out market reports, bear in mind that most of the reports will include supermarket and even ATM segments (e.g. NCR or Diebold Nixdorf). NCR is $40B company and does hybrid checkout “kiosks” for Walmart. The Kiosk Association report filtered out double-counting and non-relevant units.
Data Mart Market Reports (Pick your poison – red is for appears to be internet generated)
2025 August Research and Markets — 44B growing to 64B — still stuck on SCO Self-Checkout for most part.
SNS Insider 2024 (Pune) — Note that these people INCLUDE ATMs in their market. 50% of their number. As per the SNS Insider Report, “The Interactive Kiosk Market was valued at USD 32.18 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 64.51 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.05% over the forecast period 2024-2032.”
Jun 9 – ResearchAndMarkets — 40B now and 63B in 2027 — ATMs, Vending and Kiosks. 14 companies listed. Only 4 full kiosk manufacturers. No ATM manufacturers.
ResearchAndMarkets Poised to grow by $ 3.33 bn during 2022-2026 progressing at a CAGR of 6.05% during the forecast period. April 22 — Report Linker and ResearchandMarkets
ResearchAndMarkets 10.397B in 2026 – Research and Markets Self-Service Ticket Machines (they resell reports from market data report generators – this one has some very unusual companies listed. Feb 2022. Usual non-relevant names and minor producers.
7.9% CAGR – Research & Markets Interactive Display Market – October 2021
52.74M USD by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period. ReportLinker
12.1B interactive kiosk sales KMC 2022 Census (11.9 in 2019). There was no quoted source for those numbers. – did not include ATMs or refreshment vending machines[based on 300 questionnaires to readers]
4.6B in 2026 – U.S. market for self-service kiosks should grow from $2.4 billion in 2021 to $4.6 billion by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% for the period of 2021-2026. This is 2022 report by BCC Research
2017 — 8.9B in 2017 – Frost & Sullivan
2022 — 10.3B in 2022 – Frost & Sullivan
2021 — R&M put it at 2.4B
2.8B in 2022 and 4.4B by 2025 — SS KMA report
8.9B Revenue – Frost — The self-service kiosks market had a revenue of $8,916.8 million and registered total shipments of 2,277,523 units in 2017.
36B by 2027 – Global Interactive Kiosk Market to reach USD 35.9 billion by 2027. Global Interactive Kiosk Market is valued approximately at USD 25.0 billion in 2019 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of more than 4.6% over the forecast period 2020-2027. [MarketStudyReport]
32B by 2027 – The global interactive kiosk market size was valued at $14.76 billion in 2018, and is projected to reach $32.51 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2020 to 2027. [Allied]
22B by 2021 – The global kiosk market is projected to grow from $22.69 billion in 2021 to $51.05 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 12.3% in forecast period [2021-2028] [Fortune]
21B by 2027 – The self-service kiosk market is US $11,319 million in 2019 and it is projected to reach US $21,415.4 million by 2027. [ResearchAndMarkets]
36B by 2026 – The global Self Service Kiosk Market is estimated to surpass $35.8 billion mark by 2026 growing at an estimated CAGR of more than 6.4% [IndustryArc]
26B by 2020 – The global interactive kiosk market size was valued at USD 26.63 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028. [Grandview]
21B by 2027 – Self-Service Kiosk Market Growth Sturdy at 8.6% CAGR to Outstrip $21B by 2027 [Insight Partners]
45B by 2028 — The global interactive kiosk market size is expected to reach USD 45.32 billion by 2028. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2021 to 2028. [Report Linked]
CredibleMarkets August 2021 — typical “not credible” report listing out usual internet suspects
28 Billion by 2022 — The global self-service kiosk market is estimated to value USD 28 Bn in 2022 and reach USD 79.5 Bn by 2032. The projected CAGR of the market is 11% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.
KMA industry report — U.S market for self-service kiosks was valued at $2.6 billion in 2019. It is projected the self-service kiosks market in the U.S. will grow at a CAGR of 16.1% to reach $4.4 billion by 2025. [Kiosk Association 2019]
Here is story on Chick-Fil-A and virtual order takers in the drive thru (TikTok video) — link
Canadian organizations are taking a broad, strategic view of their kiosk investments, saying the number one business driver is to support their digital transformation, with 77% saying the technology will be important or very important in the next five years. [CDN
Kiosk Related Data
Square
73% of restaurants say they are experiencing a labor shortage.
Restaurants say that an average of 21% of positions are unfilled.
In 2021 36% of restaurants upgraded business technology this past year.
62% of restaurants say that automation would fill critical gaps in managing orders placed online, at the restaurant, and via delivery apps.
Restaurants that offer online ordering say that an average of 34% of their revenue currently comes from those channels.
49% of restaurants say that they plan to offer first-party delivery, while 62% say that they plan to offer third-party delivery.
Restaurants are able to turn tables faster, and recent Square data show that businesses average a 35% increase in sales within the first 30 days after they implement self-serve ordering with QR codes.
79% of customers say that they’d prefer to order via online kiosks rather than directly through staff — and not just for fast food.
45% of customers prefer it for casual dining
21% prefer it for fine dining.
Payment Options: 29% of consumers prefer contactless payments such as mobile wallets, contactless payment kiosks, and QR code payments.
Signage related data
Square
78% of customers say that there are benefits to digital menus.
11% of customers would avoid a restaurant with no digital menus.
45% of restaurants say that they plan to offer QR code menus even after COVID subsides.
Digital menus help communicate fluctuating prices and lessen the workload of printing new menus constantly. And 77% of customers say that they would understand if their favorite local restaurants raised prices.
According to a 2021 Fundera by NerdWallet study, 80% of consumers prefer to pay with a card.
Retail Data
Retail Services Currently Offered
32% of retailers say that not knowing enough about technology options/ platforms keeps them from selling goods through newer online or social channels.
28% of retailers say they have seen customers purchasing gift cards over the past year.
Retailers using eCommerce report that an average of 58% of their revenue currently comes from online sales.
84% of customers say measures put in place to make shopping a more contactless experience have made shopping more enjoyable.
18% of customers say they are interested in shopping via text or chat; among Gen Z consumers, that number jumps to 25%.
Among retailers who sell online, 74% say they sell on a social channel.
Facebook 59%
Instagram 34%
Twitter 28%
TikTok 18%
December 2021 — TikTok overtakes Google for 2021 Traffic Ratings [link]
Among customers, 20% are interested in window shopping with QR codes for purchases; among Millennials, that number jumps to 27%.
McKinsey – In total, self-checkout solutions in the Retail Environments setting could generate $430 billion to $520 billion in economic value in 2030, with more
than 80 percent of the value coming from cost reductions in the store and 20 percent from increased consumer surplus for shoppers, primarily from spending less time shopping. Adoption of self-checkout use cases is expected to increase from a relatively low 15 to 35 percent of organized retail today to 80 to 90 percent in 2030.
McKinsey – Retailers report that self-checkout is the fastest growing application of the IoT. Over the next two years, adoption by large retail chains of self-heckout
systems could exceed 50 percent.
US Retail has added more sales in 2021 than the entire retail economy for India. The growth…in 2021 through 11 months is $831b USD….for 2020, the entire retail economy for nearly 1.4b people was $814b USD for the year! The growth for November alone?…$91.1b USD…. That’s the total revenue for 2020 for Lowe’s…and just short of Target’s 2020 revenues just north of $93b. [IHL]
Total retail growth year to year is 18.2%…that’s a $5.5 trillion market growing at 18.2% for the year. And for the month…20.3%. Even taking out C-stores and Gas Stations… the growth was 16.5%. The growth last month?…16.1%…so the growth is accelerating, not slowing. [IHL]
Add to this that Gift Cards are up 414% for the holiday season and consumers generally spend 25% more than their gift card value when redeemed thus extending the holiday season. [IHL]
Four tips for SMS marketing
Telehealth Data
The number of Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiary telehealth visits increased 63-fold in 2020, from approximately 840,000 in 2019 to nearly 52.7 million in 2020. [HHS]
Visits to behavioral health specialists showed the largest increase in telehealth in 2020. Telehealth comprised a third of total visits to behavioral health specialists. [HHS]
Hospitality
Highlights from 2022 Lodging Technology Study include:
74% of hotels either offer or plan to offer contactless payment
45% plan to add, upgrade, or switch vendors for revenue management (RMS)
36% plan to add, upgrade, or switch vendors for a chatbot solution
30% of IT budgets are allocated for rolling out and implementing new solutions
Restaurant Market Trend Data
From Chain Store Age 1/4/2022 — According to the survey, restaurant operators’ early investment in delivery and mobile ordering has paid off, with 71% relying on delivery for 11% or more of sales and 33% relying on delivery for more than 20% of sales. Sixty-five percent of respondents rely on mobile ordering for 11% or more of sales, and 25% rely on mobile ordering for more than 20% of sales.
To keep up with changing consumer preferences, operators noted that their top areas of investment in 2022 include mobile ordering (54%); delivery services (47%); technology such as new POS digital signage or other in-store tech (45%); and alternative payment methods (37%).
In addition to technological investments, operators are also altering their physical restaurant locations to cater to delivery. While only 15% plan to reduce the number or size of their franchise locations, operators are making other adjustments to their real estate. These include
55% plan to add more space for pick-up;
45% plan to provide additional drive-thru locations; and
43% plan to add an outdoor on-site dining space.
Despite the challenges the restaurant industry has faced since the start of the pandemic, operators have learned to pivot and as a result, 81% of respondents feel optimistic about the future. More than half even feel very optimistic and 47% believe their revenue will increase significantly. This optimism and operators’ planned investment lead to strong credit needs. In fact, 61% of respondents plan to apply for a loan or line of credit within the next year.
This study was conducted among a representative group of 251 restaurant franchise owners and operators across the United States from November 10-22, 2021. The survey was hosted by global research company Engine Insights.
More Data
Among customers, 23% are interested in virtual reality that allows people to experience products in a virtual shop; among Millennials, that number jumps to 33%.
21% are interested in live stream shopping where a host demonstrates a product in a live online video; among Millennials, that number jumps to 35%.
Strategy Analytics estimates that the sale of personal service robots will grow about 30 percent year over year, rising from 39 million units in 2020 to 146 million units in 2025.
Livestreaming – Interest in this emerging retail channel is highest among global consumers between the ages of 21 and 34, peaking with the 30–34 age group with 46% having used this medium to make a purchase. As a nation, China is leading with 63% having made a purchase in the last month. Source: Euromonitor International Voice of Consumer: Digital Survey, fielded in March 2021 according to the Voice of the Consumer:Digital Survey.
References:
The Square Consumer Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between October 6th and October 17th, 2021, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data was weighted to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population, ages 18+. The Square Retail Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 500 U.S. retail owners and managers, between October 6th and October 17th, 2021, using an email invitation and an online survey.
Forrester Research — Before we get into 2022, how accurate were we in 2021 predictions? [link]
We heard about it last week and noted it on the homepage. Zebra has a knack for this. Think Motorola for example. Rumors were that Crestview wasn’t entirely happy with the results at Elo. Rumors of the sale were at RetailNOW. We are sad to see Elotouch, once again, sold off. They are one of our earliest entries in our kiosk history.
Elo Touch Solutions (or Elo TouchSystems, Tyco, Gore, Elographics, CarrollTouch, AccuTouch, IntelliTouch) started in 1971.
From LinkedIn off the cuff — It was quick dash off for me. Good to be timely and all I really did is provide context and pose some relevant questions. Elo has really shortchanged interactive digital signage. Medical is still there for sure. Competitors abound for sure. The Chinese are getting extremely good but they face 20% tariffs. Ironically the companies in touch that will benefit will be Microtouch (expelled Elo people :-), TDS, Insight Touch, EKAA (OEM for Advantech?), etc — TSI welcomed the news I am sure. Several very large kiosk manufacturers stopped using Elo years ago (Kiosk Information Systems and Pyramid/Diebold roll off the tongue. Most kiosk companies only use Elo if the client requests. Would love to add your comments and thoughts to post.
IBM Kiosk
For the longest time, Elo sold touchscreens. Good ones albeit not cheap. In 2017 Elo began selling the Wallaby. Basically a modified IBM Kiosk. At that point it was selling direct to customers and became a competitor to kiosk companies. See Little Clinic and Kroger.
Digital signage was always tied down to touch and Elo was slow to enter large format digital signage or interactive digital signage. Classrooms in schools were a big miss.
Biggest impacts of acquisition?
Zebra retail and grocery expansion at expense of NCR
Kiosks are relatively small but cheaper high quality touchscreens for POS
Elo has no software
Zebra has shown a knack for managing companies very well and Elo needed that.
