Looking at the New Industry Opportunities Behind Self Check in Kiosk

Wednesday, December 13, 2023, New York - Customers at Stew Leonard's grocery store in Palisades, New Jersey, are using self-checkout kiosks. As retailers navigate through one of the busiest times of the year, self-checkout faces various challenges.

New York (AP) - The promise of self-checkout is enticing: customers can scan and bag their own items to avoid long lines, workers can be freed from mundane tasks, and retailers can save on labor costs. But along with all that has come since the introduction of self-checkout, there are issues: customers complain about clunky technology issuing mysterious error codes, workers must stand around monitoring humans and machines, and retailers grapple with theft. Self-checkout was first tested in supermarkets in the late 1980s and gained momentum 20 years ago. But three years ago, grocers ramped up efforts to address the severe labor shortages brought on by the pandemic. Nevertheless, self-checkout hasn't disappeared, especially as labor shortages persist. And many people like it. A 67-year-old woman says she enjoys shopping at Stop & Shop because of its "scan and go" technology, allowing her to scan items with a device while shopping and then tally up the bill. She can pay at either a self-service terminal or a staffed checkout. Retailers have been adding cameras or sensors to checkout kiosks to monitor shoppers. For example, Kroger has deployed artificial intelligence technology in most stores, which triggers alerts when issues arise. For instance, if a shopper fails to successfully scan a particular item, the system will flag the error on the screen and prompt the customer to rectify it themselves. If the customer is unable to resolve the issue independently, a beacon above the self-checkout station will flash to attract the attention of staff. More advanced technologies have been making strides. Bernadette Christian, 59, works at Giant Food in Clinton, Maryland, overseeing six self-service stations. She says she doesn't dare help or confront shoppers, who she says have become angrier since the pandemic. "For us, when cashiers would be easy, and a lot safer in today's world," she said.

Streamlined and Efficient Self-Service Ordering

With the rapid advancement of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually permeating various industries, including the restaurant business. One of the latest trends is AI-powered self-service restaurants, which utilize advanced technology to offer customers a more efficient and convenient dining experience.

These restaurants employ cutting-edge AI technology to provide customers with a brand-new dining experience. One of the most notable features is the self-service ordering system. Customers can choose dishes and place orders independently through touch screens or voice recognition, eliminating the need to wait for servers. This significantly shortens the dining time and enhances efficiency.

For example, "eatsa," located in San Francisco, is a typical AI-powered self-service restaurant. Customers can use iPads within the restaurant to place orders themselves. They can then observe the preparation process of their food on the screen and collect their meals at the pick-up window. This self-service ordering system not only improves order accuracy but also speeds up the ordering and payment process, saving customers' time.

Intelligent Environment for a Comfortable Dining Experience

In addition to the self-service ordering system, AI-powered self-service restaurants are renowned for their intelligent environments. These restaurants utilize smart sensing technology to monitor the dining environment and automatically adjust factors such as temperature, lighting, and music to create a comfortable dining atmosphere for customers.

For instance, in a smart restaurant in New York, intelligent lighting and music systems are installed to automatically adjust the ambient atmosphere based on the number of diners and the time, providing customers with a more comfortable environment during their dining experience. This intelligent environment not only enhances the dining experience but also creates a unique brand image for the restaurant, attracting more customers.

Personalized Service to Meet Individual Needs

AI-powered self-service restaurants also offer personalized services through facial recognition technology, providing customers with tailored dining experiences. Customers only need to stand in front of the self-service machine, and the system can recognize their faces, automatically retrieve their personal information and preferences, and provide personalized menu recommendations and customized services.

For example, in a smart restaurant in Tokyo, customers can automatically log in through facial recognition technology. The system then recommends suitable dishes and beverages based on their order history and preferences. This personalized service not only enhances customer satisfaction but also increases customer loyalty, bringing stable traffic and revenue to the restaurant.

Future Development Led by Technology

As one of the future trends in the restaurant industry, AI-powered self-service restaurants demonstrate the significant impact of technology on the dining experience. With the continuous advancement of technology, we can expect to see more intelligent and convenient catering services emerge in the future, providing customers with more convenient and comfortable dining experiences.

As part of AI-powered self-service restaurants, technological innovation continuously drives the advancement of the catering industry. These innovations not only enhance the dining experience for customers but also bring more business opportunities and competitive advantages to restaurant operators. With the continuous advancement of technology, we can expect to see more intelligent and convenient catering services emerge in the future.

Detachable 21.5-inch Vertical/Desktop Universal Ordering Machine with Bank Card/NFC Card/QR Code Payment and Receipt Printer

1. Product Overview

This **detachable 21.5-inch vertical/desktop universal ordering machine** combines modern payment and printing functions and is suitable for various business scenarios, such as catering, retail, hotels, convenience stores, etc. The device is equipped with a high-resolution 21.5-inch touch screen, which supports both vertical and desktop placement, greatly improving the flexibility of use. Its design not only focuses on user experience, but also effectively improves work efficiency.

