SSTM News – U.S. Access Board to Host Panel Discussions on Self-Service Transaction Machines (May 19)
The U.S. Access Board will host panel discussions on access to self-service transaction machines (SSTMs), including point-of-sales machines and ticket kiosks, as part of its next virtual Board meeting on May 19 from 1:00 – 3:15 (ET). One panel will include representatives from advocacy organizations who will discuss usability issues and accessibility barriers. Another panel will address efforts by research and industry to improve access to SSTMs. The public is welcome to attend this event. Registration is not required.
Following the panel discussions and a short break, the Board will reconvene to conduct regular business from 3:30 – 4:30 (ET). The agenda includes brief reports from the Executive Director, Board committees, and Election Assistance Commission. For more information, visit the Board’s webpage.
You may attend the meeting through the Zoom.gov platform or by phone (listen-only mode). The meeting will include video remote interpreting (VRI) and real-time captioning. For further information, visit the Board’s website or contact Rose Marie Bunales at events@access-board.gov.
Meeting of the U.S. Access Board (Virtual) May 19, 1:00 – 4:30 (ET) Zoom link: www.zoomgov.com/j/1604334769 Meeting ID: 160 433 4769
Call-in numbers: Phone (listen only): 1 (646) 828 7666 (New York) or 1 (669) 254 5252 (San Jose); see international numbers
Countertop Kiosk ADA-equipped Standard Configuration
We were cruising the internet and took a look at one of the standard kiosk model being offered by American Kiosks. AK is headed up by Eric Nebola and Tucker Lightsey. Some of you will remember Dan Berry who is one of the reps there. We couldn’t help but notice that the stock picture includes assistive ADA technology (AudioPad by Storm-Interface). It’s a sign of quality that this is a standard component and not the usual optional. We’ve known and worked with Eric for over 20 years. Began as a superb engineer and now president of AK.
Straightforward, eye-catching self service – try this on for size.
First impressions can last a lifetime. That’s why AIRE shines with its best trait forward: your brand. The sleek shape and rounded edges of this unit draw in users, while the Projected Capacitive Touch Screen allows them to breeze through check-in and key card distribution. AIRE can be used in a range of hospitality applications.
CUSTOMER FOCUSED.
AUTOMATED GUEST SERVICES.
SMALLER FOOTPRINT.
Company Information
American Manufacturing Proudly designed, fabricated, and assembled all in the USA.
Flexible Partnering Capabilities From ready to go products, to design services, we can help.
Grafton, WI, June 17, 2021: ARS Connect, an A.I. technology company behind a first-of-its-kind customizable talking A.I. workforce platform, has partnered with Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. to offer self-service kiosk solutions for courts, government facilities, and businesses.
Municipal buildings and courthouses can utilize the innovative A.I. to answer frequent questions from visitors, such as where to pay a parking ticket, how to file for divorce, and where to go for jury duty. Facilities can customize the program to recognize questions or statements of their choice. ARS Connect is multi-lingual and can speak in 15+ languages.
The process is seamless, with constituents approaching a kiosk and being welcomed by the avatar on-screen. If the person’s query requires more attention, the system will dial to a real person who appears on screen and can answer further questions.
“This solution really showcases the next level of self-service technology with touch navigation, voice recognition, and computer vision,” says Edward Roberto, Regional Sales Director at Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. “Not only can visitors instantly get the information they’re looking for, but a remote agent can be called on to automatically assist with any complex questions via live chat, too.”
“Think of ARS Connect A.I. avatars as inexpensive members of your workforce that are customized to do a wide variety of tasks – all connected to one another, and staff, through the ARS Connect A.I. platform,” adds Paul McManus, CEO of ARS Connect. “The avatars provide that face-to-face friendly connection that makes for engaged and effective communication. The future of A.I. avatar self-service technology is here.”
ARS Connect is an A.I. workforce ecosystem that is deployed on robots and a wide variety of kiosks. Through A.I. and machine learning, ARS Connect, along with its chatbot avatars, become smarter at doing their job and assisting your team. The company and its intelligent avatars connect courts, government, and businesses to their constituents and customers in a whole new, and better, way. Learn more at www.arsconnect.com.
Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. is a leader in the development of interactive kiosks, in-store merchandising displays, and store fixtures for businesses nationwide. The company helps companies, retailers, and brands utilize the latest solutions and technologies to create engaging customer experiences.
AI is boosting efficiency and making life easier for thousands of AP professionals today. But many of these professionals are undoubtedly wondering if sophisticated software might one day put them out of a job. From Restaurant Technology News Feb 2020
Some of the new duties and responsibilities of the AP clerk have not yet been discovered, while others are already taking shape today. In midsize businesses, the AP department is increasingly playing a much more strategic and central role. That’s because automation lets people graduate from “data entry” with almost no impact to data analysis and collaboration for a much greater impact. Add in machine intelligence, and the AP department becomes part of a broader sourcing strategy.
For instance, imagine managing dozens of restaurant locations. Data analysis helps a company discover trends and discrepancies within its vendor network, but it still takes humans to act on them. Accountants can analyze what they’re paying for specific food items store by store, and they might realize that the same vendor is charging more at some locations or the same product might be supplied by two different vendors. This information gives operators the information needed to start a conversation with suppliers to either consolidate with the cheaper provider or to renegotiate payment terms. That kind of dialogue, coupled with more on-time payments, strengthens those valuable relationships.
Society is only in an early chapter of a much longer story when it comes to automation. Intelligent machines will redefine jobs as they boost productivity, and rather than taking jobs away, partial automation powered by AI might make everyone’s job more enjoyable.
For more information on the Yooz platform visit GetYooz.com, email [email protected] or call 832-384-9669.
Court Kiosks at Government facilities and Courthouses
Court Kiosk News — AI kiosk technology powers customer service check-in kiosks at government buildings
ARS Connect, the technology company behind a new, state-of-the-art AI kiosk workforce platform, partnered with Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. on a self-service court kiosk solution aimed at courts, government facilities, and businesses. The court kiosk’s innovative technology provides customizable customer support for visitors, defendants and plantiffs, answering frequently asked questions like how to pay a parking ticket or where to go for jury duty.
For lobbies and wayfinding
Court hearing check-in
Forms, payment, traffic, eviction, etc.
Answers 100s of FAQ’s
Multi-lingual and interpretation
Deploy offsite too, e.g. library
Connects to remote live telepresence help
court kiosk example of privacy screens. Image courtesy Olea Kiosks
When it comes to communication, for over 10,000 years, we as humans, want eye contact, body language, non-verbal signals like smiles and head tilts. When we communicate these small cues are built into our DNA. This is what ARS Connect’s A.I. avatar kiosk platform delivers! A real-time connection between Court/Institution and the constituents you serve. Simple touch-screen kiosks are a thing of the past, the future is here, engaging kiosks that talk, are friendly, helpful, and now, in response to COVID-19, are touch and TOUCHLESS!