Back to Zebra and now…
Zebra’s strategy has consistently focused on supplementing its core barcode, printing, and asset intelligence business with additional capabilities in mobility, automation, machine vision, and artificial intelligence—demonstrating a pattern of regular acquisitions almost every year or two.
We think the area of highest growth is in Self-Checkout SCO technology.
Consolidated Segment Revenue Table (Six Months Ended June 28, 2025)
Segment
Tangible Products
Services & Software
Total Segment Revenue
AIT
$820 million
$60 million
$880 million
EVM
$1,297 million
$424 million
$1,721 million
Notes from the 10-Q
Zebra’s main revenue channels are the sale of hardware products (tangible products) and the recurring stream from services and cloud/software subscriptions.
Retail—including grocery—is a major customer base within both segments, though Zebra aggregates these results within overall segment and geographic reporting.
The EVM segment, which includes self-checkout, mobile computing, and automation, is larger by revenue and more driven by high-growth software and service offerings.
Key Effects of the Acquisition
Expanded Product Portfolio & Market Reach: The addition of Elo’s consumer-facing touchscreen technology—including self-service kiosks, payment terminals, and display solutions—expands Zebra’s portfolio, positioning the company to address an $8 billion larger market across grocery, retail, restaurants, healthcare, and industrial automation.ainvest+2
Comprehensive Self-Checkout Solutions: By integrating Elo’s proven kiosk hardware and software with Zebra’s strengths in barcode scanning, mobile computing, RFID, and AI, Zebra will be able to offer end-to-end SCO systems. This will provide grocers with unified solutions combining self-service kiosks, mobile self-scanning, automated payment, real-time inventory, and vision-based loss prevention.inkworldmagazine+3
Faster, Flexible Digital Transformation: Grocery retailers are under increasing pressure to reduce labor costs, minimize checkout lines, and improve the shopper experience. Elo’s scalable, modular touchscreens and kiosks already power many grocery SCO systems, providing proven platforms that can be rapidly deployed, customized, and centrally managed.gorspa+2
Synergy with Zebra Technology: Zebra’s investments in machine vision, edge AI, and RFID can now be more tightly integrated at the consumer touchpoint, enabling kiosks and SCO stations to feature advanced produce recognition, real-time loss detection, and dynamic shopper engagement. This can help address the industry-wide challenges of shrink (loss/theft), user error, and slow adoption rates that have troubled some U.S. grocers using SCO.supermarketnews+3
Immediate Earnings & Longer-Term Growth: The move will be immediately accretive to Zebra’s earnings, with $25 million in annual EBITDA synergies projected within three years, and Elo’s 5-7% growth expected to accelerate through Zebra’s distribution network and R&D resources.ainvest+2
Specific Impact on Grocery Store SCO
Augmented Self-Checkout Stations: Grocery stores will benefit from more customizable and integrated SCO stations—combining Elo’s user-friendly touchscreens and kiosks with Zebra’s robust peripherals (presentation scanners, scales, RFID readers, printers) for a faster, reliable, and more secure checkout.ecrs+2
Unified Platform: Zebra’s software-driven management and reporting will work alongside Elo’s hardware, making it easier for grocers to deploy, update, and maintain SCO stations chain-wide.spacepole+2
Enhanced Customer Experience: The merged capabilities will allow for easier handling of produce (with vision or RFID-assisted identification), seamless loyalty/discount integration, and support for a broader range of payment and digital engagement—key drivers for shopper satisfaction in grocery SCO environments.youtubezebra
Addressing Industry Trends: According to Zebra’s latest shopper research, over three-quarters of U.S. consumers now say self-checkout improves their shopping experience, and approximately 35% of grocery shoppers regularly opt for SCO. The integration of Elo’s technology is aimed at capitalizing on and further expanding this adoption.criticalcommunicationsreview+1
Summary:
Zebra’s acquisition of Elo will enable the company to deliver more comprehensive, intelligent, and user-friendly self-checkout solutions for grocery retailers. By combining market-leading consumer-facing kiosks with back-end automation, vision, and mobility technologies, Zebra is positioned to set the new standard for SCO and self-service in grocery and other sectors—helping stores modernize the checkout process, reduce shrink, and improve shopper satisfaction
2014: Completed its largest acquisition to date by purchasing Motorola Solutions’ Enterprise Business for $3.45 billion, including Symbol Technologies and Psion product lines.mergr+3
Note the most popular scanner for kiosks at the time was the Symbol 3200. Reminds us of the Magtek 21065xxx series of magswipe readers. And Elotouch touchscreen of course.
2018: Acquired Xplore Technologies, a maker of ruggedized tablets.zebra+1
2019: Acquired Temptime Corporation (temperature monitoring for healthcare) and Profitect (retail software for inventory loss tracking).zebra+1
2020: Acquired Reflexis Systems, a workforce scheduling and task management software provider, for $575 million.punchcardinvestor.substack+1
2021: Acquired Adaptive Vision (machine vision software), Fetch Robotics (autonomous mobile robots, $305 million), and Antuit.ai (AI-powered SaaS for forecasting and merchandising, $145 million).punchcardinvestor.substack+1
2022: Acquired Matrox Imaging, a machine vision components and systems developer.wikipedia
2024: Announced intent to acquire Photoneo, expanding 3D machine vision capabilities.zebra
2025 (pending): Announced the acquisition of Elo Touch Solutions for $1.3 billion to enhance self-service and touchscreen offerings, expected to close in 2025.
At Kohls self-checkout station, a touch screen displays the store logo, with nearby gift cards and a hand sanitizer dispenser. A charging station is conveniently placed by the bagging area, while a security monitor shows an overhead view of the bustling checkout zone.
Kohls self-checkout
Kohls self-checkout
Kohls self-checkout
Kohls self-checkout
A car glides by a Kohls store during dusk, evoking a sense of the golden era. The building, with its beige and brick exterior, boasts large, illuminated Kohls signage. In the foreground, some foliage is visible, complementing this nostalgic retail scene.
Acquisition will advance vision of digitizing and automating frontline operations and is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings once closed
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. and KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Aug. 5, 2025 – Zebra Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: ZBRA), a global leader in digitizing and automating frontline workflows, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Elo Touch Solutions, Inc., an innovator of solutions that engage customers, enhance self-service, and accelerate automation across retail, hospitality, quick service restaurants (QSR), healthcare, and industrial markets for $1.3 billion in cash.
With complementary portfolios and similar go-to-market strategies, together, Zebra and Elo will deliver a comprehensive portfolio that meets the evolving needs of their customers in close partnership with leading Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), payment solutions providers (PSPs), value-added resellers (VARs) and distributors.
Expanding Portfolio to Accelerate the Connected Frontline Across Industries
Zebra’s leadership in hardware, software and services for the frontline worker will be augmented by Elo’s suite of consumer-facing kiosks, edge computing, payment and touchscreen solutions to deliver a more comprehensive frontline experience.
“This acquisition represents the next step in our journey to accelerate the connected frontline, which is a key tenet of our growth strategy,” said Bill Burns, Chief Executive Officer, Zebra Technologies. “An increased focus on self-service and consumer-facing workflows will expand our addressable market by approximately $8 billion and create a leading portfolio of solutions that digitize and automate the frontline of business. We look forward to welcoming the Elo team to Zebra and pursuing new growth opportunities together following the closing of the acquisition.”
Customers across industries are increasingly adopting new solutions enabled by kiosks and interactive touchscreen displays. Elo offers a wide range of industry-tailored solutions that modernize point-of-sale (POS), streamline self-service and payment experiences, automate kitchen and industrial workflows, and optimize production and process management. This acquisition will strengthen Zebra’s offerings in self-service use cases and complement its recently launched kiosk solution.
Capitalizing on Key Customer Trends in the Modern Store
Together with Elo, Zebra will be well-positioned to capitalize on trends impacting retail and beyond. The combined business will empower retailers and QSRs to elevate consumer experiences within the AI-powered Modern Store. The planned addition of Elo’s portfolio will give Zebra customers and partners more choice and, over time, a more holistic approach to address their emerging use cases. The continued growth of retail media networks and the deployment of new AI-based agents on the frontline are examples of new opportunities that Zebra and Elo can pursue more successfully together.
According to Zebra’s 17th Annual Global Shopper Study, 78% of shoppers said self-checkout options improve their shopping experience. In addition, leading analysts have noted that traditional POS technologies are advancing beyond store-only transactional services to enable an experience-led unified commerce strategy powered by new data streams. Zebra and Elo are well-positioned to play an increasingly important role in the transformation of POS and self-checkout moving forward.
Enhancing Growth with Complementary Solutions and Global Reach
Zebra’s global reach, extensive services capabilities, and deep customer relationships will accelerate Elo’s expansion into new markets and geographies.
“Combining Zebra’s market-leading mobility, visibility, and automation solutions with our expertise in consumer-facing workflows will add significant value to our customers and partners,” said Craig Witsoe, Chief Executive Officer, Elo. “We are excited about the opportunity to join Zebra and contribute to its growth strategy.”
Transaction Details
Zebra expects to fund the $1.3 billion purchase price with a combination of cash on hand along with financing from its credit facility. The purchase price is subject to customary closing adjustments. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, and is expected to close in 2025.
Elo has annual sales of approximately $400 million with similar annual sales growth (5-7% over a cycle) and EBITDA margin profile as Zebra. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings upon closing and generate an incremental $25 million of annual EBITDA through synergies by year three.
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal counsel to Zebra. Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP as legal counsel to Elo. Crestview Partners has been a majority investor in Elo since 2018.
Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
In a separate press release today, Zebra will report its second quarter results. The company will host a webcast to discuss results, outlook, and its planned acquisition of Elo today, Aug. 5, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The webcast can be accessed on Zebra’s investor relations website at investors.zebra.com.
Zebra Technologies Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements, as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, the statements regarding the company’s outlook, the statements regarding the proposed acquisition, regulatory approvals, the expected benefits of (such as accretion to earnings and cost savings through realization of cost and revenue synergies) and strategic initiatives relating to the proposed acquisition, including expansion of Zebra’s addressable market and deeper market penetration and the ability to complete the proposed acquisition on the expected timetable or at all. Actual results may differ from those expressed or implied in the company’s forward-looking statements. These statements represent estimates only as of the date they were made. Zebra undertakes no obligation, other than as may be required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason after the date of this release.
These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Zebra’s industry, market conditions, general domestic and international economic conditions, and other factors. These factors include customer acceptance of Zebra’s hardware and software products and competitors’ product offerings, and the potential effects of technological changes. The continued uncertainty over future global economic conditions, the availability of credit and capital markets volatility may have adverse effects on Zebra, its suppliers and its customers. In addition, a disruption in our ability to obtain products from vendors as a result of supply chain constraints, natural disasters or other circumstances could restrict sales and negatively affect customer relationships. Profits and profitability will be affected by Zebra’s ability to control manufacturing and operating costs. Because of its debt, including debt expected to be incurred to finance the purchase price of the proposed acquisition, interest rates and financial market conditions will also have an impact on results. Foreign exchange rates, customs duties, and trade policies will have an effect on financial results. The outcome of litigation in which Zebra may be involved, including litigation related to the proposed acquisition, is another factor. The ability of the parties to consummate the proposed acquisition on the expected timetable or at all, whether as a result of litigation related to the proposed acquisition or otherwise, satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed acquisition, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals, diversion of management’s time on transaction-related issues that result in disruption to Zebra’s current plans and operations, including in the event of litigation related to the proposed acquisition, the impact of announcements relating to the proposed acquisition, including adverse effects on the market price of Zebra’s common stock or credit ratings, the success and timeliness of integrating Elo, including Zebra’s ability to timely and successfully achieve the anticipated benefits and potential synergies of the proposed acquisition and other unexpected costs resulting from the proposed acquisition could also affect profitability, reported results and the company’s competitive position in its industry. These and other factors could have an adverse effect on Zebra’s sales, gross profit margins and results of operations and increase the volatility of our financial results. As a result of these and other factors, Zebra can give no assurance that the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed acquisition will be satisfied, or that it will close within the anticipated time period or at all, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of the forward-looking statements contained in this release. When used in this release and documents referenced, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “outlook,” and “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the company or its management or the proposed acquisition, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements. Descriptions of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could affect the company’s future operations and results can be found in Zebra’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q.