Main features include:

- 21.5-inch touch screen: provides high-resolution display effects, supports intuitive and convenient touch operations, and ensures that customers can easily browse menus and select products.

- Payment support: compatible with bank cards, NFC cards (such as credit cards, debit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and QR code payments (such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, Apple Pay, etc.), ensuring that a variety of payment methods are available to meet the needs of different customers.

- Built-in receipt printer: The built-in high-speed thermal printer can quickly print receipts and orders, improving customer experience and store efficiency.

- Detachable design: The detachable design of the device allows the product to flexibly switch between vertical mode and desktop mode to adapt to different usage scenarios. Vertical mode is suitable for standing operation, while desktop mode is more suitable for sitting operation, and users can freely adjust according to their needs.

- Powerful backend management system: The supporting software system supports functions such as order management, payment information recording, and statistical analysis to help merchants easily carry out daily operations management.

- Durable and waterproof: The device shell is made of high-strength materials, which is durable and waterproof, suitable for high-frequency commercial environments.

2. Market application scenarios

1. Catering industry: restaurants, fast food restaurants, buffet restaurants and other places, customers can order food through the touch screen, choose their favorite dishes, use a variety of payment methods to complete the transaction, and get an electronic receipt at the same time. The device can effectively reduce the workload of waiters, improve the efficiency of ordering and payment, and enhance the customer's consumption experience.

2. Retail industry: In retail places such as stores and supermarkets, the device can realize self-service shopping, scan code payment and other functions, greatly improving the checkout speed and relieving the pressure of queuing. Especially during promotional activities, customers can quickly place orders and complete payments by themselves.

3. Hotel and tourism industry: Hotel lobbies, tourist attractions and other places can provide self-service check-in, payment and ticket printing functions to enhance customers' self-service experience, reduce manual operations and improve work efficiency.

4. Convenient services: such as self-service number collection machines and self-service inquiry machines, customers can complete various inquiries, reservations and other services through simple touch screen operations.

III. Market Prospect Analysis

With the popularization of digital payment and the increase in self-service demand, the demand for this kind of intelligent terminal equipment integrating multiple payment methods and printing functions in the global market continues to grow. According to market research institutions, the market size of self-service ordering and payment equipment will continue to grow in the next five years, especially in the catering and retail industries in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

1. Popularity of digital payment

In recent years, especially in Asia, mobile payment (such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, etc.) and NFC payment (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) have developed rapidly. Consumers are increasingly inclined to use cashless payment methods, and traditional cash payment is gradually being replaced. Therefore, smart devices with multiple payment methods will become the standard for major merchants.

2. Growth in demand for self-service

With the change of consumer habits after the epidemic, more and more people tend to use self-service devices to reduce contact with others. This trend has driven the demand for self-service ordering, automatic checkout and other equipment, and merchants have also realized that such equipment can effectively improve operational efficiency and optimize customer experience.

3. Market competition and innovation space

Although there are already some similar products on the market, there is still a lot of room for innovation in payment methods, equipment flexibility, user interface design, etc. For example, the design that supports both vertical and desktop modes makes the device more adaptable to different usage environments and enhances the market competitiveness of the product. With the advancement of technology and the reduction of production costs, the market share of such products is expected to grow steadily in the next few years.

4. Cost and profit model

For merchants, although the initial investment is relatively high, this self-service ordering machine can effectively save labor costs and increase the frequency of customer self-service, which has a high cost-effectiveness in the long run. In addition, the versatility and flexibility of the equipment make it suitable for different types of shops and has a wide range of market appeal.

IV. Summary

The detachable 21.5-inch vertical/desktop universal ordering machine is an innovative product that integrates multiple payment methods, intelligent management and efficient printing functions. It can not only improve the operating efficiency of merchants, but also provide consumers with a more convenient and comfortable shopping experience. With the continued popularity of self-service and digital payment, the market demand for such equipment will continue to expand, and this product will show broad market prospects worldwide in the next few years.

Background

City Mall, a prominent shopping center in a bustling urban area, had been facing multiple challenges in its parking management and advertising strategies. As the mall grew in popularity, the volume of visitors increased, leading to congestion at the parking payment kiosks. Long queues were common, especially during peak shopping times, leading to customer frustration and a negative experience. Furthermore, while the mall had a variety of retail stores and dining options, it lacked an effective and integrated way to promote special offers and events.

The management team at City Mall recognized an opportunity to solve both issues with one innovative solution: an integrated self-service payment kiosk with a dynamic advertising display. This new technology was intended to streamline the payment process while also providing an effective platform for advertising and marketing.

Solution

City Mall partnered with [Kiosk Solution Provider] to implement an all-in-one payment and advertising solution: the 15-inch self-service payment kiosk with a 43-inch digital advertising display. This kiosk was installed in high-traffic areas, including the parking lot entrance, near escalators, and at various mall intersections.