Court Kiosk Save Money and Serve Visitors Better
Our court kiosks solve one of the biggest problems municipalities and businesses have, staffing. They either can’t find or afford this type of help, and when they do, 30% to 50% quit. ARS Connect kiosks never call in sick, are always friendly, save your organization money, and provide amazing service. Not only that, but the data they collect can help you deliver better service and experiences for those you serve.
Designed for easy use and offering way-finding information to help a blind or visually impaired traveler navigate the station, the kiosk will be permanently installed in the LIRR terminal at Penn Station.
The “Talking Kiosk” combines a tactile and large-print map of the station with a talking computer that responds when points on the map are pressed. By following simple instructions, customers can be directed to LIRR ticket windows, track locations, MTA New York City Transit subway lines, MTA Police Headquarters, restrooms, and other important passenger services. It also gives directions to Amtrak and New Jersey Transit services at Penn Station.
The MTA and LIRR provided funding for the “Talking Kiosk,” which was originally piloted for five months in 1996 with information focusing on LIRR. It was developed at the Baruch Center for the Visually Impaired in collaboration with the American Foundation for the Blind and the Stein Partnership, and with assistance from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration, and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.
We don’t know about you but all the talk about conversational AI seems to us, to be mostly talk. There is an irony in that observation. The Alexa and Google Mini’s, and Pixel Assistants are woefully inadequate at understanding nuance or building any simple suggestions based on repeated tasks. They change the volume and never remember what we have done a dozen times before. There is no persistence. It’s like carrying variables thru a multi-step web process. You would think they might have some form of cookies so they have some historical context, but they don’t. Still just the other day we saw where Checkers is rolling out AI-assistants.
We can talk with a Rochester, NY accent or an Okie accent or we can talk like we are from Tyler, Texas. Along with query variations and intent there are also multiple dialects.
There are roughly 30 major dialects in America. Go here if you’d like a see a map of the various regions with an example of what each dialect might sound like. On the East Coast, we have many very small regions, with slightly varying dialects in each one. Just like New England and the East Coast itself, it is more densely populated, with little pockets of immigrants from other countries. For this reason we have Boston Urban, Bonac, New Yorker, Hudson Valley, Pennsylvania German-English, Inland Northern and North Midland, all within about 5 hours driving from each other. Once you start going west, many of the regional dialects will span 3-4 states, with Texas alone having just two: Southwestern and Gulf Southern. The entire West Coast will only encompass three dialects, and these areas are also known for having more of a neutral accent: Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest, and some Southwestern (just like in Texas).
Google Adwords has expanded its backend and now allows segmenting search based on Intent. What is it the user hopes to accomplish?
Microsoft Labs just announced Azure AI milestone — New Neural Text-to-Speech models more closely mirror natural speech.
The latest version of the model, Uni-TTSv4, is now shipping into production on a first set of eight voices (shown in the table below). We will continue to roll out the new model architecture to the remaining 110-plus languages and Custom Neural Voice in the coming milestone. Our users will automatically get significantly better-quality TTS through the Azure TTS API, Microsoft Office, and Edge browser. <
AI Artificial Intelligence Conversational Chatbot Avatars
New member SapientX provides A.I. Software That Gives a Voice and Intelligence to Products. AI is a very big thread throughout the media these days. Restaurants and retail in particular. Avatars for every segment of business.
SapientX We Are Building the Next Generation of A.I. Voice Assistants and Avatars
Current voice systems have surprisingly poor accuracy.
Our patent-pending system is up to 99% accurate!
We speak 40 languages and dialects allowing us to serve 5.5 billion potential users.
Our conversational interface needs no user training, functions with or without the internet and will never sell sensitive user data.
SapientX Uses a Unique Mix of Machine Learning and Symbolic Reasoning to Field a Voice System Unrivaled in the Industry.
SapientX runs on almost anything and it works or without the internet.
Historically, building and maintaining voice systems was the province of computational linguistics engineers.
We just changed the playing field with RayGun Studio, an authoring tool based on Hollywood scriptwriting tools.
Soon, we will also have plugins for Unity and Unreal, the most popular game-authoring platforms.
SapientX is Working With Friends Who Make Cars, Robots, Vending Machines and All Sorts of Consumer Products.
They want a friendly user interface where users aren’t required to learn commands so that they can talk to products like they are speaking to their best friend.
They also want their own branding, their own wake word and increasingly, they want an avatar brand ambassador. Research shows that avatars boost user trust and satisfaction scores by as much as 25%.
See some of the new tools (Badger) available these days supporting multiple languages with AI. Thanks to Matt Ater of Vispero for spotting this one at CES
Editors Note: Several of our members use Intuiface for a no code programming kiosk interface. All of them are quite pleased with the result and the rapid time cycle for creation and deployment.
samsung kiosk interface by Intuiface
No-code technology is everywhere. More than 65% of app development in 2024 will be performed using a no-code platform. That’s business and creative professionals with zero software development experience, creating software applications for personal, company-wide, and customer use. The “citizen developer” is now empowered to – for example – create web and mobile apps rivaling the best of custom coding. It’s a market so explosive and pervasive that its estimated size in 2021 was $13.8B, and growing 23% annually.
As big as it is, the no-code developer movement has a blind spot: in-venue digital communication. In this world of digital signage, information kiosks, retail self-service, curated exhibits, and more – broadly known as “in-venue digital audience engagement” – custom software development remains the dominant approach. That’s an $8B software market encompassing the entirety of screens beyond personal devices (phones, tablets, etc.), PCs, and home TV, reliant solely on professional developers and inflexible content creation offerings.
What is No Code
What is No-Code Technology?
We summarize the characteristics of no-code solutions, framing the evolution of this approach to its dominant status on the world stage.
The No-Code Coding Landscape
Presenting the 100+ companies selling no-code app creation and distribution software, segmented by targeted business process or objective.
Understanding In-Venue Apps
Upon noting the absence of in-venue apps in the landscape, we define what makes these deployments unique, necessitating dedicated, fit-for-purpose no-code solutions.
Intuiface: The Ideal In-Venue No-Code Solution
Intuiface is the market’s first and only true no-code option for creating and deploying in-venue applications. We walk you through the key features that distinguish it from traditional in-venue solutions.
Other Questions – What is Low Code No Code or What Does No Code Mean?
You’re about to see two apps – side by side – that are almost identical in both user experience and workflow. One has been developed in HTML5 using a traditional software development environment while the other was built using Intuiface, a no-code experience creation platform. One of them took 2 months. One of them took 2 days.
Who it is For?
No-code software users and producers
You know no-code but are new to in-venue. We’ll help you understand what it is, how it matters to you and your company, and why no-code software like Intuiface delivers the same benefits you’ve come to expect for your existing projects.
Digital signage software users and producers
You know digital signage but are new to no-code. What exactly is a no-code solution, how is it different from a traditional digital signage CMS, and what you should look for from a no-code offering for audience engagement.