ABOUT ZEBRATECHNOLOGIES
Zebra (NASDAQ: ZBRA) provides the solutions to help businesses grow through increased asset visibility, connected frontline workers and intelligent automation. The company operates in more than 100 countries, and our customers include over 80% of the Fortune 500. Designed for the frontline, Zebra’s award-winning portfolio includes hardware, software, and services, all backed by our 50+ years of innovation and global partner ecosystem. Follow Zebra on our blog and LinkedIn, visit our newsroom and learn more at www.zebra.com.
ABOUT ELO
Elo delivers solutions that connect businesses and customers through purpose-built touchscreens, software, and services—powering more than 35 million installations across 80+ countries. From self-service kiosks and point-of-sale to patient check-in and factory automation, Elo offers a modular platform built on a unified architecture and supported by a global partner network. With screen sizes ranging from handheld to 65 inches and seamless device management via EloView, businesses can deploy, control, and scale with ease. Learn more at www.elotouch.com.
ABOUT CRESTVIEW
Founded in 2004, Crestview is a New York-based private equity firm focused on the middle market. The firm manages funds with approximately $10 billion of aggregate capital commitments and is led by a group of partners who have complementary experience and backgrounds in private equity, finance, operations and management. Crestview has senior investment professionals focused on sourcing and managing investments in each of the specialty areas of the firm: media, industrials, and financial services. For more information, please visit www.crestview.com.
For very large projects, I used a Dell LCD. We attached the Elo touchscreen overlay. Halfway thru the project Elo changed the power feed and required a power brick (extra $20). We got around that by cutting edge lead on PCB board and returned it to USB powered. Not exactly regulation for sure. Elo of course wondered why we never ordered the bricks.
And to compound the situation, I found a major Dell reseller willing to sell at a discount to Dells OEM price. Same warranty/service. So we bought those. Dell OEM people hated me and searched for two years trying to identify my source. I think they used a picture of me for a dartboard in their office.
SoundHound AI and Acrelec announced a strategic partnership to bring advanced, voice-enabled drive-thru systems to restaurants worldwide.
When we saw the nice Burger King drive-thru demo with Acrelec it was clear that they had gotten it right. There are competitors to Soundhound for sure (Sodaclick e.g.). Acrelec has some nice videos.
Not surprisingly, the new technology was not in Illinois but in the UK…
Burger King AI launch — November 2024 marked the soft launch of our ground breaking AI solution at the Burger King Drive-Thru in Northwich UK. In collaboration with SoundHound AI, which is seamlessly integrated into Acrelec’s ecosystem, this innovative technology allows customers to place their orders directly through the automated AI system, which then sends the orders straight to the tills. This automation frees up crew members to focus on other areas of the store, while still being available to assist if needed.
SoundHound AI and Acrelec have gone ahead and formed a strategic partnership to deliver next-generation AI-powered drive-thru systems for quick service restaurants (QSRs) globally. The partnership integrates SoundHound’s Dynamic Drive-Thru voice AI technology with Acrelec’s content management system and digital signage enclosures, enabling customers to place orders seamlessly via automated voice assistants, which directly transmit orders to point-of-sale systems.kioskindustry+4
The idea is to streamline operations, enhance customer speed and convenience, and allow restaurants to optimize labor usage by automating order-taking and freeing up staff for other tasks. Acrelec, a subsidiary of GLORY LTD, is a major player with over 25,000 drive-thru installations at brands including McDonald’s and Dunkin’, and supports more than 80,000 technology deployments globally such as kiosks and self-checkout. SoundHound’s voice AI solutions are deployed at over 10,000 restaurant locations worldwide.investors.soundhound+4
The collaboration aims to accelerate AI adoption within the restaurant industry in response to rising consumer expectations and operational challenges like labor shortages.
Press Release
Santa Clara, CA, July 31, 2025 – SoundHound AI, Inc. (Nasdaq: SOUN), a global leader in voice artificial intelligence, and Acrelec, a world leader in quick service restaurant (QSR) technology, today announced a strategic partnership to bring advanced, voice-enabled drive-thru systems to restaurants worldwide.
Together, the companies will deliver next-generation drive-thru ecosystems that integrate SoundHound’s sophisticated Dynamic Drive-Thru voice AI technology with Acrelec’s content management system and digital signage enclosures. This combined solution enables customers to place orders seamlessly through an automated voice assistant, which processes requests and sends them directly to the point-of-sale system – streamlining operations and enhancing the overall guest experience.
The fully integrated system not only offers consumers greater speed and convenience but also helps restaurants optimize labor by freeing up staff to focus on restaurant operations, while remaining available to assist when needed.
With over 25,000 drive-thru installations worldwide, the subsidiary of GLORY LTD powers customer experiences for leading brands like McDonald’s and Dunkin’. The company supports over 80,000 technology deployments globally, including kiosks, self-checkout, and click-and-collect systems.
“As restaurants continue to turn to AI to meet rising customer expectations and alleviate staffing pressures, we’re excited to partner with Acrelec to deliver impactful AI solutions at scale,” said Michael Lauricella, VP of Channel Partnerships at SoundHound AI. “Together, we’re helping brands modernize the drive-thru and deliver seamless, future-ready experiences.”
“Restaurants today are facing increased pressure to provide easy, efficient customer experiences while managing labor shortages and high operational demands,” said Chloe Bisiaux, Director of Innovation & Marketing at Acrelec. “Through our partnership with SoundHound AI, we are empowering our clients with sophisticated AI solutions that will ultimately help them stay competitive and focused on what matters most: delivering great customer experiences and great food.”
SoundHound’s voice AI technology is already deployed in well over 10,000 restaurant locations, with solutions for phone, drive-thru, kiosk, headset, and other devices. The company’s proprietary technology is backed by millions of hours of voice data and an annual query run rate of multiple billions.
To learn more about restaurant solutions from SoundHound AI, visit www.soundhound.com.
About SoundHound AI
SoundHound AI (Nasdaq: SOUN), a global leader in voice and conversational intelligence, delivers AI solutions that allow businesses to offer superior experiences to their customers. Built on proprietary technology, SoundHound’s voice AI delivers best-in-class speed and accuracy in numerous languages to product creators and service providers across retail, financial services, healthcare, automotive, smart devices, and restaurants. The company’s various groundbreaking AI-driven products include Smart Answering, Smart Ordering, Dynamic Drive-Thru, and the Amelia Platform, which powers AI Agents for enterprise. In addition, SoundHound Chat AI, a powerful voice assistant with integrated Generative AI, and Autonomics, a category-leading operations platform that automates IT processes, have allowed SoundHound to power millions of products and services, and processes billions of interactions each year for world class businesses.
About Acrelec Acrelec is a global technology company, part of Glory Group, focused on reinventing the customer experience for restaurant and retail brands. Leveraging decades of software, hardware, and service/support expertise, Acrelec develops and integrates new platforms that increase customer engagement, optimize efficiency, and improve operations.Serving nearly 70 global customers—including iconic brands such as McDonald’s and Dunkin’— Acrelec counts over 120,000 installations and over 1,000 employees globally, bringing its robust tech ecosystem for drive-thru solutions, self-order kiosk, self-checkout, and operational solutions to people worldwide. Never satisfied with the status quo, Acrelec’s passion is delivering breakthroughs that drive business results for their customers.
Multiple quotes, components, China, RFP Templates and more.
Free self-service quotes. Thanks for visiting and we are happy to help, for free. Typically we distribute your request to all of the members and they will respond to you.
We are happy to connect you with members for getting a quote
We can arrange quotes for components and related
We arrange quotes from China
We can provide sample RFPs as models for you to consider. Legalese gets complicated sometimes.
If you are looking to sell or promote services or products then see Become a Member. You can also add yourself for free to online database.
Much easier to support those who support us — Craig
We would do a fancy input form however that is not the safest for all
kioskindustry.org is a significant portal for anyone interested in self-service kiosks, especially when it comes to getting pricing information, RFP (Request for Proposal) examples, and quotes. Here’s how the site can help:
1. Getting Pricing Guidance
Detailed Pricing Guides: kioskindustry.org provides in-depth articles and guides outlining typical kiosk costs—including hardware, software, installation, and service—so you can budget accurately. Expect clear breakdowns of price ranges (e.g., $2,500–$13,000 per kiosk, depending on configuration and peripherals) along with advice on what impacts costs, such as indoor vs. outdoor units, size, functionality, and required features1.
Factors Affecting Price: You’ll find discussions on critical factors such as required components, customization, service contracts, and warranty, giving you a realistic sense of total cost of ownership1.
2. RFP Examples and Templates
Access to Real-World RFPs: The site maintains a collection of past and current kiosk RFPs from public agencies and enterprises. These examples include downloadable documents, helping you see how successful RFPs are structured for different use cases like smart city projects, digital signage, and payment kiosks23.
RFP Best Practices: Detailed PDF guides and articles lay out best practices for writing kiosk RFPs, including essential sections, pricing grids, case study requests, project scope, and evaluation criteria. There are sample formats and outlines to help you build your own effective RFP3.
Response Format and Comparison Tools: Resources show how to format your RFP response, set up vendor comparison grids, and analyze proposals for apples-to-apples comparison (including per-unit pricing, warranties, and references)3.
3. Requesting Free Quote and Information
Central Point for Quote Requests: kioskindustry.org offers an easy way to request quotes or information directly through their “Request Information” page. When you fill out the form or contact them, your request is distributed to all member companies, ensuring broad visibility and multiple competitive responses45.
Direct Manufacturer Contacts: The site also highlights major kiosk vendors and their contact options, allowing you to request pricing or demo quotes for specific kiosk models or services6.
Custom Development Quotes: If you need advice or quotes on custom kiosk software or hardware, the site links to questionnaires and checklists to help you gather the right information before requesting detailed, apples-to-apples quotes from vendors7.
Key Benefits
Saves Time: Instead of searching for vendors or examples individually, you get a curated industry resource for both buying and specifying kiosks.
Ensures Competitive Bidding: By distributing your RFPs or quote requests to a large network of vendors, you’re more likely to get multiple, high-quality bids.
Makes RFP Writing Easier: Example templates and guides enable even first-time buyers to specify what they need clearly and completely, improving your chances of receiving good, relevant offers.
Reduces Risk: By leveraging proven RFP formats and industry best practices, you decrease the likelihood of overspending or missing critical requirements.
In summary, kioskindustry.org is both a price research tool, an RFP resource library, and a vendor-matching service for the kiosk marketplace—covering the full spectrum from initial pricing research to detailed bid documents and getting actual vendor quotes134
Kiosk Software (application, middleware and reporting analytics)
Digital signage hardware – includes menu-boards
Digital signage software
Touchscreens, LCDs and LEDs
Electronic Lockers
Credit Card Readers for Self-Service
Printers for Self-Service
Vending Automation
Consulting for kiosks or digital signage, service or reporting.
Typical questions we will ask:
What stage in the cycle are you? Just looking?
What is your timeframe for buying?
What quantity now and what quantity later
Indoor or Outdoor?
Thanks for contacting Kiosk Industry.
The Kiosk Industry Group is the professional news and marketing website for the kiosk and self-service industry. Those companies fund us for the benefit of developers, resources and client companies interested in self-service, kiosks, thin or internet terminals and POS systems. News about the industry and by the industry that is relevant to companies looking to utilize self-service, and companies that assist in doing just that (hardware, software and application). Twice a year we do tradeshows (NRA in Chicago and NRF in New York)
The Kiosk Industry Group is part of the larger “The Industry Group” which covers not only kiosks, but solutions for digital signage, menu boards, patient check-in, retail automation, thin clients and smart city to name some.
Key Points: IEC 62368-1 Safety Standard for ICT and AV Equipment
New replacement standard for UL 60950 is released, 62368-1. Cost is $725 for PDF and UL doesn’t provide any list of changes from one edition to another. You do need to be running Windows so you can use their specific Adobe reader in order to access the information (or get a hardcopy).
Expect North America, EU, and major markets to enforce these changes rapidly after July 31, 2025.
Key Changes in the 4th Edition (July 2025) of 62368-1
1. End of Legacy Component Acceptance
Removal of Clause 4.1.1:
Components or subassemblies certified only to legacy standards IEC 60950-1 (IT/communications) or IEC 60065 (AV) are no longer automatically accepted. ALL components must now be evaluated according to IEC/UL 62368-1 requirements, which may require retesting and recertification for many manufacturers12345.
2. Expanded and Clarified Scope
More precise definitions added for terms such as audio amplifier, liquid cooling terms, loudspeaker driver, subassembly, and several battery-related concepts. The scope is extended to clarify which types of products and cooling systems (notably for liquid cooling in data centers or high-performance equipment) fall under the standard65.
