AI and Kiosks Article Preview – WIP We don’t usually do this but here is the preliminary outline for our upcoming article AI and Intelligent Kiosks. Comments and suggestions are welcome. craigkeefner@pm.me We have a new columnist coming on board with market research experience and input and interviews are always helpful I. Introduction – The New Intelligence Behind… Read More »
Why Did They Introduce? Fewer Employees? Higher Sales? Updated Feb 2026 — new 2025 McDonalds digital revenue number + reference links + table 1. Why did McDonald’s introduce kiosks? People wonder whether kiosks are meant to replace workers or just improve speed and accuracy. The answer usually highlights customer convenience, higher order accuracy, increased upselling, and the ability… Read More »
Why Custom Kiosk Enclosure Design Matters Understanding kiosk enclosure design — The difference between a kiosk that thrives and one that fails often comes down to design. Expert kiosk designers don’t just design kiosks that work—they design kiosks that delight, inspire confidence, and deliver results. It takes years of trial and error to understand the nuances of kiosk design. … Read More »
Consensus Recommendations for Feature-Rich and Cost-Effective Restaurant POS We will eliminate the suspense here and let you know off the bat that TOAST and Aloha/NCR/whatever are not on the list. They are in our reading material for sure (thanks for the input Jordan). Usual dollar-driven media rarely cover the small restaurant and the “smallest” restaurant. Not profitable for… Read More »
TravelCenters of America Enhances Dining Experience with Popeyes Kiosks TravelCenters of America (TA) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Popeyes, aimed at revolutionizing the dining experience for travelers. TA would also like to recognize Tillster for their instrumental role in this initiative, noting the positive feedback from TA Groups on their experience working with the Tillster… Read More »
What Customers Want From QSR Technology and Where Brands Fall Short The 2025 Restaurant Tech Report by Canopy provides a nuanced look at how technology is shaping customer experiences in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, highlighting both benefits and ongoing challenges. Canopy, a provider of remote monitoring and management (RMM) software for connected products, recently released a report… Read More »
Designing Accessibility into Everyday Interactions This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark legislation that transformed public spaces, workplaces and digital platforms in the United States by protecting the rights of people with disabilities. This milestone is ushering in a new generation of B2B technology that is reshaping the way accessibility… Read More »
Extending Accessibility to Kiosks and Online From McDonald’s — Accessible to Everyone – Including Online! At McDonald’s®, we believe it’s important that all our customers feel welcome and comfortable – both in our restaurants and online. That’s why we’ve improved our digital channels and technologies to make them more accessible to everyone. We aim to ensure that everyone… Read More »
MWAA 2025, SoftPOS transforming Androids & Palm Vein Cielo interview Newsletter on LinkedIn September 5, 2025< Welcome to the twenty-third edition of The Ingenico Newsletter. Today, we’ll talk about MWAA 2025, SoftPOS transforming Androids & Palm Vein Cielo interview. 📖 Make yourself comfortable to enjoy your reading! 📅 MWAA 2025 – Event Recap MWAA 2025 was an incredible… Read More »
Accessibility From The Start – Designed, Configured and Tested This is the first kiosk designed from the ground up for accessibility. TFA is known for its work with Southwest Airlines and their check-in units. This is the first AI-assist for conversational AI voice kiosk we have seen. Not surprised to see Soundhound in the mix. Starting at $2667. … Read More »
What Next For the Self-Service Industry? 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… Read More »
Next Generation of AI-Powered Drive-Thrus 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,… Read More »
The Hidden Benefits of Self-Order Kiosks Nice video by Acrelec covering main benefits of self-order kiosks. Self-order kiosks have become a familiar sight in restaurants, offering convenience and efficiency to customers. But beyond the obvious advantages, these kiosks bring several hidden benefits that can transform operations and elevate the dining experience. Let’s uncover what makes self-order kiosks a game-changer for restaurants.… Read More »
Acrelec EAA ADA Demonstration Good to see clear video demonstrating accessibility as mandated by new EAA. Words can be difficult to judge. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) The European Accessibility Act (EAA) significantly impacts self-ordering in restaurants, particularly for those operating in or serving customers within the European Union. Starting June 28, 2025, all new consumer-facing digital devices—including self-service kiosks, table… Read More »
Equitable Access for Customers Matters! Nice blog from TPGi on equitable access barrier-free aka Blind and Low Vision customers and how to give them equal access. Barrier-free and Universal Design come to mind. We are reminded of Dot Pad and braille tactile labels for Amazon Hubs in California (45,000 of them). Here is pdf of blog — TPGi… Read More »
Request for Information Thanks for visiting and we are happy to help. Typically we distribute your request to all of the members and they will respond to you. Craig can respond personally if you prefer. craigkeefner@pm.me craig.keefner@gmail.com You can text Craig at 720-324-1837 Top Ten Self-Service Products Our Members Provide Kiosk Enclosures – indoor, outdoor, standard, custom Kiosk… Read More »
Accessibility Considerations for Digital Screens and Wayfinding It is relatively rare to see digital signage ADA and accessibility talked about, much less demonstrated. We are guilty as well. I noticed we have no fixed category for “digital signage ADA”. We do now. Digital signage AI for sure but accessibility not. Our member 22Miles has a good infographic on… Read More »
Crypto Kiosk acceptance in self service: How fast is it moving? One key takeaway from Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas last week was promising signs of retail acceptance of cryptocurrency as a method of payment, a development that bodes well for crypto acceptance in self-service kiosks. The growth of crypto payment acceptance jibes with the ongoing expansion of… Read More »