PODCAST
Respected digital signage consultant and author of the Sixteen-Nine blog, Dave Haynes, welcomed Intuiface’s Geoff Bessin to the Sixteen-Nine podcast. Here they discussed the no-code movement, its blindness to the delivery of in-venue digital content, and how Intuiface represents the first attempt to fill that gap. Choose from listening to the podcast or reading the transcript.
60+ complete experiences, addressing a variety of themes. Each designed to show you just some of the infinite ways for combining simple Intuiface elements into amazing content.
Ready-to-use frameworks and guidance for
tackling some of the most popular digital interactivity scenarios. Think of them as starting points for your own projects.
Aberdeen, NC – November 15, 2018 –Meridian, an industry leading manufacturer of kiosks and digital signage solutions is proud to announce their partnership with Samsung SDS America.
Samsung SDS America (SDSA) is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung SDS, a global software solutions and IT services company. SDSA provides purpose-built digital technology solutions in the areas of secure mobility, and advanced analytics.
Together, Meridian and Samsung SDSA are combining forces, and areas of expertise, to produce digital out-of-home (DOOH) signage solutions. The digital signage solutions will be implemented throughout a variety of locations and industries across North America.
“Meridian is excited to be partnering with Samsung SDSA on this project,” said Meridian CEO, Chris Gilder. “Digital signage solutions are in high demand and are completely transforming the ways in which retailers and advertisers reach their desired customer base. Samsung and Meridian combine to bring best in class solutions that can be customized to fit the client’s needs.”
Once complete, the digital signage solutions will be used solely to display targeted advertisements in locations with a high volume of customer traffic, such as shopping centers and retail outlets, allowing advertisers to identify consumer behaviors and more accurately measure campaign efficiency. Expertly designed, the solutions will be able to provide advertisers with both media metrics and a comprehensive understanding of audience segments and their movement patterns throughout the sales cycle, based on advertisement exposure.
“We are excited to team up with Meridian to provide media publishers and brands with intelligent digital signage that provides ‘on the go’ audiences with highly relevant and engaging information to positively impact sales and brand loyalty. These new intelligent targeting capabilities present a major opportunity for unprecedented creativity and innovation in the DOOH industry”, according to Scott Koo, CEO at Samsung SDSA.
Meridian commenced their partnership with SDSA in 2017. However, together the two have a combined 50 years of experience providing digital hardware and software solutions to companies spanning the automotive, financial services, retail, and digital out of home industries, as well as government entities. “We look forward to continuing to partner with Samsung SDSA to create cutting edge digital solutions,” said Gilder.
About Meridian Kiosks
Meridian is a fully integrated manufacturer of indoor and outdoor kiosks, interactive digital signage, and self-service software. As a complete end-to-end self-service innovator, Meridian develops products and services all under one roof, providing greater efficiency, and lean, high-quality results. Learn more about Meridian’s digital signage and software at meridiankiosks.com.
About Samsung SDS America, Inc.
Samsung SDS America (SDSA) is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung SDS, an $8B global software solutions and IT services company. SDSA helps companies optimize their productivity, make smarter decisions, and improve their competitive positions in a hyper-connected economy using our enterprise software solutions for secure mobility and advanced analytics. For more information on Samsung SDS America, please email [email protected].
Join us at DSE 2023. We are an official media sponsor and have a couple of full conference passes we will give away ($2795 value). We also have free passes for the exhibit floor. Probably a safe bet that Sixteen-Nine will put on their mixer again this year (more info to follow). For more information you can always email [email protected]
DSE and LDI will be side by side in 2023! Here’s what this means for you.
We are so excited to provide even more networking, more technology, more inspiration for a bigger experience for DSE 2023! The two events will co-locate to offer shared experiences, while maintaining separate exhibit and conference spaces. The future of visual display solutions, entertainment production technology, and experiential events intersects here, with hundreds of exhibitors and an expected 14,000-plus attendees.
Digital Signage Experience explores every aspect of digital and interactive display technology, from concept and design to content and analytics. No matter what business you’re in or where you are on the adoption curve, DSE caters to your needs right now, providing access to hundreds of leading vendors of digital display, interactive technology and content solutions.
To receive this certification, Peerless-AV has considered all environmental aspects, including air pollution, land and water contamination, use of raw materials, natural resources, energy, generation of waste, climate change and other resource use and efficiencies.
Peerless-AV® Gains ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Certification
In a commitment to contributing to a sustainable future in AV and digital signage industries, Peerless-AV® celebrates a landmark certification
AURORA, Ill. – October 13, 2020 – Peerless-AV®, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of the highest quality audio and video solutions and accessories, is pleased to be recognized with the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS) implementation and Certification. ISO 14001:2015 helps organizations achieve the intended outcomes of its EMS to:
– Protect the Environment and achieve established environmental objectives to reduce harm, pollution and emergency accidents while preventing adverse impact from materials and resources used in daily activities
– Enhance Environmental Performance and reduce environmental footprint
– Meetand comply with all applicable environmental Compliance Obligations
The internationally recognized certification provides a framework for an overall effective environmental management system for Peerless-AV. In accordance with the standard, Peerless-AV has considered all environmental aspects and impacts relevant to its operations, including but not limited to air pollution, land and water contamination, use of raw materials, natural resources, energy, generation of waste, climate change and other resource use and efficiencies.
“As our Global Headquarters, located in Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of Peerless-AV solutions, we are thrilled to be able to add ISO 14001:2015 certification to our list of company achievements,” stated John Potts, President, Peerless-AV. “Not only will this make our own company activities more sustainable, but this certification marks a commitment to our various partners, customers, and integrators who have also taken environmental impact into consideration as they move forward in business. We are happy to be able to work towards a more positive, sustainable industry with this certification.”
Peerless-AV has held ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) certification since 1997. To further demonstrate the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability, the best next step to ensure Peerless-AV continued to deliver the best products and services to the marketplace included the ISO 14001:2015 certification. In order to properly respond to current global challenges, Peerless-AV needed a better understanding and thorough overview of environmental obligations and incorporated recycling programs for steel and aluminum, as well as obtained an industrial wastewater discharge permit and launched a single-stream recycling program, among other environmental measures. By implementing an ISO certified EMS inclusive of its procedures and policies, Peerless-AV’s goal is to continue to minimize environmental impact, strengthen an ongoing commitment to adhere to the highest standards and increase stakeholders’ trust.
Current measures are in place to ensure all Peerless-AV products distributed from Aurora, Illinois meet ISO 9001 and 14001:2015 requirements. To learn more about Peerless-AV’s recent certification from ISO, please visit: www.peerless-av.com/pages/certifications-icongraphy
About Peerless-AV
Driving Technology Through Innovation
For over 75 years, passion and innovation continue to drive Peerless-AV forward. We proudly design and manufacture the highest quality products, including outdoor displays and TVs, complete integrated kiosks, video wall mounting systems, professional carts and stands, and more. Whether a full-scale global deployment or custom project, Peerless-AV develops meaningful relationships and delivers world-class service. In partnership with Peerless-AV, you are trusting an award-winning team of experts who will support your business every step of the way. For more information, visit peerless-av.com.
ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System Certification
ISO 14001:2015 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements. Designed for any type of organization, regardless of its activity or sector, it can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved.
At Peerless-AV® we are we are committed to conforming to all national and global environmental standards, upholding our ISO 14001:2015 compliance certification. Click here to view certificate.
Vispero And Storm Interface Collaborate To Provide Accessible Interactive Kiosk Solution
December 4, 2019
CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 4, 2019 — Vispero, the world’s leading assistive technology provider for the visually impaired, is excited to share news of a partnership between Vispero and Storm Interface, combining the JAWS® screen reader with Storm’s assistive technology products to create the most accessible kiosk experience for users who are blind, have low vision, or limited dexterity.
According to Matt Ater, Vice President of Business Development at Vispero, “Storm Interface’s dedication to a usable and accessible experience equals Vispero’s ongoing mission to serve users who are blind or who have low vision. The partnership between Storm and Vispero brings together two leaders in assistive technology and establishes greater usability of kiosks.”
JAWS Kiosk features that support Storm-ATP Devices include the ability to autostart JAWS upon insertion of headphones, the delivery of a custom welcome message, standardized keypad integration, the ability to customize additional button functionality, and an auto stop/session end function upon the removal of headphones.
Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind states, “Members of the National Federation of the Blind applaud the collaboration between Vispero and Storm Interface toward the continued development and implementation of accessible kiosk systems. As kiosks are an ever-growing gateway to banking, shopping, accessing healthcare, and applying for and receiving public services, it is essential that the blind have access to these systems in order to live the lives we want. We appreciate that both Vispero and Storm Interface have been, and will continue to be, receptive to the feedback and recommendations of the nation’s blind.”
This collaboration will help kiosk manufacturers meet accessibility requirements for federal government, banking, healthcare, hospitality, retail, transportation, and more.
About Storm Storm Interface have designed and manufactured secure, rugged and reliable keypads, keyboards and interface devices for more than 30 years. Storm products are built to withstand rough use and abuse in unattended public-use and industrial applications. Storm Assistive Technology Products are recognized by the Royal National Institute for Blind People under their “RNIB Tried and Tested” program.
About JAWS Kiosk JAWS Kiosk is a collaboration between The Paciello Group (TPG) and Freedom Scientific (sister companies under Vispero) which provides JAWS screen reading software for kiosks, technical implementation, and consulting services.
Contact Laura Boniello Miller at [email protected] or your TPG sales representative for information.
Kiosk Association (KMA) Releases Articles of Organization
DENVER, Colo., Feb. 17, 2022 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — February Self-Service News: KMA is pleased to announce our Articles of Organization. The document is now available on the kma.global website. “This is another step towards strengthening the association and providing an even more effective accessibility and ADA direction for the Association,” said Craig Keefner, manager.
On Feb 16, 2022 we had our quarterly call with over 50 participants. Topics included the upcoming rulemaking session scheduled to begin in April, industry-wide certification options and POS terminals. The newly appointed eight members of the U.S. Access Board will be introduced at the March 9th meeting.
And new technology like Smart City deployments and EV Charging Stations (new ones at Walgreens) are using blanket statement “units are ADA-compliant”. It would help if those items were documented. There are also data privacy issues and the revenue potential for selling personal data.
Our next in-person event is in Chicago May 21st and the National Restaurant Association show. We are booth 6576 in the Tech Pavilion next to Epson and SpotOn.
June 8, 2022 in Las Vegas is InfoComm 2022 and we are an official media partner for InfoComm. Big screens for menu boards, EV charging stations at places like Walgreens and Kohls.
For more information contact Craig Keefner, 720-324-1837 or [email protected] or you can visit https://kioskindustry.org//. Since 1996 for 26 years serving the self-service technology market.
Nice graphic showing various technologies (albeit incomplete for retail kiosks).
Technology has certainly seen a big evolution over the last few decades.
In the consumer world, we’ve moved from large desktops and rotary dial phones to razor-thin laptops and smartphones with 10 times the amount of computing power. With each new gadget faster than the one before it, consumers’ expectations for retail interactions have seen a significant shift.
As a result, it should come as no surprise that the technology used in the retail industry has evolved over the past thirty years. In an effort to keep up with consumers’ demands, and with the internet pushing them into the eCommerce era, retailers have been searching and experimenting with ways to satisfy target audiences.
Brick-and-mortar technology. It’s a hot topic for debate and many have questioned whether or not integrating technology into physical stores will help or hinder their existence.
It’s supposed to make counting your loose change both convenient and easy, but an Action News investigation is calling into question the accuracy of some coin counting kiosks.
Editor Note: We do interviews with magazines (recently for NRN) and in those we express what we call “ad hoc” opinions based on what we have seen and heard.
For sure, QSR orders for self-service kiosks have declined in certain segments. Drive-Thru has been steady through all of this. But orders from your usual fast-casual companies serving that market and others of the world have dropped off substantially. Most places don’t allow people to come indoors so a kiosk doesn’t make sense.
There is a lot of talk that tells us there is serious pent up demand though. We think we’ll see an explosion of various kiosks as people start to re-open and look for a way to keep their costs in check.
Dealing with a machine or a phone has become primary as opposed to dealing with a person across all the verticals since the pandemic has started (healthcare for example and patient check-in).
For numbers?
My estimate is currently 40% but that number is headed down. More like 30% for the year expected as restaurants have had to really cut expenses. The decline of self-order machines’ order has stayed steady compared to other outlays. Drive-thru even more so.
When the pandemic struck (late March/early April) for comparison things came to a complete stop.
Since then we have seen people like Sonic and Taco Bell redesign their new restaurants to accommodate more mobile and drive up and pickup as opposed to in-store dining which is still problematic.
What About Point-Of-Sale?
It’s worth looking at Point-Of-Sale (POS) opportunities as well. In the SLED and Federal markets we see historically over $6B worth of opportunities, 6000 opportunities and an average value of 4M per opportunity. Right now we see 261 active opportunities. For contracts, add another $5B over 2000 contracts (1400 active).
Chain, hit hard by Manhattan closures, outlines pandemic-accelerated strategies tied to digital ordering and store formats; new Shack Track store debuts in Los Angeles; in-house delivery a priority, leaders say.
Loyalty members can opt-in for personalized menu and payment experience featuring a digital voice assistant; Mastercard platform builds on automated tech tested last year by Sonic Drive-in
Custom Touch AIO All in one Computer & Touch Screen Monitor
Custom Touch AIO and Touch Screen Monitor
As a supplier of Custom Touch AIO and Touch Monitor in the United States, we focus on the localized application of Touch products.
In recent years, especially under the Covid-19 pandemic, Touch products’ applications are growing continually and changing rapidly. The diversification of applications is driving personalized and customized Touch products. Insight Touch technology has been providing long and wide standard Touch products. We tailor our traditional products with quick response and broad flexibility to offer unique products to meet our customer’s special requirements.