3. Battery Requirements
Annex M Revisions:
All types of secondary lithium batteries are now included, regardless of whether they are portable or stationary. Specific safety requirements for stationary (non-portable) lithium battery systems are imposed—including design, charging, and enclosure requirements345.
4. Fire Protection & Ignition Sources
Clarifications on fire enclosure construction and the classification of potential ignition sources (PIS):
New provisions for controlling fire spread.
Specific mention that PS3 circuits are considered resistive PISs by default.
Removal of previous references/requirements (such as certain Annex Q and PS2 clauses), which may require re-evaluation of product fire safety strategies35.
5. Liquid-Filled Components and Cooling
Expanded and updated requirements for liquid-filled components and modular liquid-filled cooling (LFC) systems over 1 liter, to address the growth of direct liquid-cooling in modern electronics and data centers645.
6. External Circuit and Surge Protection
New table and updated requirements for external circuits, referencing IEC 61000-4-5 Installation Classes 0 and 1 for surge protection, particularly relevant for network and communication equipment3.
7. Other Editorial Updates
Editorial clarifications throughout, including how accessibility is handled for users needing to open enclosures with tools, and small wording changes to improve testability and implementation35.
Summary Table: Major 4th Edition Changes
Summary of Changes in UL 62368-1
What to Do Next
If you manufacture, import, or certify AV/ICT products:
Review your components for any continued reliance on legacy standards—these must be re-evaluated and potentially redesigned or re-tested.
Special focus if you use lithium batteries, liquid cooling, or high-power networks:
New requirements may mandate substantial documentation and structural changes.
Expect North America, EU, and major markets to enforce these changes rapidly after July 31, 2025.
This edition is a major shift for ongoing safety compliance and product design within the electronics sector7145.
Explanation
Supersedes Previous Standards:
IEC 62368-1 replaces IEC 60950-1 (ICT equipment) and IEC 60065 (AV equipment) as the unified standard for North America and the EU, effective December 20, 2020. Both UL and EU harmonized this transition date for manufacturers to plan globally1.
Hazard-Based Safety Engineering (HBSE):
The standard introduces a hazard-based, rather than prescriptive, approach. This means safety is based on analyzing potential hazards (energy sources), measuring their danger, classifying them, and choosing suitable safeguards, offering greater flexibility and keeping pace with technological changes1.
Scope:
IEC 62368-1 covers all equipment previously regulated by 60950-1 and 60065, and more—such as servers, laptops, consumer electronics, displays, telecom products, and related power supplies. The list will expand as technology evolves (e.g., smartphones, tablets, 3D printers)1.
Certification and Transition Guidance:
In the US: A “soft transition” allows legacy-certified products to remain without detailed review, provided no significant safety changes are made.
In the EU: The transition is stricter; old standards are withdrawn and presumption of conformity ends, making 62368-1 mandatory for new products after the deadline1.
Sub-clause 4.1.1 (temporary): Allows continued use of legacy 60950-1/60065 components in products certified to 62368-1, as long as they meet existing ratings. This clause will eventually be removed, affecting inventory management1.
HBSE Implementation Details:
Energy sources in equipment are classified as Class 1 (not harmful), Class 2 (painful but not injurious), or Class 3 (injurious/with fire risk).
Safeguards required depend on the hazard class: basic for Class 1, at least one for Class 2, reinforced/double for Class 3.
Special test probes and new methods for accessibility testing, including for children, are mandated1.
OEM Guidance:
OEMs must examine their product lines and component sourcing to ensure compliance.
Manufacturers are urged to study the standard, understand its HBSE philosophy, and adapt design/evaluation processes.
They should work proactively to address overlap periods and clarify regional requirements, as US and EU may apply legacy/transition provisions differently1.
Benefits of New Standard:
Greater design freedom and adaptability to new tech.
Simplifies compliance for products with combined AV and ICT functions.
Reduces need for frequent standard updates.
Offers a more risk-oriented, performance-based approach to user protection1.
International Status:
Adoption varies globally, but North America, Europe, Japan, Australia/New Zealand, and Mexico have issued national editions, or started adoption, to align with IEC 62368-11.
Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment – Part 1: Safety Requirements
UL Standard Edition 4Published Date: July 31, 2025 ANSI Approved: July 31, 2025
UL 62368-1 is a safety standard for audio/video, information technology, and communication technology equipment that is based on hazard-based safety engineering (HBSE) principles. It aims to ensure that equipment is safe to use by proactively identifying and mitigating risks such as electric shock, fire, thermal burns, mechanical hazards, hazardous substances, and radiation567.
Key features of UL 62368-1:
Scope: The standard covers a broad range of products, including servers, personal computers, routers, laptops, tablets, power supplies, home theater systems, amplifiers, digital cameras, monitors, TVs, projectors, telecommunication equipment, printers, copiers, and shredders16.
Hazard-Based Approach: Unlike previous standards (such as IEC 60950-1), which were incident-based and focused on specific requirements after an issue occurred, UL 62368-1 is proactive. It requires manufacturers to:
Identify potential hazards (energy sources like electrical, thermal, mechanical, etc.).
Analyze and classify energy sources into classes based on the potential for injury or fire (Class 1: not hazardous, Class 2: painful but not injurious, Class 3: injurious)6.
Apply appropriate safeguards (design features or instructions) to prevent harm, especially when class 2 or class 3 energy sources are present46.
Construction and Documentation Requirements: The standard includes guidelines for mechanical strength, electrical insulation, ventilation, clear markings, and comprehensive documentation for safe operation5.
Global Certification: Products that meet UL 62368-1 can obtain international safety certification, which is often a regulatory requirement and can reassure end-users and insurers regarding product safety7.
Not Covered: The standard does not regulate outdoor equipment, manufacturing, disposal, or storage processes, nor does it cover injuries from non-standard use or certain hazardous substances4.
Overall, implementation of UL 62368-1 shifts regulatory requirements from a prescriptive, rule-based approach to one that emphasizes risk assessment, hazard identification, and performance-based safety solutions for modern electronic equipment467.
does it apply to electronic kiosks or digital signage
UL 62368-1 does apply to electronic kiosks and digital signage when these products fall within the scope of audio/video (AV), information technology equipment (ITE), or communication technology products. The standard is hazard-based and was designed to replace both the earlier standards covering AV (IEC 60065) and ITE (IEC 60950-1) equipment. As such, the new scope was intentionally broadened to reflect convergence in technology—including products like electronic kiosks and digital signage.
Key Points:
Electronic kiosks and digital signage are covered: These are considered examples of equipment with computing or audio/video functions. They typically include components such as screens, embedded computers, network connections, and power supplies, all of which are explicitly within the standard’s coverage.
Third Edition scope examples specifically mention “electronic kiosks”, alongside smartphones, tablets, wearables, and 3D printers as new product types now embraced by the standard12.
Examples listed in the standard and transition guides: Both detailed technical guides and summaries about UL/IEC 62368-1 explicitly enumerate “electronic kiosks” as typical products evaluated to this standard. The coverage is not limited to those mentioned; if a product falls under AV or ICT as defined, it is included.
Digital signage: Products like interactive displays, touchscreens, and digital signage systems for public information or advertising are squarely within the definition, since they are “display units” or “audio/video information technology”, being a natural extension of traditional monitors and projectors—all already listed as examples123.
Requirements: Compliance covers the system as a whole, not just components. These products must be assessed based on hazard-based safety engineering, covering risks such as electric shock, fire, mechanical hazards, and more. The requirements extend to associated power supplies and subassemblies as well.
Notable Exclusions:
UL 62368-1 does not regulate installation in wet or outdoor environments. For kiosks or signage meant for outdoor use, other standards (such as IEC 60950-22 or UL 60950-22, now under replacement as well) may apply for environmental/ruggedization safety2.
In Summary:
Suppose your electronic kiosk or digital signage system is used in indoor, commercial, or similar settings and falls within typical AV/ICT equipment. In that case, it is subject to the requirements of UL/IEC 62368-1. Manufacturers, integrators, or facility operators should ensure that new products of this type are certified to this standard for regulatory compliance and safety assurance.
1: IEC 62368-1: An Introduction to the New Safety Standard for ICT and AV Equipment 2: 62368-1 UL Transition Guide 2020-03 3: IRG5500 Cellular LTE Routers – Ingram Micro
Update July 2025 — These have demonstrated problems since deployment. The Colorado sun won the battle after one season and the screen reduced to cardboard
Here is an outdoor wayfinding unit in Colorado. Can you name the hardware manufacturer and the software application provider?
We’ll pony up a $25 Starbucks christmas card for the first person to get both right.
Send us a note with your answer!
Answers To The Quiz
It took more than one person to answer this one so we are splitting the bounty ($20 each). Here are the our best guess answers, with notes:
The units are provided by Gable. Mostly in digital signage
The software is two part
The software geometry was provided by MappedIn
The UI (the very nice look and interface and our first guess) provided by AcquireDigital
The hardware provided by Gable but actually purchased from China and Keewin. You can catch Keewin at ISE 2019 in Europe. Link
Estimated price for units we put between 20 and 25 thousand each.
Here is Gable presentation at recent tradeshow
Craig is a senior staff writer for Kiosk Industry Group Association. He has 25 years of experience in the industry. He contributed to this article.
Update 12/12/2021 — Antibacterial treatments are still generally addressed with station cleaning. PDI has the best ones and are the major provider to hospitals and more. There are many more contactless options which typically are QR code based or mobile proxy but cleaning is the most dependable and most usable. Vendors promoting antimicrobial treatments surged during the main pandemic but they have declined since then.
Our take is still that touchscreens along with their POS devices/etc are the best way to allow the public to interact. MRSA is probably a bigger concern as far as remaining on surfaces than COVID (mainly aerosol in the air). Antibacterial treatments for touchscreens have so many caveats and only a very narrow and basically useless range of effectiveness. And you are much more likely to get infected from the front desk (and they from you) than you are from a properly maintained check-in kiosk with a touchscreen. Many of those also support the mobile handheld as a proxy input (think remote control) but then you should be aware that your mobile phone is likely the 3rd most likely infection point (#2 is toilet and #1 are sinks actually).
But there are people that will sell the coating (figure $200 upcharge) and if you are into hygiene theater you can arrange some signage that tells people you have antimicrobial treated touchscreens. The CEO of Marriott broke down hygiene theater into the swiss cheese analogy. Enough layers and pretty soon you have a complete wall with no holes.
There are new UV and UV-C treatments. One of them is UL and FDA approved and has been adapted for elevators as well as ATM screens and pinpads. Contact us if interested.
November 2020 Coronavirus Kiosk Update:
By now we have all seen and read countless articles on how best to protect ourselves and others from bacterial infection. Before we begin we want to list some recommended resources right off the bat that can help educate your point of view on antibacterial, antimicrobial and of course, the coronavirus.
You need to be aware that different touch technology has different needs. A 17″ or 19″ SAW or resistive is different from a large format IR (Infrared) or Cap (Projected capacitive touch) which are anywhere from 22″ to 85″. Typically 32,42,46,55 and 65).
Mitigation requires several tools in combination to fully address antibacterial. There are no silver bullets though daily cleaning of touchscreens is the closest to that.
On antimicrobial coatings — it is important to remember these coating generally “inhibit the growth”. If you can inhibit growth over 72 hours (ie no touching of screen) then bacteria will die on its own accord. Antimicrobial coatings do not kill bacteria directly. Also note that there are companies who are taking advantage of the situation.
Lawsuits 6 months down the road are a definite possibility if you make false promises based on a false sell. Always ask what it does and what it doesn’t do.
Our current recommendations:
Clean surfaces with warm soapy water. That breaks down the viruses and removes it. Touch screens use different solution.
Another option — wipe down with bleach wipes and after several passes of that wipe down with Easy Screen.
Bleach – figure 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water for mix ratio
Avoid highly concentrated solutions of alcohol based.
If you want to “double-clean” then consider getting handheld UVC product like the Blade below for localized and safe UVC cleaning (after surfaces have been wiped down). Oily fingers are one of the complicating factors to consider.
Include hand sanitizer station near the kiosk
Place a daily maintenance sheet near the kiosk indicating last maintenance and cleaning. Ideally, build it into your application so the maintenance cycle is automated, recorded and displayed at the actual device.
Questions for AntiMicrobial Providers
Can you done any independent lab tests?
Can you send those results?
What specific bacteria does it inhibit?
What bacteria does it promote? (yes, some actually promote)
How long does bacteria survive on a treated screen?
Recommended Resources
Some recommended sources of internet resources include:
Is spraying disinfectant in public spaces a good way to fight COVID-19? Answer is no. Looks like you are doing something to the general public. From CBC Canada
FAQ from Guardian Science Editor – Do Facemasks help?
