Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Craig Allen Keefner
AI Kiosk and Audio in High Noise Environments
High-Noise Environment Challenges
It seems pretty simple. Add in conversational AI and presto… Companies like Taco Bell and others though have learned that the complete equation is required and that means audio reinforcement and noise cancellation. Speakers that cost $6 in China are not ideal or the $4 microphone. Walk into a restaurant in a Las Vegas hotel and check the ambient sound level. Above 80 dB. That drive thru is probably very close to a main thoroughfare, with lots of cars passing.
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 you would like full specifications and brochure send email to craigkeefner@pm.me and we will get it to you when released.
Conversational AI Kiosk Self-Order Live Demos
- Video
- From retailnow below — here is full video link
May 6th — The National Restaurant Association show will have some brand-new cutting-edge audio technology on display. One of our sponsors for 8030 at NRA is URwayholdings and they will demo the AI Connect Bar prototype at NRA. High-quality noise-cancellation microphones plus high-quality speakers. Note that many AIOs have speakers but consider where they are located and aimed at. Usually facing away from customer.
Conversational AI can do terrific things, but first it has to hear and speak clearly to maximize effectiveness. We don’t need robots that don’t understand us or can’t understand us. We recommend visiting the Soundhound booth, where you can see the superb drive-thru example by Acrelec. Right now Soundhound and Sodaclick seem to be neck and neck. There are realistic demos and then there are staged scripted demos. If you can detect AI generated text, it is super easy to see. Acrelec has the best demos — Burger King AI Voice Ordering Drive Thru – ACRELEC
We expect the AI Connect Bar will include a camera as well (with AI onboard). Mounting options are designed for easy kiosks and easy large-format screens. Elotouch will likely offer it. We have beat up on Elo for audio/microphones and video forever.
Worth noting many AI systems completely fail due to one simple problem… No internet connection. Local inference matters and the internet connection is no longer required.
AI Connect Bar for conversational AI audio
More Conversational AI Audio Resources
- Conversational AI With Voice That You Speak With – Retail Systems
- Early Trials — Conversational AI Kiosk – Valyant AI & KIOSK Information Systems
- Burger King AI Voice Ordering Drive–Thru – ACRELEC – Kiosk Industry
- Acrelec Rebrands for Future Growth and Innovation – Kiosk Industry
- Wendy’s Kiosks Deployed ACRELEC – Kiosk Industry
- Self Service Europe – Poland, Italy & Spain – Kiosk Industry
- Soundhound May 2025 Earnings Report
AI Connect Bar — Published Technical Specifications
| Published Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | URway Holdings |
| Product | AI Connect Bar |
| Website | aiconnectbar.com |
| Dimensions | 12.2″ W x 1.65″ H x 1.65″ D |
| Microphones | High-sensitivity directional array, dual-mic digital beamforming |
| Speakers | Amplified, tuned full-range driver modules |
| Audio Processing | Adaptive algorithms for noise rejection, echo reduction & reduced distortion |
| Audio Operation | Full-duplex audio with factory-tuned noise suppression |
| Architecture | Wave-forming design controlling sound dispersion and resonance |
| Connectivity | Single USB-C connection (Plug-and-play) |
| Display Fit | All-in-one touchscreens, kiosks & Edge Connect systems |
| Mounting Compatibility | Elo, Lenovo, LG, Zebra, MicroTouch & generic kiosk brackets |
| Mounting Options | Portrait or landscape; Top or bottom of display |
| Enclosure | Tamper-resistant design |
| Applications | Self-order kiosks, QSR drive-thrus, digital menu boards, retail & ticketing |
| Voice AI Platform | Compatible with external platforms (e.g., VOX AI) |
- Manufacturer: URway Holdings
- Product: AI Connect Bar
- Website: https://aiconnectbar.com/
- Width: 12.2 inches
- Height: 1.65 inches
- Depth: 1.65 inches
- Microphones: High-sensitivity directional microphone array
- Beamforming: Dual-microphone digital beamforming
- Speakers: Amplified, tuned full-range driver modules
- Audio processing: Adaptive algorithms for noise rejection, echo reduction and reduced distortion
- Audio operation: Full-duplex audio with factory-tuned noise suppression
- Audio architecture: Wave-forming design to control sound dispersion and resonance
- Connectivity: Single USB-C connection
- Integration: Plug-and-play design for compatible systems
- Display compatibility: All-in-one touchscreens, kiosks and Edge Connect systems
- Mounting compatibility: Elo, Lenovo, LG, Zebra and MicroTouch, with generic kiosk mounting brackets available
- Mounting orientation: Portrait or landscape
- Mounting position: Top or bottom of display
- Construction: Tamper-resistant design
- Target applications: Self-order kiosks, QSR drive-thrus, digital menu boards, retail self-service and ticketing
- Voice AI compatibility: Designed to work with external conversational AI platforms, including demonstrated VOX AI integration
Specifications Not Yet Publicly Confirmed
- Microphone frequency response and pickup distance
- Speaker wattage and maximum sound pressure level
- USB-C power requirements
- IP rating for dust and water resistance
- Operating temperature range
- Supported operating systems and drivers
- Unit pricing and volume discounts
- Warranty terms
- Confirmed production and commercial shipment status
Source: AI Connect Bar official website
Note: The specifications above reflect published product descriptions and demonstration information, not a verified final production datasheet.