In the past several years, we have been experiencing these challenges with our partners. Among all successful stories, we want to share two of them with you:
• Case 1: 10.1” Embedded Touch Monitor for Kiosks in shopping mall, airport, etc.
The customer requires a 10.1” Embedded Touch Monitor with PCAP touch and 600-800 nits brightness. The customized products we provide are a 10.1-inch Embedded Touch Monitor with 10-point PCAP touch, 1000nits high-brightness original LCD, and metal case with heat dissipation included. Please refer to the following picture above for our product and the application.
• Case2: 13.3”, 15” & 24” No Touch Monitor for New York Broadway Stage performance
The customer requires No-Touch, No-logo, splash screen, and without input source notification after the power turn on.
We provide the customized products: 13.3“, 15” & 24” No Touch, Zero-Bezel Monitor. After firmware modification, the monitor can eliminate any logo or signal info when the machine is powering. Please see the following application.
touchscreen AIO Insight
More
We make other customized Touch products, such as 15.6-inch Touch AIO built-in camera, 32-inch Touch Screen that needs to work through 6mm glass cover, 22-inch Embedded Touch Monitor that needs to pass the IP65 test, and so on.
Customizing a Touch product is never easy. From spec definition, ID design, material selection, cost vs. performance trade-off, product manufacture, and customer service, all need a strong understanding of Touch industrial, fast response, in-depth collaboration with customers, and super local service. These are exactly what Insight Touch is excelling in.
If you are interested in our customized Touch AIO or Touch monitor, please visit www.insight-touch.com for more detailed information, or feel free to contact us ([email protected]).
DENVER — The Denver Broncos, in conjunction with Aramark, formally unveiled concessions improvements at Empower Field at Mile High. They released a nice video going thru the various changes.
The key changes are to increase speed of service. In the video you can see Aramark highlighting the self-order stations from Appetize (made by Olea Kiosks).
“Empower Field at Mile High is constantly looking for ways to improve the fan experience, and we are confident that with Aramark as our concessionaire we can modernize how fans enjoy food and beverages at our stadium events,” Stadium General Manager, Empower Field at Mile High, Jay Roberts said. “We are also thrilled to debut several newly renovated concession stands on Sunday, which is the first step in a multi-year process to improve speed of service while also adding more variety to the menu.”
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with the Broncos and undertake this transformation of Empower Field at Mile High’s dining experience,” Jay Morrison, District Manager, Aramark’s Sports & Entertainment division, said. “We have a long, proud history of serving Denverites and, with our close ties to the community and knowledge of the local food scene, I’m confident we will deliver an innovative, dynamic and engaging food and beverage experience for everyone attending events at the stadium.”
Since its initial deployment in 2017, QueueKioskhas become DynaTouch’s most successful self-service solution. These days, for many businesses, the customer experience begins before visitors even step foot in the building; QueueKiosk has historically helped manage customer flow in-office by eliminating the paper sign-in sheet, but what about customers who need to schedule appointments or get in line ahead of time? Evolving technology, especially since 2020, has demanded substantial improvement to worldwide customer service processes—they need to be more convenient and accessible than ever.
Solution
QR Code features were introduced to QueueKiosk in 2021, allowing customers to check in anywhere ahead of time, and greatly reducing lobby congestion. The features also provide a way for customers to complete the check-in process entirely from their phone for a fully contactless experience.
The QR code features solved an urgent pain point for DynaTouch customers, but QueueKiosk still required improvements that would best be achieved by releasing a major product update.
In July 2022, DynaTouch launched an update to its QueueKiosk solution which, along with many other significant performance enhancements, now offers integration with Setmore™ appointment scheduling software. DynaTouch customers had their voices heard and can now view third-party appointment information straight from their QueueKiosk dashboard.
Queue Product
The new cloud-based QueueKiosk solution offers increased security and brings a brand new, more intuitive look and feel to the product.
In addition to appointment scheduling integration, the update brings valuable enhancements like an improved agent dashboard, new reporting functions, and more customization options than ever across the entire user experience.
For customers that do not wish to include kiosk hardware with their solution, DynaTouch now also offers Q’ssentials™: The hardware-less version of QueueKiosk which can be implemented within a much shorter timeframe.
Outcome
DynaTouch customers have been eager to migrate their QueueKiosk systems to the new version and begin integrating their appointment scheduling engines.
“With this QueueKiosk advancement, we are thrilled to continue honoring the DynaTouch mission to turn our customers’ problems into the best solutions in the marketplace. Our customers asked for improvements, and we answered. And now that our solution is cloud-based, we can deliver future enhancements with no interruptions.” –John Becconsall, Senior Vice President of DynaTouch
It is planned for all current QueueKiosk customers to be migrated to the new system by the end of 2022. The legacy QueueKiosk platform will no longer receive updates as of 01/01/2023.
If you are a DynaTouch customer and would like to schedule your migration or receive more information, please get in touch with [email protected].
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.
We couldn’t resist stopping in our local La-Z-Boy and trying out the kiosks.
Couple of things we noted:
Would have been fairly easy to insert malware USB client onto the PC and collect credit application info. I would recommend securing that computer.
Looked like it had a hard ethernet so it was likely on the network. Hijacking a Windows computer on a network in order to access the entire network is the next step.
Fairly flimsy construction. It looks cheap but that isn’t exactly the best impression to leave on potential customer.
The unit was located near back of the store on the other side of browsing. I wonder if having a unit up front to preset potential buyers with an idea of what they can afford easily wouldn’t be a bad idea.
If you would like to get a free Starbucks card send us a message on who did them (software and enclosure).
Send your comments
[contact-form to=”[email protected]” subject=”Comments General”][contact-field label=”Message To Us” type=”textarea”][/contact-form]
The purpose of this solicitation is to establish a source or sources of supply for the purchase of Medical Kiosk for the South Carolina Department of Corrections Medical Division. [01-1015-1] SAP — This will be one of the reference RFPs in our upcoming “Anatomy of an RFP”.
Seeking a stationary platform with IT solution that provides:
• Patient intake and registration Measurement of: Blood pressure, Heart rate, Respiratory rate, Oxygen saturation
• Analysis of: Collected vital signs- to indicate urgent need for formal medical evaluation or Indication of potential infection using parameters regarding measured components of wellness
Additional Requirements — Solution must:
6. Be simple to use, not requiring extensive data entry or system manipulation
7. Provide stable platform that is durable enough for placement in correctional system, primarily in inmate living units
8. Provide platform that can be cleaned and sterilized
9. Provide data storage with potential for future integrations into SCDC systems (i.e web app, EMR, etc.)
10. Provide self-calibrating camera in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards
Camera should have quality control protocols that ensure the following tests are completed:
• Power and communication with all components and Infrastructure,
• Resolution & Accuracy Test of RGB Camera.
• If an error message is displayed on screen, then an internal notification should be sent to system administrators.
• Should a camera require recalibration, a thermal reference needs to be deployed, and the platform repair will need to be completed per the QC protocol prior to enabling further scans.