Negative Post on Cash and Why To Use Digital – We could argue that using cash is less involved equation. Also the WHO is not taking into consideration the scarcity of contactless credit cards here in the U.S. We would really like to see VISA and Mastercard modernize the US EMV equation but change is difficult ironically enough.
AntiMicrobial Films — Tip:Olea Kiosks and others offers anti-microbial films that can be adhered to the LCD screens and is even field retrofittable. The best part is the material can also be wiped down with very aggressive cleaning materials daily for years on end and will not fade or show wear. If you need cleaning materials Olea Kiosks can provide and recommend effective cleaner wipes by the leaders in medical cleaning technology.
PDI has been monitoring the COVID-19 epidemic (SARS-CoV-2 virus), previously identified as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), to provide you the most current information to help manage this outbreak. The CDC has recently issued additional recommendations for surface disinfection, including recommendations for the use of an EPA-approved disinfectant with emerging viral pathogens claims. This letter supersedes previous letter issued on January 30, 2020.
Super Sani-Cloth ® Wipes, Sani-Cloth ® AF3 Wipes, and Sani-Cloth ® Bleach Wipes meet the criteria for the EPA emerging viral pathogens claim. PDI has submitted the addition of the required language for this claim on these master labels to the EPA and is awaiting expedited approval. Recently launched products, including Sani-Cloth ® Prime Wipes, Sani-Prime ® Spray, Sani-24 ® Spray, and Sani-HyPerCideTM Spray already have the EPA emerging viral pathogens claim on their master labels.
Recommended Wipe
Super Sani-Cloth is what we would recommend. It is the most equipment-friendly wipe that is on the list.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus still has not been made readily available by the CDC for testing. The CDC states: “If there are no available EPA-registered products that have an approved emerging viral pathogens claim for COVID-19, products with label claims against human coronaviruses should be used according to label instructions.” The following PDI products have label claims against human coronaviruses:
Click for full size
Handheld cleaning would include after-hours with handheld UV device (example here is Blade). $500
Don’t Believe It
Bad Data Tabloids
A year or so ago an article on “dirty” McDonalds touchscreens came out in London tabloid and while proved inaccurate there are those that have used it to create a certain fear factor. The intent of the article was essentially “clickbait” for sensational traffic.
We have articles here on the site from legitimate sources which disproved and countered. Companies will also use this article as “fear factor” for buying their products. If this article is their primary credential then that tells you something.
While some fantastical things like your Marketing people making decisions at midnight in the company parking lot via chicken bones and marbles can be considered possibly true, we like to think they utilize factual analytic data.
Employees
Training employees to clean their hands and then to clean the public surfaces on regular basis is best practice
Do employees get paid sick time or do they have to come into work and potentially infect people?
You’ve opted not to use the cleaned kiosk and go to the counter. How close is that McDonalds person to you talking to you and how many people have been talking in that zone? Drive Thru’s get a lot busier.
Because phones get so dirty, they’re as important to keep clean as your hands. But you can’t lather, rinse, repeat your phone with soap and water — so that’s where alternative cleaning methods come into play, such as UV lights that disinfect your device.
A new study conducted by PhoneSoap, a company that sells UV sanitizing devices for your phones, has found that the surface of the average device is 18 times dirtier than a public restroom. In an interview with Mashable, co-founder Dan Barnes says PhoneSoap calls phones “the third hand you never wash.”
Difference between Antimicrobial and AntiBacterial
Antimicrobial and antibacterial solutions for touchscreens and kiosks have been around a long time and there has been improvements over the years. Important in the self-service terminal that the treatment does not affect the touchscreen
The primary difference between antibacterial and antimicrobial substances is the types of microorganisms they act upon. While antibacterial products prevent the development of bacteria, antimicrobial agents such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. This is a much broader scope of protection than the protection found in antibacterial products.
Cleansing wipes are one type of product that is available as both an antibacterial product and an antimicrobial product. Antibacterial hand wipes kill bacteria, while antimicrobial wipes kill bacteria plus other microorganisms that can cause human illness. Both antibacterial and antimicrobial wipes can be a component of effective hand hygiene.
• Features the power of 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
• Fast-drying, No residue, Anti-fogging, Anti-streaking
• Rapidly cleans dirt, grime, fingerprints, and smudges
• Compatible with touchscreen healthcare equipment, including Corning® Gorilla® Glass (3 and 4)1, Sapphire glass, Aluminum silicate, Acrylic Glass, Etched glass, Stainless steel, and more! MSDS Sheet.
Spray & Coating – Sanitech Information
SurfaceClean is a hospital-grade cleaner disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces.
SurfaceClean- enhances the effectiveness of our antimicrobial coatings by properly preparing surfaces for antimicrobial treatment
SurfaceClean is designed for use prior to the application of long lasting antimicrobial products. It is also recommended for regular maintenance cleaning.
SurfaceCleanis a cost effective and easy to use solution. SurfaceClean is available in 32 ounce spray bottles and 1 or 5 gallon containers.
SurfaceClean Disinfects and Eliminates:
99% of Germs and Bacteria
Healthcare associated MRSA
Community associated MRSA
H1N1 Flu Virus
SARS
Avian Influenza
Hepatitis
Mumps
Rhinovirus
Rotovirus
For how long?
SurfaceAide XL delivers durability, safety and affordability to protect vital surfaces from the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi 24/7 for up to 90 days.
SurfaceAide XL
Generates an environmentally friendly, non-leaching antimicrobial barrier on surfaces that is non-toxic and non-sensitizing
Promotes long-term reduction of harmful bacteria, mold and fungi on surfaces
Minimizes the presence of microbes on touch points that can serve as transfer routes for bacteria from surface-to-skin
One application effectively fights the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi, non-stop on surfaces for up to 90 days
Proactively and continually prevents odor, staining and deterioration caused by bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew
Can be safely and easily applied without affecting day to day operations
Invisible, odorless and will not affect the appearance or performance of treated surfaces
Since SurfaceAide XL does not leach, the organism cannot emerge as a new resistant microbe or “super bug”
Here is the Clorox info. Same as PDI but percentages are not revealed. Price is different I am guessing.
AEGIS INFO
Treated vs. Untreated Surface — The unique AEGIS Microbe Shield is a fabric enhancement that gives the treated surface-active antibacterial action. The germ-killing action is the result of a micro polymer coating, which mechanically destroys bacteria, mold, fungus and their allergens on contact. AEGIS contains no chemicals, is not consumed by microorganisms, and remains effective for the life of the product.
COPPER AND ALLOYS
Copper alloys have the advantages of not only killing “bad bacteria” but they continue to kill it. Chart compares copper, brass and stainless.
And yes copper has an ROI model based on cost savings.
UV-C Antibacterial Light
Another antibacterial tool is UV-C light. It however has many cautions. We have a separate summary page for UV-C Antibacterial located here.
What Are Germicidal Lamps?
Germicidal lamps emit radiation in the UV-C portion of the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, which includes wavelengths between 100 and 280 nanometers (nm). The lamps are used in a variety of applications where disinfection is the primary concern, including air and water purification, food and beverage protection, and sterilization of sensitive tools such as medical instruments. Germicidal light destroys the ability of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens to multiply by deactivating their reproductive capabilities. The average bacteria may be killed in 10 seconds at a
The handheld, portable UVC Blade deactivates bacteria, viruses and fungi in hard to reach places and in environments that only need occasional exposure to UVC light. It is also an effective solution for mold remediation. The Blade features an on/off safety switch, and a comfortable handle that minimizes grip discomfort. Hazard and Risks from Germicidal Lamp UV Radiation
UV radiation (UVR) used in most germicidal bulbs is harmful to both skin and eyes, and germicidal bulbs should not be used in any fixture or application that was not designed specifically to prevent exposure to humans or animals. UVR is not felt immediately; in fact, the user may not realize the danger until after the exposure has caused damage. Symptoms typically occur 4 to 24 hours after exposure. The effects on skin are of two types: acute and chronic. Acute effects appear within a few hours of exposure, while chronic effects are long-lasting and cumulative and may not appear for years. An acute effect of UVR is redness of the skin called erythema (similar to sunburn). Chronic effects include accelerated skin aging and skin cancer. UVR is absorbed in the outer layers of the eye – the cornea and conjunctiva. Acute overexposure leads to a painful temporary inflammation, mainly of the cornea, known as photokeratitis. Subsequent overexposure to the UV is unlikely because of the pain involved. Chronic exposure leads to an increased risk of certain types of ocular cataracts. Working unprotected for even a few minutes can cause injury. It is possible to calculate the threshold for acute effects and to set exposure limits. It is not possible, however, to calculate threshold for chronic effects; therefore, because no exposure level is safe, exposure should be reduced as much as possible.
UV-C Handheld Blade FAQ
How does one use it?
With the Blade unit, all you need to do is get it as close to the surface as possible and pass it over the surface. Being one inch away, a few seconds exposure kills all bacteria and virus.
How long does it take?
Some take a little longer than normal but a few seconds is plenty if 1 inch away
What is the wrong way to use them?
You don’t shine the light up or at anyone and the operator should wear safety glasses which we include with every unit
How does it handle oily fingerprints and smudges?
The surface should be wiped down for the best application
These should be used in off-hours when no customers or patients around? Example: the front lobby of VA where check-in’s are taking place.
They can be used 24 hours a day, you just need to have people stand back while you run the unit over the surface
Room Treatment — VidaShield UV air filtrations in every room/operatory, check them out at https://vidashield.com/. These rid the air of all bacteria, fungi and viruses every 15 minutes during business hours. There are HVAC mirrors with high-speed suction which will reduce aerosols during treatment along with the Isolite system, which dental offices have always used if needed during treatment.
CNN Health 4/26/2020 — article link –If sunlight kills coronavirus, why not try UV lamps?
For more information and assistance contact KMA
More Antibacterial Kiosk reference and useful links
Craig is a senior staff writer for Kiosk Industry Group Association. He has 25 years of experience in the industry. He contributed to this article and received an award for UV-C kiosk integration.
American Council of the Blind sues Eatsa over kiosk ADA and app access
The American Council of the Blind has sued Eatsa, a fast-food chain that uses automated self-service kiosks and ordering apps, over insufficient access, according to a press release. Disability Rights Advocates (DRA), a national nonprofit legal center, filed
Source: www.fastcasual.com
It’s pretty simple providing some access for the blind, doesn’t have to be every single machine. Somebody did not think this thru…
Eatsa, for example, uses iPads for its in-store kiosks, according to its website. And Apple has for years included screen-reading accessibility technology — which can dictate on-screen items to blind people — in its iOS devices, and has made those tools available to developers.
But “Eatsa has configured its systems so that the [screen reader capability] is not usable on the iPad,” said Rebecca Serbin, an attorney with Disability Rights Advocates, the nonprofit representing the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit. “So the technology to make Eatsa accessible exists, but Eatsa just didn’t care enough to include that in their design.”
Adding things like a tactile keypad with braille, or making the iPad’s headphone jack accessible — currently obstructed by the frame it’s mounted on — would allow customers with vision impairment to still use Eatsa’s ordering system, according to the complaint.
Though it’s possible for customers at the restaurant to never interact with a human worker, each location does have a staff person or two in the front to assist customers if needed. But the suit further points out that the way customers can request help from one of these employees is also via a button on the iPad, which is not accessible to blind and low-vision customers.
Even the cubbyholes where food is served have no way to opt for audible cues. The whole process is silent, thus making it inaccessible, the lawsuit claims.
Key Points from Yahoo Finance: Bitcoin Depot Rides on Kiosk Expansion
Rapid Kiosk Expansion: As of March 31, 2025, Bitcoin Depot had installed 8,463 Bitcoin ATM (BTM) kiosks across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Plans are underway to surpass 10,000 kiosks after acquiring over 2,300 additional machines, pushing market leadership in North America123.
Revenue Growth: BTM kiosks accounted for about 99.7% of the company’s income in Q1 2025, reflecting Bitcoin Depot’s dependence on kiosk-based transactions. The typical transaction size at its kiosks is around $3001.
Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships: In June 2025, Bitcoin Depot acquired Pelicoin, LLC, increasing its presence in Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Texas, and other states in the Gulf South. Partnerships with retail giants—like CEFCO (covering 72+ locations) and EG America LLC (900+ sites)—drive further expansion145.
New Business Models & Growth Initiatives: The company launched seven franchise profit-sharing agreements and continues to pursue profit-sharing, providing incentives for partners to host kiosks. These strategic moves are designed to increase transaction volume and revenues16.
