What’s in the Future for the Kiosk Industry?

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by Sam Pryor, Protouch

In today's fast-paced technological world, Protouch takes a look at what lies ahead in the future of the kiosk industry...

Olympian

Food and Beverage Kiosks

The high tech future of vending machines sees technology redefining the customer vending experience; with machines at its recent I/O conference, vending kiosks could soon see similar technologies being rolled out. that deliver fun and engaging vending. With Google recently showcasing a cocktail mixing robot called 'Makr Shakr' 

As vending machines become less about being a device that solely dispenses things, and more about an interface that interacts with the consumer, the future possibilities for vending kiosks are limitless.

Eye Control

Technology is constantly evolving and even though touch screen is still a relatively new concept, it may not be long before we see another one of our senses taking control. Just like the touch of a fingertip, devices will employ intelligence that can track pupil movement, allowing users to control devices through gaze interaction.  

With Samsung’s SIV already using eye control to aid the reading of webpages, watching of movies and viewing of images, we may soon see such technologies being used in kiosks too.

Contactless

With convenience at the forefront of consumers desires, contactless payment options are set to take over the conventional chip and pin system.

Anderson AdjustIt's long been rumoured that Apple will release the iPhone 5s which will showcase features, such as an embedded fingerprint sensor in the home button, and a contactless function enabled by NFC. Apple isn't offering these features just yet but it's definitely still on the cards, meaning that the future of kiosks payments lies in hassle free, quick tap or finger scan payments.

OLED

Moving forwards it's likely that we'll see OLED screens replacing our LED and plasma displays. OLED screens come with a range of benefits including; being more efficient, being better for the environment, using flexible and unbreakable plastic, and offering better quality resolutions. Samsung, who are leading the way in OLED adoption, predict that by 2014 50% of all mobile phones AMOLED displays , and by 2015 it could become the main TV panel technology.

3D Printing Kiosks

Probably one of the most exciting advances set to transform the retail world is the 3D printer. Customers will not only be able to print out their own toys, clothes, spare parts, and so on, but will also be able to design and digitally print their own items. Said to be the natural progression from photo printing kiosks, 3D printing could revolutionise the way we view stores and what we get from them. Reports also suggest that by 2050 we'll see 3D printers moving from the high street into our living rooms.

Sam Pryor, Protouch

With intelligent technologies, such as the ones mentioned, there's huge opportunity in the future of kiosks to add value for both brands and consumers.

Sam Pryor has been in active in the kiosk industry for more than eight years, working in Technical Sales for Protouch, a leading supplier of touch screen equipment in Europe.

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