• Capability to estimate heart rate via video analysis of the frequency of chromatic shift of skin tone to ±2 beats per minute
• Have the ability to estimate Breathing Rate via video analysis of micromotion of the head and thorax to ±1 breaths per minute
• Have the ability to estimate Blood Oxygen Saturation (Sp02) via video analysis of the degree of chromatic shift of skin tone to ±2%
• Have the ability to measure blood pressure via phase analysis of chromatic shift of skin tone to within 10% in 85% of measurements.
• Provide analytics of anonymized population data via secure web accessible dashboard with hierarchical access controls from site to district level overview:
Daily, weekly or monthly population statistics for all Vital Signs measurements per kiosk, per room, per site, and per district
• Number of anomaly indications by kiosk, room, site and district and as a function of time
• Trends of vital signs measurements hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly, by kiosk, room, site, district.
• Provide the following controls through accessible secure dashboard
• Settings for thresholds for detection of Temperature, Heart Rate, Breathing
• Rate, Sp02 and Blood Pressure, per kiosk, per site and per district
• Policy settings for Thermal, Vital/Thermal or Vitai only function of kiosks
• Remote delivery of software updates
• Configure the entry of new kiosks onto the kiosk cloud information system
• Set notification policy and content per site, and per district
• Restart and shut down individual kiosks
• Onsite Installation and Training Requirements
• SCDC will require onsite installation and training for each machine at institutions and additional non-institutional areas for all machines purchased
• Training will be no less than one (1) hour per kiosk per location
Maintenance and Support-
• Require awarded vendor to include one year of maintenance and support to include all software updates for the first year at no additional cost
• Maintenance and support to include all software updates must be available at a charge to be provided for years 2 — 5.
Additional Items at no cost to SCDC
5. Provide a local storage site (in Columbia area) where all units will be shipped to and prepared for installation (or rent of such location) o
6. Shipping of all units to storage location
7. Hardware Requirements (must meet or exceed the following):
8. Thermal Camera Preferred:
Flir A500 EST or Equal
III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS
Preferred Brand: DraganFly Innovations USA Inc. Medical Kiosk
Kiosk will be Delivered to 9 different Correctional Institutions throughout South Carolina (Specific Delivery Addresses Listed in Delivery / Performance Location) Section Below:
Lee CI (2) Kiosk
Broad River CI (3) Kiosk
Kirkland CI R&E (3) Kiosk
Turbeville CI (1) Kiosk
Camille Graham CI (2) Kiosk
Perry CI (1) Kiosk
Ridgeland CI (1) Kiosk
McCormick CI (1) Kiosk
Lieber CI (1) Kiosk
**All pricing should include all FREIGHT and DELIVERY CHARGES **
Seeking a stationary platform with IT solution that provides:
Analysis of: Collected vital signs- to indicate urgent need for formal medical evaluation or Indication of potential infection using parameters regarding measured components of wellness
Additional Requirements — Solution must:
Be simple to use, not requiring extensive data entry or system manipulation
Provide stable platform that is durable enough for placement in correctional system, primarily in inmate living units
Provide platform that can be cleaned and sterilized
Provide data storage with potential for future integrations into SCDC systems (i.e web app, EMR, etc.)
Provide self-calibrating camera in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards
Camera should have quality control protocols that ensure the following tests are completed:
Power and communication with all components and Infrastructure, Resolution & Accuracy Test of RGB Camera.
If an error message is displayed on screen, then an internal notification should be sent to system administrators.
Should a camera require recalibration, a thermal reference needs to be deployed, and the platform repair will need to be completed per the QC protocol prior to enabling further scans.
Capability to estimate heart rate via video analysis of the frequency of chromatic shift of skin tone to ±2 beats per minute
Have the ability to estimate Breathing Rate via video analysis of micromotion of the head and thorax to ±1 breaths per minute
Have the ability to estimate Blood Oxygen Saturation (Sp02) via video analysis of the degree of chromatic shift of skin tone to ±2%
Have the ability to measure blood pressure via phase analysis of chromatic shift of skin tone to within 10% in 85% of measurements.
Provide analytics of anonymized population data via secure web accessible dashboard with hierarchical access controls from site to district level overview:
Daily, weekly or monthly population statistics for all Vital Signs measurements per kiosk, per room, per site, and per district
Number of anomaly indications by kiosk, room, site and district and as a function of time
Trends of vital signs measurements hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly, by kiosk, room, site, district.
Provide the following controls through accessible secure dashboard
Settings for thresholds for detection of Temperature, Heart Rate, Breathing
Rate, Sp02 and Blood Pressure, per kiosk, per site and per district
Policy settings for Thermal, Vital/Thermal or Vital only function of kiosks
Remote delivery of software updates
Configure the entry of new kiosks onto the kiosk cloud information system
Set notification policy and content per site, and per district
Restart and shut down individual kiosks
Onsite Installation and Training Requirements o
SCDC will require onsite installation and training for each machine in institutions and additional non-institutional areas for all machines purchased
Training will be no less than one (1) hour per kiosk per location
Maintenance and Support–
Require awarded vendor to include one year of maintenance and support to include all software updates for the first year at no additional cost
Maintenance and support to include all software updates must be available at a charge to be provided for yeas 2 — 5.
Additional Items at no cost to SCDC
Provide a local storage site (in Columbia area) where all units will be shipped to and prepared for installation (or rent of such location)
Shipping of all units to storage location
Hardware Requirements (must meet or exceed the following):
Thermal Camera Preferred:
Flir A500 EST or Equal
Digital I/O connector type
M 12 12-pin A-coded, Male (shared with external power) o Digital Inputs
2x opto-isolated, Vin(low)= 0—1.5 V, Vin(high)= 3—25 V o Digital Outputs
3x opto-isolated, 0—48 V DC, max. 350 mA; solid-state opto relay; Ix dedicated as fault output (NC) o Ethernet Interface
•
Wired, Wi-Fi
WiFi-
Yes. RP-SMA, female connector
EMC-
ETSI EN 301 489-1 (radio), ETSI EN 301 489-17 (radio), EN 61000-4-8 (magnetic field), FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Class B (emission US), ISO 13766-1 (EMC – Earthmoving and building construction machinery), EN ISO 14982 (EMC – Agricultural and forestry machinery) o Measurement Frequency
We maintain a list on list.ly for used kiosks for sale — https://list.ly/list/2tvX-kiosks-for-sale-used-and-new-make-an-offer.
So far this year we have a couple of opportunities. Companies looking to sell kiosks they bought as “things changed” or variety of reasons. They are will to sell at a reduced price and often will consider donating them if the cause is right.
Contact [email protected] if interested in making an offer or applying for donation.