Strong Stock Performance: Bitcoin Depot’s stock surged 228% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s 8.3% gain. Earnings projections for 2025 expect a 176.7% year-over-year increase, indicating robust investor optimism1.
Treasury and Crypto Holdings: Bitcoin Depot adopted a strategy of holding over 100 Bitcoins as a treasury reserve, demonstrating confidence in cryptocurrency’s long-term value as an asset1.
Favorable Regulatory Environment: Recent regulatory easing—such as clarification from the SEC and the FDIC, along with a strategic crypto reserve order from the U.S. government—has created tailwinds for further growth, benefiting Bitcoin Depot and other crypto-related companies6.
Competitive Landscape: Competitors like Coinbase focus on stablecoins and staking services, while BTCS emphasizes Ethereum. However, Bitcoin Depot is carving out a unique niche in physical Bitcoin ATM services1.
In summary, Bitcoin Depot is experiencing record growth due to strategic acquisitions, aggressive expansion of its kiosk network, and supportive regulatory trends, propelling both its revenues and stock performance higher1645.
As of March 31, 2025, Bitcoin Depot had 8,463 BTM Kiosks installed across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, with a median kiosk transaction size of $300. Further, in June 2025, the company acquired the assets of Pelicoin, LLC, to strengthen its presence in the Gulf South region of the United States. The transaction will expand kiosk locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Texas.
Bitcoin Depot’s close peers like Coinbase Global Inc. COIN and BTCS, Inc. BTCS have been capitalizing on cryptocurrency tailwinds. While Coinbase has been emphasizing stablecoins and staking services, BTCS focuses on an Ethereum-focused strategy.
The recent wave of deregulation in crypto policies is expected to favor companies like Bitcoin Depot, Coinbase and BTCS by reducing compliance burdens and opening up new revenue opportunities.
Reviewing the latest kiosk design photos can be highly valuable for several reasons:
Inspiration and Innovation: Looking at recent designs can inspire new ideas and help you stay updated on the latest trends in kiosk technology and aesthetics. Trends such as human-centered design, integration of advanced technology like AI and AR, and contactless solutions are reshaping the industry23.
Enhanced User Experience: Modern kiosks focus on user-friendly interfaces, ergonomic design, and accessibility to improve customer satisfaction and engagement. Seeing how these elements are implemented can guide your own design decisions27.
Market Insights: The kiosk market is growing rapidly, driven by consumer demand for self-service options and technological advancements. Reviewing designs can provide insights into how businesses are leveraging kiosks to boost efficiency, customer engagement, and brand identity13.
Design Strategies: Well-designed kiosks can significantly increase usage and profitability by enhancing brand recognition and streamlining operations. Photos can illustrate how successful kiosks incorporate consistent branding, intuitive navigation, and advanced technology to achieve these goals14.
Competitive Advantage: Staying informed about the latest kiosk designs can help businesses differentiate themselves and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market68
DPL — Wireless Kiosk Routers and Modems you can bank on. Cut site visits by up to 35% and get 50x faster time to resolution with DPL’s Hercules cellular routers and AI powered remote monitoring and management platform.
DPL sets the standard for managed wireless service providers in the ATM industry. DPL’s long history of constant innovation has allowed them to remain an industry leader for nearly two-decades and has made them a fan favorite among ATM operators.
2003 – Dial to Cellular
DPL introduced the 2G ATM 300, one of the first transaction capable, dial to cellular converters, designed specifically for use in ATMs. The ATM 300’s built-in intrusion detection features, made possible in-part by its internal battery, were the first of their kind. The ATM 300 could detect and alert ATM owners by email and SMS text message, of power disconnects, tilting, and door open events through DPL’s custom physical sensors. The ATM 300 also featured a built-in power relay which enabled ATM operators to remotely restart ATMs to resolve errors and return ATMs to “in service”. This innovation has helped ATM operators save countless hours and reduce costs related to unnecessary travel and tech dispatches.
2007 – Dial to Ethernet
DPL introduced the ATM 600, a dial to Ethernet converter which enabled dial-up ATMs to connect to the location’s local area network (LAN). This helped operators reduce costs by eliminating the need for a dedicated phone line or cellular costs to support the ATM.
2020 – GPS Tracking
DPL introduced the Hercules Shield, one of the first cellular modems to include physical and logical security features with built-in GPS tracking. The Hercules Shield also features industry-first NTrap® Ethernet ports, which can detect Ethernet tampering even if power to the ATM is cut. It also detects MAC and IP address changes; early signs of cyber attacks.
2021 – Advanced Remote Management
DPL introduced Hercules RMS, which offers ATM operators unparalleled remote management capability regardless of ATM manufacturer or payment processor. Hercules RMS eliminates the expense and complexity associated with traditional RMS setups and enables operators to perform remote actions like soft ATM reboots, configure payment processors; adjust bill counts, welcome, and marketing messages. DPL is the first and only managed wireless provider to offer this level of remote management capability to ATM
2022 – Artificial Intelligence
DPL raised the bar yet again by introducing Hercules AI, which minimizes ATM downtime by automatically fixing over 1,800 common PIN pad, bill dispenser, card reader and software related issues. ATM operators taking advantage of Hercules AI project it will save them tens-of-thousands of dollars every year in costs related to downtime, travel, and technician fees – not to mention improve their relationships with location owners leading to increased business opportunities.
Inviting all attendees to visit and explore the latest in transformational technology in retail powered by Intel.
RetailNow 2025is scheduled from July 27 to July 29, 2025, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. RetailNOW brings together leaders, innovators, and channel players from the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis industries to foster connections crucial for business success. It is aimed at VARs, Resellers and Distributors. It is NOT open to the public. 170+ exhibitors, 500+ VARs, 400+ ISVs, 1,600+ total attendees, 50+ speakers, 18 VAR/ISV-focused educational breakouts, and 100-degree temperatures in Las Vegas. 🙂
In The Booth – click on link to email Mike, Ed, Zahdan or Kathy
meldCX — meldCX provides a suite of AI-driven software products and platforms focused on commercial devices and physical spaces, primarily targeting industries such as retail, hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and finance — Nice article
Intel — Kathy Crumley leads one of the discussions and is in the booth
OptConnect with max aware router— The max aware router gives you the best of both worlds: fully managed cellular connectivity, plus Wi-Fi, and the convenience, reliability, security, and cost savings of WAN failover.
GoldFinger Monitors — Designed with the unique needs of our commercial partners in mind, Goldfinger Monitors has a solution for nearly every application. Discover the ideal solution to meet your touch screen and touchscreen needs.
· Bonus! Follow this link to access my interview with TSG (The Strawhecker Group) as part of their Executive Interview Series
Finally, thanks for all the positive feedback since we announced RetailNOW will focus on helping VARs and ISVs better compete against the margin-obliterating, VC-backed, 800-number, one-size-fits-all POS providers who don’t have a channel. Visit the RetailNOW website for more details: www.GoRSPA.org/RetailNOW
RSPA Membership
It’s an expensive show, unless you’re a member. Why not become a member and network with like-minded individuals who are buying and selling? Apply here
The three most significant benefits of being a member of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) are:
1. Access to Exclusive Member Programs and Services
RSPA members can participate in a wide range of benefit programs, including legal guidance, market data analysis, and business development resources. Members also receive “White Glove Service,” which includes personalized support from the Member Services Team and warm introductions to other members, helping them navigate the community and accelerate business growth.
2. Discounted Rates and Buying Power
Membership provides access to discounted rates for association events, health insurance, HR services, office supplies, promotional items, and more. These benefits are designed to give members—regardless of company size—buying power typically reserved for larger organizations, helping them reduce operational costs and improve ROI.
3. Networking and Strategic Relationship Opportunities
RSPA is North America’s largest community for VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis IT sectors. Membership unlocks opportunities to build strategic relationships, attend industry events at reduced rates, and connect with growth-oriented peers, vendors, and potential partners—fostering collaboration and business expansion.
We are a member and we are just a “little ol’ association”…
Exhibitors and Attendees: The event is expected to attract over 1,600 attendees and more than 165 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse range of products and services. Exhibitors include leading software developers, IT vendors, and distributors specializing in technologies such as contactless payments, cybersecurity, IoT, AI, and cloud computing.
Venue and Logistics: The event will be held at Caesars Palace, offering an expansive exhibit space of 80,000 square feet. The RSPA provides various resources for exhibitors, including a marketing toolkit to promote their participation and a vendor partner program to encourage channel partners to attend.
Education and Networking: RetailNow offers expanded educational tracks that focus on emerging trends and technologies within the retail and related sectors. Attendees can engage in networking opportunities, build partnerships, and gain insights into new regulations and security threats.
Event Activities: The conference includes a comprehensive agenda with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops. Exhibitors can leverage the event to demonstrate their products and services, while attendees can explore the latest innovations in retail technology.
Target Audience: The event is not open to the public and is specifically designed for industry professionals, including VARs (Value-Added Resellers), software developers, vendors, and distributors.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and potential partners across multiple verticals.
Education and Insights: Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in retail IT.
Product Showcase: Explore and experience the latest retail solutions and technologies firsthand.
Business Growth: Develop strategic relationships and partnerships to enhance business growth.
Exhibitor Experience: Exhibitors at RetailNow benefit from a comprehensive marketing toolkit provided by RSPA, which includes event banners, social media templates, and email graphics to promote their participation. Additionally, exhibitors can participate in the Vendor Partner Program to sponsor their channel partners’ attendance, enhancing their networking opportunities.
Wrap
RetailNow 2025 is a pivotal event for anyone involved in the retail technology sector, offering a platform for networking, education, and business development. With its focus on innovation and industry connections, it is an essential gathering for those seeking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving retail landscape
The Omnichannel Opportunity: AI, Customer Experience, and the Human Touch
9:00 AM-9:45 AM
Retail IT Essentials
Octavius 6-8 – Retail IT Industry Essentials
Kathy Crumley
Global Strategist
Intel
Dean Reverman
VP of Marketing
BlueStar
RetailNow Schedule
Join the Kiosk Association event from July 26-29, 2025. The schedule features registration, exhibit hall hours, and a welcome reception. Detailed timings are provided daily for exhibitors and attendees of the RSPA expo.
Exhibitor Move-in
Sat. Jul. 26, 2025
8:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Sun. Jul. 27, 2025
8:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Show Hours:
Sun. Jul. 27, 2025
5:30 PM To 7:00 PM
Mon. Jul. 28, 2025
10:00 AM To 3:00 PM
Tue. Jul. 29, 2025
9:00 AM To 2:00 PM
Exhibitor Move-out
Tue. Jul. 29, 2025
2:00 PM To 7:00 PM
Tue. Jul. 29, 2025
All exhibitor materials MUST be removed by 7:00 PM
Self-Service Kiosk and Digital Signage Award Winners for 2024 —
Innovations in Immersive Technologies
WESTMINSTER, Colo., Jan. 8, 2025 — Kiosk Industry Group, the marketing arm of KMA Kiosk Association, announces the Best of 2024 Self-Service award winners. The winners exemplify the best in self-service and kiosk design, including kiosks. You can meet many of the winners and chat at NRF this week. Stop by 1602 (the first booth down A lower level). If you are attending, look us up on the mobile and matchmaking app and say hello. We also donated $100 for every entry made (which were free) to Retail Orphans and IHL.
2025 Update — Here’s the 2025 news for Samsung kiosk. Looks like the Super Bowl and Mr. Pickle. Grubbrr has a certain opaque quality to it. The documented ROI for example is always mentioned, but never seen. Grubbrr is strategic partner for NCR Voyix. NCR used to make kiosks but now they buy them from Korea (Samsungs running Grubbrr connecting to Aloha POS. That segment is getting very competitive and NCR recently announced higher rates. We wrote about that on Automated Retail.
Samsung Kiosk has seen several high-profile and innovative deployments in 2025, reflecting its growing presence in retail, hospitality, and event venues. Here are some of the most notable:
1.
The Big Game (Super Bowl 2025): Samsung Kiosks powered by GRUBBRR were deployed at the stadium, allowing fans to order food and beverages efficiently. The kiosks helped reduce wait times, improved order accuracy, and enhanced the overall fan experience by letting attendees spend more time enjoying the event rather than waiting in lines12.
2.
: This premium sandwich chain rolled out Samsung Kiosks with GRUBBRR’s self-ordering technology and digital menu boards across more than 60 locations. The integration aimed to streamline operations, reduce wait times, and increase average ticket sizes through intelligent upselling features34.
3.