Key Features of the Solution:

Self-Service Payment Functionality:

15-inch Touchscreen Interface: The kiosk features an easy-to-use 15-inch touchscreen that allows customers to quickly pay for parking. The interface supports multiple payment methods, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and QR codes.

Real-Time Parking Availability: The system displays real-time parking space availability, allowing customers to see where spaces are available in the lot, reducing the time spent searching for a spot.

Speed and Convenience: The kiosks streamline the payment process by offering contactless, cashless transactions, minimizing wait times and improving the flow of vehicles entering and exiting the mall parking area.

Dynamic Advertising Display:

43-inch High-Resolution Display: Above the 15-inch payment screen, the 43-inch digital display serves as a digital billboard for advertising content, such as mall events, seasonal sales, or promotions by local retailers.

Remote Content Management: Mall management can remotely update and schedule content to be shown on the advertising display, ensuring that the right messages are delivered at the right time. Advertisers can take advantage of the flexibility to change promotions quickly, target specific times, or update content based on real-time data.

Engaging Visuals and High Impact: The large screen allows for high-impact advertising that grabs the attention of mall visitors, whether they are parking, walking to the mall entrances, or standing in common areas.

Multi-Use Functionality:

By integrating both payment functionality and advertising into a single unit, the mall streamlined its infrastructure and reduced space requirements. This also reduced maintenance costs compared to running separate systems for parking and advertising.

Multi-Use Functionality:

By integrating both payment functionality and advertising into a single unit, the mall streamlined its infrastructure and reduced space requirements. This also reduced maintenance costs compared to running separate systems for parking and advertising.

Weather-Resistant Design:

Built with outdoor use in mind, the kiosks were designed to withstand various weather conditions, making them ideal for placement in the parking lot and other outdoor areas.

Multilingual Support:

To cater to the diverse customer base, the kiosks support multiple languages, providing a seamless experience for both local and international visitors.

Results

1. Improved Customer Experience:

Reduced Wait Times:

The self-service payment kiosks reduced parking payment wait times by 40%, helping visitors move in and out of the mall more quickly and efficiently. 

2. Increased Revenue through Advertising:

The 43-inch advertising displays created a new revenue stream for the mall, as local businesses and retailers rented digital advertising space. Retailers saw an average 15% increase in foot traffic during the periods when their ads were displayed, with several retailers reporting higher in-store sales during promotional periods.

Increased Sales for Mall Events:

The mall used the kiosks to promote special events, seasonal sales, and limited-time offers. Event-related content on the advertising screens drove significant foot traffic, increasing attendance by 20% during special mall events such as holiday sales and live performances.

3. Operational Efficiency:

Cost Reduction:

The integrated kiosks reduced the need for separate advertising displays, printed flyers, and manual payment machines. This cut down on both infrastructure and maintenance costs, with the mall saving approximately 15% annually on operational expenses.

Remote Management and Flexibility:

The content management system allowed for seamless remote updates of both parking payment settings and advertising content. Mall staff no longer needed to update posters manually or be present to switch out ads, saving time and ensuring that content was always up-to-date and relevant.

4. Enhanced Brand Visibility for Local Retailers:

Targeted and Dynamic Advertising:

Retailers were able to target their ads based on time of day, season, or specific mall events, giving them more flexibility and control over their marketing campaigns. Ads for sales, new product arrivals, and in-store promotions reached a wider audience, increasing retailer visibility and engagement.

Challenges and Solutions

Customer Familiarization with Self-Service:

Initially, some customers, particularly older visitors, were unfamiliar with the self-service kiosks. To mitigate this, the mall provided instructional signage at each kiosk and offered staff assistance during peak times. As the kiosks became more familiar, customer adoption rates increased significantly.

Conclusion

The 15-inch self-service payment kiosk with 43-inch advertising display has proven to be a game-changing solution for City Mall. Not only has it improved the parking payment experience for visitors, but it has also provided a dynamic, engaging advertising platform for retailers and a new revenue stream for the mall.

The integration of payment functionality with advertising content in one seamless unit has streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced both customer satisfaction and retailer engagement. As City Mall continues to expand and innovate, the kiosks will remain a central part of their strategy to improve efficiency, customer experience, and profitability.

3. Bill & Coin Payment Terminals

Ideal for self-service environments, these kiosks combine powerful hardware with cutting-edge technologies, support cash and coin to add more payment selection for clients, improve efficiency and save time for different scenarios, with dynamic logistic reports to simplify all the process!

Event Details

Exhibition: Dubai Exhibition 2025

Date: May 20–22, 2025

Location: Trade Centre 2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai World Trade Centre

Booth: H7-F40

Let’s connect in Dubai and explore how LKS can help you Make Business Easier.
We look forward to welcoming you at Booth H7-F40!