Specs:
o qty 24 units
o 27″ portrait touch screen
o Windows 10 Pro 64
o Boca ticket printer with RFid
o Custom 80mm printer
o Scanner (3330G)
Make offer or possible donation
o Logitech webcam
o contact [email protected]
o Verifone UX
o PC Prox+ Enroll
o Unmanaged gigabit switch
Condition – brand new. Client changed course at last minute
Temperature Kiosk with 22″ Android AIO
Condition: Screen – Used (no cracks, fully operational). Stand – Typical wear & tear (has some dust, no dents or missing panels)
Make offer or possible donation
Components: Temperature Kiosk w/ AC plug, Model# IRV (Irvine Standing Temperature Scanning Kiosk)
AV innovators will be traveling from around the world to share the latest products at InfoComm 2023 in Orlando. Peerless-AV is cannot wait to showcase the current product lineup, including dvLED video wall mounts, outdoor TVs/displays, kiosks and digital menu boards, new launches, and more at Booth 1329.
Here are just a few of the products we will be exhibiting at InfoComm 2023 below!
Mounts & Mounting Systems
There will be a variety of mounting solutions showcased at the Peerless-AV booth this year. The Outdoor Flat Wall Mount designed exclusively for the 75″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display will be on display, featuring a corrosion-resistant coating that helps create durability for year-round use.
Attendees can also see the SEAMLESS Bespoke Curved dvLED Mounting System, perfect for unique and complex dvLED video wall installations of all sizes and locations. See the “Latest Editions” section below for even more exciting showcases to expect!
Outdoor TVs & Displays
The Neptune™ Partial Sun Outdoor Smart TVs will be on display this year. Available in 55″, 65″, and 75″, Neptune’s maintenance-free design and weatherproof features offer high-quality entertainment no matter the environment. Ideal applications include hotel pool decks, restaurant patios, stadium bars, and more.
InfoComm attendees can also see the 75″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Display with new generation 65″ and 55″ display models highlighted this year. The new models offer a patented thermal exhaust system that keeps internal components cooled, even when placed in extreme heat. The Xtreme™ High Bright also features anti-theft technology for added security. These commercial displays are ideal for any professional application – From transportation, retail, QSR, and beyond.
Kiosks and Digital Menu Boards
Peerless-AV is also excited to bring the newly launched Dual-Sided Smart City Kiosk to InfoComm this year! This next-generation Smart City Kiosk was designed in response to customer feedback and demand. Each kiosk is complete with two 55″ Xtreme™ High Bright Outdoor Displays with full HD1080p resolution.
Outdoor Digital Menu Boards will also be exhibited. These all-weather-rated solutions provide a sleek upgrade from static signage, while also maintaining low operating costs and a simple installation process. Compatible with leading 55″ outdoor commercial displays, the Outdoor Digital Menu Boards are a game-changer for drive-thru services everywhere.
Latest Editions
Peerless-AV will be debuting the newly launched Kitted Series Universal dvLED Mounting Systems at Booth 1329. Visitors can get a first look at all the innovative features this mounting system has to offer. The Universal Mounting System supports a variety of latching displays and is custom-built to each unique display specification. Equipped with an easy-to-follow wall template and quick-connect clamps, this mounting system ensures a simple and quick installation.
InfoComm visitors can also view the Trim Kit accessory which works to complete the sleek finish the Kitted Series Universal dvLED Mounting System provides.
To see our full showcase of products and the latest AV technology, visit InfoComm 2023 Booth 1329!
Went to Pala this weekend and was sad to see the kiosks we made like 15 years ago finally got pulled. They got replaced by these Everi machines which we also designed. We did them for Atrient who was bought by Everi. I think they did a nice job in updating them with the lighting. These weren’t my favorite design but they did a good job with it I think. Interested in talking to Frank? Email [email protected]
Batch of new ELO 2494L open-frame touch monitors with intelliTouch (SAW) touch technology.
Minimum order 100 units.
Lead time 2 months
Price = $300 + shipping (or 335 inclusive)
Warranty – brand new but no warranty. Two free units for every 100
See them on CDW for $750
Click for full size image of touchless kiosk interface
Glen connects with the founders of four fintech companies- Icon Savings Plan, Illuma Labs, Kioware and Monit- with the most exciting new ideas at last week’s Finovate conference.
Links related to this episode:
BIG’s blog recapping Best of Show and other highlights: https://www.big-fintech.com/Media/Blog/ArticleID/647/Finovate-Fall
Editors Note: Pyramid Computers provides unattended self-order to companies such as McDonald’s. There is a nice article showing their units in place at the Times Square McDonalds flagship.
With regard to the coronavirus, this document describes how our polytouch® kiosks can be cleaned and disinfected regularly and safely. The listed cleaning and disinfection products are specially tested for our polytouch® kiosks.
How often cleaning is required depends on how the system is used. Therefore, check the condition of the screen on a daily basis.
Cleaning and disinfection procedures reduce microorganisms on the touchscreen of your polytouch® kiosk. To ensure an effective reduction of microorganisms the following procedure is recommended:
Clean polytouch® products
Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
The glass surface and acrylic front of the device should be cleaned with a mild, abrasive-free, commercially available glass cleaning product.
Apply the cleaner with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using gritty cloths. Clean only the front surface of the sensor.
To remove persistent stains you can use a soft cloth saturated with ethyl alcohol or benzol free benzine (cleaner’s solvent).
Never use NaOH, butanol or IPA, avoid using any corrosive or caustic chemicals on the sensor. Do NOT use any hard objects or abrasive cleaning agents which can damage the touchscreen or the side sections.
Always dampen the cloth and then clean the sensor. Be sure to spray the cleaning liquid onto the cloth, not the sensor, so that drips do not seep inside the display or stain the bezel.
Disinfect Touchscreens
Disinfection should generally be carried out as wipe disinfection. Spray disinfection, i.e. wetting of the surface without mechanical action, is less effective and is also questionable for occupational safety reasons. (RKI, 2020)
Please follow these steps to disinfect the touchscreen regularly depending how often the screen is used.
Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect.
Clean the area or item as mentioned above if it is dirty. Then, use disinfectant.
Apply the disinfectant with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Wipe touchscreen and payment.
Always dampen the cloth and then disinfect. Be sure to spray the disinfectant onto the cloth, so that drips do not seep inside the display or stain the bezel.
If using alcohol-based disinfectants, use wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.
If using disinfectants with different active substances make sure it does not damage the touchscreen and other sensitive parts.
For a good finishing result, it is recommended to clean and sanitize the kiosk screen surface with an alcohol-based product or a product based on Hydrogen peroxide. With these substances no staining was observed, all products are compatible with the surface. Approved products are:
From SportsTechie — TendedBar, the automated cocktail machine that uses facial recognition to process drink orders, will be implemented at Empower Field at Mile High for Denver Broncos homes games this upcoming NFL season. The stadium began using TendedBar at concerts earlier this summer in partnership with Aramark Sports + Entertainment and will debut TendedBar’s new digital age verification tool for Saturday’s Red Hot Chili Peppers concert at Mile High.