: Retail’s Big Show: Samsung showcased its latest retail solutions, including AI-powered kiosks with voice-enabled ordering and checkout, at this major industry event. The kiosks demonstrated advanced features such as integration with loyalty programs and personalized offers, highlighting their role in next-generation retail environments56.
4.
: Samsung and GRUBBRR launched a program offering a return-on-investment guarantee for businesses adopting their self-ordering kiosks. If the kiosks did not generate ROI in a given month (after the initial three months), participating businesses would have their software fees waived, reducing risk and encouraging wider adoption78.
Original Article
The Samsung kiosk has been very successful in its introduction. Impervious to the usual Windows flaws and endless troublesome patch cycles. Samsung has managed to be the unit that NCR resells (via Grubbrr). TSI sells the Samsung kiosk. Several software companies have picked up and done interations of the Samsung for Clover POS and also Square POS (Nanonation). In 2024 Nanonation began deploying AI assist to samsung kiosks along with menu board synchronization. The ecosystem grows.
Tizen is Samsung-modified Linux for its TVs, Tablets, mobile phones and displays. ARM-based cpus, not Intel. Given its relative isolation and Samsungs natural unwillingness to make small changes, that has opened up a profitable “we can do it” channel for people like Nanonation.
And yes, LG has one too albeit they went with Windows. Samsung now also offers Windows out of necessity for networks most likely. Big companies tend to “play it safe” with cheap Dell/HP Windows contracts and that drives Active Directory and other Microsoft technology. Probably many of them use Crowdstrike for security come to think of it.
You can see the Samsung kiosk at our booth at FSTEC Sept #1009
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat Samsung Kiosk pro vides safer and seamless experience due to its UL-certi- fied Antimicrobial Coating which protects the screen against certain bacteria. This …
Segment last week on the TODAY Show about rise of kiosks. At least it wasn’t another “self-checkout is going away” advertising piece. Emilie Ikeda of NBC News visited BurgerFi‘s flagship New York City location to test out the Samsung Kiosk powered by GRUBBRR®, where they are seeing kiosk usage of up to 33%, with those customers spending 15% more and in some locations up to 42% more. “Restaurants are leaning into kiosks with rising labor and food costs. The number of restaurant kiosks jumped 43% in recent years and is expected to double by 2028” – Emilie Ikeda
Looks like the Tizen used for demo. I wonder if that restaurant (and others) will get sued for ADA when updated guidelines for enforcement come out soon. In Europe you can get away with quasi-unattended (McDonald’s does that)
The “43% jump!” comes from RBR though not specifically noted — RBR Data Services forecasts that there will be nearly 700,000 kiosks installed worldwide by 2028. “With hospitality overheads continuing to skyrocket globally and minimum wage increases planned in many developed countries, restaurant chains of all sizes will introduce kiosks or expand existing rollouts as a way of rationalizing their operations and boosting transaction values,” Chris Allen, who led RBR Data Services’ Global Self-Ordering Kiosks 2024 research, said in a press release. The study, Global Self-Ordering Kiosks 2024, shows that while McDonald’s remains the world’s largest deployer of the technology with more than 130,000 units installed, Burger King and KFC have each expanded their international kiosk deployment considerably, in countries ranging from Romania to the Philippines.
RBR needed data from us to confirm their “predictions”. Typically they do not call US companies so bear that in mind. RBR is pivoting from its financials & banks & ATM world in order to transform itself. Good plan. Diebold is trying to that and NCR is too (reselling Grubbrr/Samsung). And Crane for that matter.
Clover POS – Restaurant Kiosk ROI – Three Examples– this is Samsung Tizen original. ROI case study applies to both Clover and Square. We prefer data over media commentators. They actually provide spreadsheet with business costs. You won’t find that in RBR report or the other datamarts for that matter.
We did a writeup on the RBR report. Better than most but very lacking. Most people are so desperate for a shiny nugget they immediately bite. Reminds me of bass fishing or maybe trotlining for catfish back in Oklahoma.
kiosk research RBR
Videos
Background on “KMA” Series (we’re a little partial to that)
KMA series — Designed for every business, delivering peace of mind
Helpful and hygienic kiosks are in demand
Kiosks are increasingly becoming a part of everyday consumer life. From self-checkouts, to in-store ordering and ticket purchases, kiosks are a quick and efficient way for customers to engage with brands in a more personalized way – and they are increasing in popularity. In light of the pandemic, safety and sanitation are top of mind for consumers, from engaging with a display that other users have touched, to securely protecting their payment details. Performance and reliability are key factors when considering a kiosk display, ensuring that it can be easily managed and maintained once installed, while also being able to perform at optimum levels despite frequent use. Aesthetically, it is also important that a kiosk seamlessly blends into its environment and enhances the look of any brand. Overall, kiosks are more important to the consumer journey then ever so businesses must have the right product with the right features.
Keep customers happy and healthy with Samsung’s best-in-class kiosk
Seamless integration into any business environment
The compact and integrated design of Samsung Kiosk provides a variety of installation options depending on the unique space any business is looking to use. Countertop, floor stand and wall-mounting installation methods means the kiosk can be utilized in a range of environments, from
restaurants, to cafes, airports and retail stores. The kiosk also helps to reduce human error in the ordering or purchasing process. Samsung ensures this powerful performance through the embedded, SoC-based Tizen OS, enabling a faster and more optimized experience. This in turn helps to
increase business efficiency and ultimately, the speed and satisfaction of every customer interaction.
Effective protection with Antimicrobial Coating
During a time when customer health and safety is front and center, ensuring the hygiene of any touch display is a very important consideration for any business. Samsung Kiosk provides safer and seamless experience due to its UL-certified Antimicrobial Coating which protects the screen against certain bacteria. This means that Samsung Kiosk helps to reduce the workload of separate cleaning and management of display, while alleviating customer concerns and giving them peace of mind. The coating also has the same, long lifespan as the display, meaning it does not need to be replaced while providing long-term protection, with the same clear visuals during every transaction.
[NOTE:Not sure what the UL certified coating is. There is a coating for ductwork that is UL-723. Maybe they confused UL with FDA or even EPA ]
Easy maintenance and management for enhanced efficiency
Businesses can install multiple kiosks and be confident that they can monitor and manage the kiosks with ease. The monitoring function enables the real-time identification and notification of issues, minimizing the time to resolve for reduced service disruption, while also decreasing the number of maintenance visits a store manager would typically require. In addition, the remote management capabilities allow store managers to control the ordering and payment applications provided by partners, delivering easier installation and ongoing management without the need to communicate with partners on a consistent basis.
Compact and modern design
Modular functionality to support any payment type
Samsung Kiosk is composed of a single display part and connect box, along with an optional stand. The design enables clean and convenient cable management while the cream white color and simple stand means the kiosk blends perfectly into any store interior with a stylish look.The Samsung Kiosk adopts a modular design which provides a variety of payment options including credit card, barcode, QR code and NFC, along with a built-in printer. This means it needs no additional peripherals for an advanced, all-in-one solution that also makes maintenance fast and easy. *Samsung Kiosk supports a fully integrated EMV cradle for a Verifone terminal (P400) which varies by region and country.
Helpful, hygienic interactions
Powerful solution with no PC needed
The next-generation kiosk blocks microbial growth to help protect against certain bacteria for safer, more hygienic interaction. So customers can worry less about germs, and keep focus on what’s on the screen.Samsung Kiosk is built based on Samsung’s proven SoC(System on Chip) technology. This enables the kiosk to function without the need for an external PC, further highlighting Samsung’s leadership in the PC-less solution space, while delivering powerful and reliable technology.
Powerful, protective securityDisplay monitoring and management The kiosk uses three-layer security protection powered by Samsung Knox technology which supports application development on the secured platform, the protection of important customer data and effective minimization of security attacks for a powerful, comprehensive security solution.Samsung Kiosk provides a proven remote monitoring solution, allowing managers to view display information, check peripheral devices and resolve errors. Remote control capabilities also enable the diagnosis of issues and remote control of essential functions such as switching the screen on and off.
— Skittles case study for custom candy dispensing. Hundreds of kiosks deployed and a new candidate for Best of 2025 Awards we think. Not sure on software and kiosk.
Giada is a global brand established in 1999, specializing in embedded computers, motherboards, and solutions for digital transformation and IoT across sectors like retail, education, hospitality, and transportation7. For more information email Lily or visit the Giada website.
Giada case studies highlight:
Compact media players for applications like jukeboxes in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Self-service terminals in healthcare for stable, continuous operation and smooth human-computer interaction.
Advertising and digital signage deployed in retail locations (e.g., Starbucks South Korea) for vibrant product displays and customer ordering.
Digital kiosks that deliver personalized product experiences (e.g., Skittles Remix).
Embedded PCs for reliable operation in cash management (used in customized safes for retailers like Burger King)8.
Introduction
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.
The kiosks are designed to help expand sales at a lower cost; therefore, they require the embedded hardware to be highly reliable and stable. The kiosks must operate 24/7, and any downtime would result in a loss of sales revenue. Besides, the hardware is supposed to be cost-effective and support dual-LAN and Auto-power on. After comparison, they chose Giada embedded PCs and have deployed hundreds of these kiosks until June 2024.
Products Deployed
– Intel® Jasper Lake Celeron® N5100 processor
– 4 GB, Onboard LPDDR4-2666 MHz
– 128GB, 1 x M.2 for SSD
– 1 x DP, 1 x HDMI, Supporting 4K Display
– 2 x RJ45, Support Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6
– 2 x USB3.2 Gen2, 4 x USB2.0, 1 x RS232
Key Benefits
Cost Savings: The deployment was cost-effective without compromising on quality or performance. Reliable Connectivity: The dual LAN capability ensured continuous and stable network connectivity, crucial for interactive vending experiences. Automatic Recovery: With auto-power-on functionality, the kiosks can automatically restart after power outages or scheduled maintenance, minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent operation.
The National Restaurant Association each year prepares a comprehensive overview of the restaurant industry and provides a look ahead. The Association’s research is considered the most authoritative source for restaurant industry sales projections and trends.
It is based on analysis of the latest economic data and extensive surveys of
restaurant operators and consumers. See p. 51 for methodology and visit Restaurant.org/Research for the latest industry trends and analysis.
The Association’s research and analysis have a long-standing reputation for the highest credibility, neutrality, and accuracy inside and outside the industry. The Association is considered a leading authority on restaurant industry statistics, analysis, trends and forecasts.
HIGHLIGHTS
The restaurant industry ended 2020 with total sales that were $240 billion below the National Restaurant Association’s pre-pandemic forecast for the year.
Although restaurant and foodservice sales are expected to post double-digit growth in 2021, it won’t be nearly enough to make up for the substantial losses experienced in 2020.
More than 8 million eating and drinking place employees were laid off or furloughed during the peak of the lockdowns.
The eating and drinking place sector finished 2020 nearly 2.5 million jobs below its pre-coronavirus level.
By December, 110,000 eating and drinking places were closed long term or for good.
The majority of permanently closed restaurants were well-established businesses in operation for 16 years; 16% had been open for at least 30 years.
Restaurants survived by shifting to off-premises foodservice, streamlining menus, setting up outdoor dining, marketing discount deals, bundling and blending meals, and selling alcohol to go.
Operators adopted contactless order and payment technologies at an accelerated pace; consumers expect to be able to use their smartphones for more aspects of the restaurant experience.
The vast majority of operators plan to keep at least some of the changes they made to their restaurant during the pandemic.
A source of optimism is that consumers greatly miss dining at restaurants; their pent-up demand for restaurant experiences is high.
Although 2020 was the most challenging year in restaurant history, this industry full of resilient entrepreneurs will recover.
As the seasons change, the weather gets warmer, and the school year comes to a close yet again, another vacation season is just around the corner. And according to a recent travel survey by AAA, nearly 100 million Americans are planning to participate this year.
The travel and tourism industry, which brought in more than $100 billion in the U.S. alone during the summer of 2017, continues to grow and flourish as Americans continue to make vacationing a priority. However, as the industry and the influx of travelers continues to grow, so does the demand for assistance, information, and other services during their stay—making the need for self-service solutions greater than ever before.
Designed with simplification in mind, self-service digital kiosks can help provide travelers with the information and services they need to allow them to enjoy their hard earned time away. After all, that’s what vacationing is all about, right?
Here are four ways digital kiosks are doing just that:
Car Rental Kiosk
While not all vacations require a flight, for those that do, travelers’ first stop after they land at their destination is typically at the car rental counter. Designed to reduce long wait times and help kickstart vacations on a positive note, car rental kiosks allow drivers to check-in, select, pay for, and upgrade their rental car selection—all from the kiosk. Drivers receive a printed receipt to take to the counter to retrieve their keys, and then they’re directed to go pick up their car—it’s quick and easy.