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… Read More »
AI, Connectivity, Robotics In Self-Service It would hardly be an overstatement to say that artificial intelligence computing, in combination with more powerful connectivity, robotics and an explosion of data, has jump-started innovation in most industries. For the self-service industry, the technology has unleashed opportunities to boost customer experiences, oftentimes in a more economical manner. Such advancements have fostered… Read More »
Restaurant Accessibility Survey Download Restaurant Accessibility Survey — Customer loyalty is crucial for any organization, including the restaurant industry. How a restaurant treats customers with disabilities can significantly affect that loyalty and have a lasting impact on their business. Between February and March 2024, Vispero and TPGi surveyed over 600 blind and low-vision people about their experiences accessing… Read More »
Audio in High Noise Environments with AI The first unified communications product designed to leverage the full power of Conversational AI. The new AI Connect Bar combines the industry’s best microphones with a tuned, amplified speaker system into one sleek peripheral with a single USB connection to seamlessly attach to most All-in-One (AiO) touchscreen computers and kiosks. If… Read More »
Olo Restaurant Rumors Article on the rumors Olo is looking for buyer. Reforming Retail delivers remarkable analysis of situation. Meanwhile the market seems to slowing. First the cautions coming from McDonalds and Wendy’s that sales are slowing significantly. McDonald’s reported a 3% decrease in revenue and a 3.6% drop in U.S. same-store sales for the first quarter of 2025,… Read More »
Restaurant Kiosks News Nice PR by fiserv. We noticed it on PYMNTS which does great job. Excerpt Clover Kiosk is crafted with intuitive usability to help restaurants increase order size, streamline workflow and operations, and improve the overall customer experience. With a 24” touch screen and 8” payment terminal plus a built-in printer, diners can browse menus at… Read More »
Toast POS — A Closer Look We are big fans of Jordan Thaeler of Reforming Retail and his evolving take on TOAST POS. Critical thinking is in short supply these days and keen observers like Jordan are indispensable. I think he has gotten as many Cease and Desist letters as I have signed NDAs. Here are some thoughts… Read More »
Review 2025 Tillster Phygital Index Report The “2025 Tillster Phygital Index Report” is a comprehensive analysis of consumer behaviors and preferences related to digital and physical ordering experiences in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and fast-casual sectors in the United States. The report is confined to US-based consumers, based on a survey of 1,005 diners conducted in February 2024.… Read More »
Lockers Pickup Solutions in Pittsburgh Latest deployment from Apex. Just so happens to include Olea Kiosks too. Last week we ran story on Applebee’s pickup food lockers from Apex From LinkedIn Less time in lines = More time with lions 🦁 That’s the experience guests are getting at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, where we partnered with SSA Group… Read More »
National Restaurant Association Show 2025 and Kiosk Association Visit Booth 8030 for Kiosks and Digital Signage at National Restaurant Association Show — As seen on APnews and also PRnewswire WESTMINSTER, Colo., April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Come see Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) in booth 8030 (NRA site). Self-order kiosks and smart food vending will be highlighted, implementing interactive and static digital signage… Read More »
Cash and Coin Self-Order Kiosk We are impressed with the new cash and coin self-order kiosk from Acrelec and Glory. Good note and coin capacity and reasonably fast. From LinkedIn We are delighted to share with you the first installation in Spain of the new C27 kiosk developed by ACRELEC and GLORY. Located in Jollibee, Calle Arenal (Madrid),… Read More »
Acrelec Unveils Rebrand as Company Continues Market Expansion March 27, 2025 — From CityBiz — It’s been clear for awhile that Acrelec is the leader in restaurant kiosks, and a lot more. Editors Note: The Acrelec logo communicates a sense of modernity, innovation, and technological sophistication. The stylized “A” design resembles a sleek, curved shape, suggesting dynamism and… Read More »
ACRELEC News from Around the World Very nice video of new Burger King drive-thru AI ordering and regional updates. Not surprising as it seems the most accomplished of all kiosk providers in the world is ACRELEC (and especially ACRELEC America). Acrelec just rebranded too. We actually awarded “Best of 2024” to two separate kiosk models (K27). Here is… Read More »
Facial Recognition Turning Retail On Its Face Very nice writeup on Retail and Restaurant on facial recognition by Thibaud Denolle of ACRELEC America. You can contact Thibaud at his LinkedIn or by email. Summary of Facial Biometrics in Retail Technology Overview: Facial biometrics uses AI for identity verification via facial features. Real-World Applications: Brands like Steak n’ Shake… Read More »
Kiosk Industry November 2024 Self Service November 2024 Westminster, CO – November 15, 2024 Come see us in Orlando next week for IAAPA 2024 #5727. 1100 exhibitors and 40,000 attendees. Did we mention free passes? We have those too. See landing page for Code. PRnewswire Here is APNews. Our booth at IAAPA features a strong lineup of partners,… Read More »
Self Service Kiosk October 2024 News from Kiosk Manufacturer Association Our kiosk industry booth at IAAPA features a strong lineup of partners WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 15, 2024 (PR Newswire) — Kiosk Manufacturer Association updates for October 2024, announced. As we gear up for IAAPA in Orlando this November, we’re excited to showcase our expertise in the kiosk market.… Read More »
Stats – Restaurant, POS, Kiosks, Digital Signage We all like stats and numbers, too. Generally, though, any stats for any market are 95% of the time from India + they are automatically raised 10% from last year’s report + they want $5000 for them. Generally all the wrong companies are listed, there are very pretty charts and graphs,… Read More »