In a category of its own: TendedBar is an industry-first self-pour automated bar designed to significantly increase throughput and improve service to customers, all while providing a drink-ordering experience that’s faster, cleaner, and more controlled. The result provides fans with less time waiting in lines, safer access to drinks, less congestion, and an overall improved experience that serves drinks in seconds, so fans don’t miss a minute.
About IDmission
IDmission, a global leader in biometric and AI technology, reduces the risk associated with false identities. IDmission is the sole provider of a proprietary, end-to-end biometric solution for identity theft through a comprehensive KYC platform and automatic ID document analysis across 200 countries and four categories of biometrics: face, fingerprint, iris, and voice. For more information, contact [email protected].
The research found that today around a quarter (24%) of respondents would rather use voice assistants than a website. However, in the next three years, this figure will rise to 40%. Close to a third – 31% – said they will prefer a voice assistant interaction to visiting a shop or a bank branch, compared to 20% today.
More on Voice Assistants
Here are some of the more interesting gadgets adding voice-assistant capabilities.
Tell your mirror to start your shower
Kohler’s Vendera mirror is the only one of its connected-bathroom products with microphones to hear Alexa commands. It has waterproof speakers, so you can ask it to play music or the news. You can also ask it to control the PerfectFill bathtub or start the DTV shower. And, of course, you can ask it to flush the $5,625 Numi toilet for you. The products are all due out later this year.
Soothe your baby
Project Nursery Smart Baby Monitor System is a $229 setup that lets you tend to you baby with voice controls. You can ask Alexa to play white noise in the baby’s room while you’re reading in another. Similarly, the Nanit baby monitor, $299, will track your child’s sleep in detail. You can ask Alexa how long the baby slept last night or when she woke up.
Feed the cat without seeing the cat
Your pet is hungry. You don’t want to stand up. Ask Alexa or Google Assistant to release some chow on the $149 Petnet SmartFeeder 2.0. The voice assistants can also share updates about a pet’s eating habits and, if you have a connected camera, take photos of them while they’re eating.
Tell your cleaning robot it missed a spot
The Aeolus robot will be able mop or vacuum, pick up your messes, and detect human movements — such as a senior citizen falling. The robot, which is currently a prototype, will have Alexa and Google Voice integrated so you can tell it what to clean while you do lazy human things.
Turn your surveillance robot into a radio
Lynx is a smaller, cuter robot that can double as an $800 Amazon Echo. It can hear all the regular Alexa commands, and tell you the weather, news, or trivia. The robot is primarily meant for security, and uses facial recognition to spot and record intruders. Lynx can also act as a rolling video-conference robot if you want a far-away family member to feel like they’re in the room.
Ask your fridge to buy milk
The LG InstaView ThinkQ refrigerator has a giant 29-inch screen on the door, so you already know it’s dying to be the fridge of the future. LG actually added Alexa powers to a fridge last year. Now it’s making the various devices (fridge, stove, dishwasher) communicate with each other as well.
Pre-heat the oven
Also in the kitchen, Google Assistant and Alexa can control a Jenn-Air connected oven. You can switch the temperature while something is cooking or turn it off altogether.
Feel less lonely in your augmented reality glasses
The $1,000 Vuzix augmented reality smart-glasses will have a microphone built in so you can ask Alexa any of the usual questions. It will whisper replies in your ear, but also show some visual answers, such as weather, on the glasses’ heads-up display.
See http://money.cnn.com/2018/01/17/technology/ces-voice-alexa-google/index.html for more
Mega-grocer teams with Google Assistant for contextual commerce
The Kroger Co. is furthering its efforts in contextual commerce by adopting voice-assistant technology for ordering groceries online.
Customers can interact with their Kroger Grocery Pickup cart via an action in the Google Assistant voice app – which can be accessed through iOS, Android and Google Assistant devices, Kroger Technology announced on its LinkedIn page. Activating the service is as simple as saying “Hey, Google” into the device.
The service has launched so far in six Kroger-owned banners: Fred Meyer, Fry’s Food and Drug, QFC, King Soopers, City Market, and Ralphs. It will arrive at additional banners later this year and throughout 2019.
Ron Bowers Retires From Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. After 35 Years
Senior Vice President of Retail Technology Business Development Ron Bowers will retire from Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. on July 31, 2018.
GRAFTON, WI – After 35 years as a member of Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc.’s staff, Senior Vice President of Retail Technology Business Development Ron Bowers will retire at the end of July 2018.
Bowers began with Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. in December of 1983 as a sales coordinator and quickly moved into an account executive position the following August. His passion for retail, technology solutions and point of purchase displays helped him develop relationships with well-known companies like Allstate Insurance, Irving Oil, Eagle Foods, Kroger, Miller Brewing, KEO, MacGregor Golf, Arnold Palmer Golf, Nancy Lopez Golf, Nicklaus Golf and John Deere.
Bowers’ projects often earned gold Outstanding Merchandising Awards in the display industry, including a Display of the Year award from the POPAI organization in 1992 for his work with the John Deere shop-in-shop program.
In 2005, Bowers was promoted to Senior Vice President of Retail Technology Business Development and used his vast experience and superb relationship-building skills to generate new project opportunities for Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. His expertise concerning the point of purchase business has made him a well-known thought leader in the industry, and he’s been invited to serve on countless speaking panels and interviewed for numerous trade publications over the years.
“Ron’s professionalism, drive, loyalty, passion for sales and the relationships built with clients and associates were the foundations for his success,” says Mike Mayer, President of Frank Mayer and Associates., Inc. “His infectious positive attitude should be an example for all of us to follow, and he’ll be missed by clients and associates alike.”
Bowers’ retirement plans consist of spending more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren as well as pursuing his hobbies of golf, reading and retail technology writing.
Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc. is a leader in the development of in-store merchandising displays, interactive kiosks, and store fixtures for brands and retailers nationwide. The company helps retailers and brands utilize the latest display solutions and technologies to create engaging customer experiences. Visit www.olea.com for more information.
***
CONTACT: Cheryl Lesniak, Integrated Marketing Manager
Frank Mayer and Associates, Inc.
1975 Wisconsin Ave., Grafton, WI 53024
(262) 834-1489 | [email protected]
The U.S. Access Board will host panel discussions on access to self-service transaction machines (SSTMs), 
Market Update QSR Restuarants
Measurement of: Blood pressure, Heart rate, Respiratory rate, Oxygen saturation
Resolution & Accuracy Test of RGB Camera.
Have the ability to estimate Breathing Rate via video analysis of micromotion of the head and thorax to ±1 breaths per minute
Daily, weekly or monthly population statistics for all Vital Signs measurements per kiosk, per room, per site, and per district
M.2 key M slots: 42/80 + 42/80/110 PCI-I attached PCIe Gen3 NVMe / AHCI or SATA3 SSD,
Intel’ 10/100/1000 Mbps (i219-LM and i210-AT) Ethernet ports
Enclosure Power: dual 120V outlet w/dual 2 amp USB
Operating Range: -200C to 500 C (—40 F to 122 0 F)
Control: GigE Vision w Spinnaker -Linux