Check-In Kiosk
As the next logical step, travelers typically stop by their hotel to unload their luggage and get settled in. Similarly to the car rental check-in process, travelers can use hotel check-in kiosks to check-in and pay for their room and also retrieve their room key card. The check-in process can be completely unattended, allowing travelers to quickly check-in no matter if they arrive during the busiest time of the day or late into the evening. While check-in kiosks certainly simplify the hotel check-in process, they can also indirectly improve customer service. Employees who were typically tasked with handling check-in can be made more readily available to answer questions and provide assistance as it is needed.
Interactive Digital Signage & Wayfinding Kiosk
Once travel and arrival logistics are taken care of, vacation can officially begin! However, whether it’s a traveler’s first or fifteenth time visiting a destination, there’s always something new to discover. From shops and restaurants to attractions, tours, and events, interactive digital signage and wayfinding kiosks can help travelers plan their days. With different categories, interactive information, map integrations, calling features, and print-on-demand capabilities, they can help users navigate their destination while also encouraging them to explore the surrounding area.
Visitor Kiosk for Feedback
While the conclusion of a vacation is often the hardest part of the trip for travelers, it’s also an opportunity to reflect back on their experience and to think about what they enjoyed and what they would have changed. Digital kiosks, placed in a hotel lobby or other central location provide a platform on which visitors can respond to surveys, and leave feedback, prior to making their departure. They aren’t limited to use in hotels, though. Restaurants, tours, and attractions of all kinds can implement visitor survey kiosks to help them make improvements and ensure that their visitors are having positive experiences.
From the first steps off the plane or out of the car, to the last steps out of the hotel, self-service kiosks are simplifying different aspects of the travel and tourism industry all across the board.
To learn more about Meridian’s travel and tourism-focused kiosks, visit www.meridiankiosks.com.
Interact with our lineup of kiosk solutions and learn why kiosks are being deployed worldwide at record-pace.
Olea will also be showcasing part of our BRAND-NEW kiosk line, the Austin Series. Primed for QSR/Fast-Food, the modular solution is easy to drop into place and comes with everything you need to process cashless transactions in the most compliant and efficient manner. The lineup uses traditional POS devices which makes them a quick and welcome addition by your staff. The compact and elegant form factor keeps your brand at the cutting-edge of customer-pointed technology.
Different configurations of our Austin Freestanding Kiosk will be on display throughout the show with Olea Partners. Stop by Shuttle Computer Group (#2754) and AOPEN America (#2912) to interact with additional demos and hardware options.
Olea Kiosks is a self-service industry leader with over 40 years of design, engineering, and manufacturing experience. We offer off-the-shelf kiosks, as well as fully custom kiosks to meet the needs of your brand and unique customer-base. Some of the companies we work and worked with include Kaiser Permanente, FedEx, Nike, CLEAR, and more.
Solutions for: Digital Signage, Wayfinding, QSR/Fast Food, Bill Payment, Check-In, Ticketing and more.
Call 800-927-8063 or email [email protected] to learn more or to schedule a visit to our booth.
Olea Announces the Launch of the New “Austin” Self Check-in and Order Kiosk
Sleek and modern the Austin Freestanding Check-In Kiosk can work in almost any environment.
Austin Free Standing Kiosk
for Check-in –
Click for full size
The Austin continues Olea’s mission to provide better kiosks through intelligent design. Providing flexible configuration options, the Austin was meticulously engineered to accommodate 15” or 22” All-in-One computers in Portrait or Landscape. Standard options include EMV terminal and POS-style receipt printer.
The wide array of transactional components housed in this sleek, feature-packed kiosk makes it one of the most powerful retail solutions available on the market. Its compact footprint and rugged security complement a variety of environments for companies that seek to improve ROI and user interaction in small spaces or high traffic areas.
Make an impact with the Milan kiosk. This stunning pedestal-style kiosk was developed for interactive digital signage applications, but due to its incredible adaptability, the Milan is well-suited for many other applications. Several high-grade digital-signage monitors built for 24/7, year round operation are available. This best-selling kiosk can accommodate virtually any single or multi-touch LCD monitor with the option to orient the display to portrait or landscape mode. Larger monitors allow deployers to split the screen for multiple applications, such as retail and wayfinding. Performance on a pedestal, the Milan can be configured with a large variety of peripherals, including thermal printers, media players, magnetic and smart card readers, proximity sensors and QR/barcode scanners.
Innovation is fast to market with the right partners in place, even with demanding projects such as integrating people with their environment. Read how Visionect and Soofa have been reinventing the urban landscape in 2019, creating the cities of tomorrow today.
No man is an island entire of itself, wrote John Donne way back in 1624. The powerful words hold as true as they did centuries ago, be it applied to humanity as a whole or, as in this case, a powerful partnership of two high-tech companies that have joined forces to create people-focused technology that brings communities together. Think peanut butter and jelly, Gilbert and Sullivan, Lennon and McCartney – and Visionect and Soofa.
A spinoff of the MIT Media Lab, Soofa is dedicated to creating the neighborhood news feed with screens everyone can see and anyone can use; a perfect match for Visionect, the premier designer and developer of ultra-low-power digital display solutions. The result of the cooperation are the electronic paper Soofa Signs that are installable with just four bolts and are powered by Visionect technology.
Taking over the US, the solar-powered communication hubs blend useful transit and neighborhood information with relevant local messaging and advertising. This is where they brought communities together in 2019.
Editors Note — With the non-negotiable requirements for web access for customers to order, the “website” has taken on even more importance and is now a critical component of company success. Getting sued for a lack of accessibility is not one of the outcomes you want. Complicate matters with which platform it uses, either desktop or mobile. Throw in language while at it. Taking steps to increase accessibility are relatively easy and low cost. KioWare integrates JAWS for example. We have very capable accessibility consultants such as Vispero and Tech For All that can help you perform full due diligence. Assistive devices by Storm Interface. Worth noting Biden plans on appointing a Director of Disability. President Biden was a cosponsor of the original ADA Act over 30 years ago.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has published the First Call Public Working Draft of its Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0, which are developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world. WCAG 3.0 provides new ways to evaluate web content accessibility for people with disabilities by addressing more types of disabilities, concentrating on both mobile and desktop applications, and developing new tests and scoring to determine accessibility.
By Kiosk Manufacturer Association Published 4:07 AM MST, February 17, 2025
kiosk kiosks
WESTMINSTER, Colo., Feb. 17, 2025 — Kiosk Association: Come see us in booth 3165 (HIMSS site) at the Venetian for the HIMSS Healthcare conference. Say hello, make connections and setup meeting. Patient check-in, accessibility tools for UX and usability, visitor registration and even wristband printers. We have a full portfolio of pictures, contacts and more on our Kiosk Industry page as well. We have international companies. APnews and PRnewswire.
The HIMSS link lets you connect and chat, or, you can email [email protected] — I won’t be there but hopefully playing golf here in Denver.
FEATURED
This month we have our feature article “Sports Betting, Bitcoin and Crypto Has its time come?” trends across Europe and the US. How to prepare for the revolution (sounds a bit dramatic, maybe), but it is a very reasonable probability. Bitcoin ATMs still have problems, for sure.
On the not-so-good news side, we cover the withdrawal from the Federal Register of Accessible Kiosks NPRM. What next? We have decided that our best response is to assist the industry in developing our common usability guidelines so that all self-service is “self-enabled.” Testing with personas is a significant component.
COVERAGE
We have a new affiliation with the RSPA, North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. This expands our coverage. Jim Roddy, President of RSPA, “The RSPA is happy to work with Kiosk Industry so together we can share insights and best practices with retail technology solution providers. We see the self-service trend continuing to escalate, and kiosks will play a big role making that happen.”
There are international websites with an Asia-focused focus and a Europe-focused focus. See kioskasia.org and kioskeurope.org. For example, we are writing an article on latest first of its kind cutting-edge LED menu boards in Poland and KFC.
Contact [email protected] with questions or contacts. We accept no financial commission or paid advertising. It is free for companies to participate networking and insight.
KT Group, a leading custom kiosk manufacturer, announced this week their new website design. Nice! Great to see the NCR use case. That was a big deal in many ways.
KT Group Unveils New Website Showcasing Global Kiosk Capabilities
KT Group today announced the launch of kioskterminals.com, a fully revamped digital platform designed to showcase its comprehensive self-service kiosk solutions, global manufacturing capabilities, and two decades of industry leadership.
As the definitive resource for retail, betting, hospitality, QSR and beyond, the new site brings together KT Group’s portfolio – culminating in over 28,000 kiosks deployed globally – with deep-dive insights into its proprietary Whizz product line and end-to-end service offering.
A renewed digital presence
The redesigned kioskterminals.com delivers an intuitive, modern experience that highlights:
The Whizz Range: a modular, design-led lineup of flagship kiosks – including Whizz, Whizz XX, Whizz Arc, and Whizz Neo – built for flexibility, durability, and global deployment.
Business Insights: a retrospective on two decades of kiosk innovation – from NCR’s first compact self‑checkout kiosk to high-performing installations for top-tier betting operators.
Services & Solutions: an in-depth overview of KT Group’s full-turnkey capabilities, from tailored design and rapid prototyping to certifications and large-scale manufacturing.
Built to scale, engineered for excellence
“The launch of our new website represents more than just a facelift – it signals our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of self-service technology,” said Kenneth Larsen, CEO of KT Group. “With international production facilities and over 20 years of successful scaled manufacturing for numerous organizations, we empower brands to scale quickly and confidently. It’s never been easier to do just that with the launch of our new site.”
KT Group’s self-service deployments span the globe, delivering enhanced customer experiences across cinema, retail, hospitality, and sports betting. The modernized site offers business owners the access to technical resources, case studies, and product comparison tools they need to make informed decisions.
Explore the future of self-service
Visitors to kioskterminals.com can now:
Compare technical specifications and configurations of the complete Whizz range.
Discover KT Group’s manufacturing standards, global footprint, and certification credentials.
Access client stories across multiple sectors, including retail checkout, foreign exchange, and sports betting terminals.
For more information or to discuss a potential project, please reach out to:
KT Group is a globally recognized provider of full-turnkey self-service kiosk solutions, delivering durable, scalable hardware and software platforms to support retail, betting, ticketing, and hospitality environments. Since its founding in 2005, KT Group has delivered tens of thousands of kiosks worldwide, supported by ISO-certified manufacturing and a presence across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Tips for better utilization in restaurants, healthcare, venues, airports, and beyond Kiosks are everywhere these days—helping us check in at the airport, place a food order, buy event or park tickets, pay for parking, or even sign in for a healthcare appointment. The goal is usually the same across industries: speed up service, reduce lines, improve the customer experience, and free up staff…
As we continue our 50th anniversary series, we’re looking back on some of the defining projects and moments that helped shape Olea Kiosks into the company we are today. One of the most complex and exciting areas we’ve worked in is biometric kiosk design—a field that blends high security with high expectations. Our journey into biometrics began nearly a decade ago with what…
Self-service kiosks are transforming the way businesses interact with customers, providing convenience, efficiency, and a personalized touch across industries. From quick-service restaurants (QSRs) to retail stores, healthcare facilities, transportation hubs, and entertainment venues, kiosks are no longer just simple transactional tools—they are becoming intelligent touchpoints that enhance the overall guest experience. As digital ordering and AI-driven recommendations continue to shape consumer expectations, kiosk…
As Olea Kiosks celebrates its 50th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the key lessons we’ve learned in the self-service industry. One of the most critical? Location matters. No matter how well-designed, intuitive, or advanced a kiosk may be, if it’s placed in the wrong spot, adoption rates will suffer. A Case Study in Poor Kiosk Placement Strategy A few years ago, a national QSR…
At Olea Kiosks, we’re always looking for ways to push the boundaries of self-service innovation, and our new partnership with meldCX takes that commitment to the next level with device management software. By combining our industry-leading kiosk design and manufacturing with meldCX’s powerful smart technologies and device management software, we’re delivering more efficient, reliable, and seamless self-service solutions across industries—starting with healthcare. Bringing…
2025 marks our 50th anniversary in business at Olea Kiosks®. Reaching a 50-year milestone is more than just a celebration—it’s a chance to reflect on the lessons that have shaped who we are today. Over the decades, we’ve navigated shifts in technology, evolving customer needs, and industry challenges, and each experience added to our collective knowledge. As we mark this anniversary, we’re sharing…
