Exhibit floor sizzles with excitement at Self-Service Innovation Summit| Self-Service Innovation Summit 2022Vending Times

2023-01-06 16:39:35 By : Ms. YH Chen

Attendees at the Self-Service Innovation Summit stayed busy between education sessions by visiting the exhibit area where vendors demonstrated advances in self-service technology.

Gregory Raffaele presents the pizza vending machine and a pizza self-service station for foodservice at the Fase Vending exhibit. Automated Pizza Making Machine

Dec. 21, 2022 | by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

There was never a dull moment last week as attendees perused the exhibits to find the latest self service technologies at the Self-Service Innovation Summit at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida.

Forward thinking technology providers gained valuable feedback from the industry's most progressive technology operators.

Exhibits on display during breaks between education sessions showcased robot concepts, voice interaction modules, high-powered scan engines, holographic touchscreens, multi-cellular routers and more.

The summit is one of several industry events organized by Networld Media Group, the parent company of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times. The media company's next event is the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit being held March 20-23, 2023, in Coral Gables, Florida.

Following are Self-Service Innovation Summit exhibit highlights in alphabetical order.

365 Retail Markets presented its MM6 Gen3 kiosk, its PicoMarket and its Stockwell 2.0 self-service technology.

The MM6 design for micro markets offers a hinged front door for improved serviceability, an upgraded barcode scanner, a credit card reader, a fish eye webcam, a global bill validator and a taller touchscreen.

Stockwell 2.0, to be introduced next year, marks an upgrade of the previous Stockwell's smart store technology, including a dedicated refrigerated door, an ambient door, a tap/insert credit card and GMA payment enabled via the company's Pico device.

The PicoMarket, unlike the PicoCooler or PicoVend, offers a standalone self-checkout kiosk with amenities such as NFC payment, chip insert, a webcam for loss prevention and a barcode scanner.

Brendamour Logistics, a Cincinnati-based kiosk logistics services provider, presented information about its kiosk deployment and logistics services, which include site survey, kiosk installation, site prep, warehousing, kiosk prep, kiosk repairs and storage.

As part of its survey service, the company surveys potential installation sites to determine the most suitable location for a kiosk, then checks conductivity at the location and assesses the site preparation needs.

The company has warehouses nationwide as well as installation and site preparation crews.

Camlock Systems, which offers a variety of locks and access control systems, introduced its Series 100 motorized rotary latch, featuring dual locking jaws to utilize the compression strength of steel to prevent forced unlocking. The latch features include 0.4A peak current for low energy consumption.

The latch also allows remote monitoring; audit trails and alarms; flexible mounting options; vertical panel movement; push-to-close convenience and accepts signals from any electronic actuation source.

A locking strike is available to order alongside the latch hardware.

Cradlepoint, a provider of wireless edge solutions to enable LTE and 5G cellular networks, presented its LTE and 5G routers built for kiosks and micro sites. The solution enables the wireless IoT connectivity and enterprise-grade security needed to push and pull data to and from the cloud, the data center and users.

IT teams integrate routers with SaaS analytics platforms and manage connectivity and security — from anywhere — through a single platform.

Creoir presented its voice interaction solution for self service.

The embedded speech recognition and voice feedback enable voice interaction for kiosks, robots, mobile applications and more.

The company's software development kit offers a flexible way for natural voice user integration without internet connection. The voice dialogues and "wake words" are fully customizable, and the built-in interface reduces development time.

The SDK includes automatic speech recognition, text-to-speech, speech signal enhancement, libraries and a built-in API for applications.

The solution supports programming language independent action code implementation and support in 39 languages for automatic speech recognition and in 65 languages for text-to-speech.

DPL, which provides managed wireless services, presented its Hercules Shield featuring built-in security and GPS tracking capability to support applications requiring fast speeds and high throughput such as bitcoin ATMs, interactive teller machines and digital signage.

The Hercules Shield's dual SIM/carrier feature supports connectivity in fringe areas and high volume locations that require high network availability or redundancy.

The unit's two Ethernet ports enable multi-service support for auxiliary devices like video toppers or allow it to be configured for WAN failover.

Esper presented its embedded systems, cloud services and dedicated device infrastructure for device based self service solutions.

The company's device management capabilities include device onboarding, app management, geofencing, security monitoring, alerts and more.

Services include remote configuration and deployment, real-time telemetry data, drift monitoring, remote diagnostics, debugging, integration with development tools and more.

Evolis presented its KC Range printer kiosks, compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.

The kiosks feature a metal structure that allows the printer to be integrated into the terminal, ensuring its stability. The software development kit allows the user to optimize integration and communication with IT systems.

The operator can choose insertion, ejection and rejection modes for payment cards. A retraction function for uncollected cards is also available.

The LED illuminated bezel provides a visual alert to the user of a card entry or exit, while its optional anti-insertion system prevents the insertion of cards, ensuring the bezel only performs its function as a card output.

Options include the KC Essential, the most compact and modular solution, the KC Prime with a 200-card feeder and the KC Max, which accommodates four 100-card feeders.

Fase (which stands for Food Autonomous Smart Equipment) Vending presented its Ovensys pizza vending machine and the Barizza pizza self-service station.

The Ovensys pizza machine features an induction oven that reheats the pizzas through the "OvenBox" (food grade 12-inch round aluminum plates to ensure no transfer of bacteria or cardboard onto the pizza) and preserves the product characteristics, such as crispy dough, melted cheese and uniform heat that serves the pizza in four minutes.

The machine keeps the pizzas refrigerated below 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

The machine integrates remote control access for the operator and offers a customer interface application to let the customer order via the app.

The machine is designed for indoor and façade installations, but Fase offers various kiosk options to install outdoors providing there is a minimum 40 square feet of space and a 7- to 8-foot height clearance.

Friendlyway, based in Germany, offers a Windows-based, cloud-based, software-as-a-service platform that offers content and automated features such as wayfinding, device management, visitor check-in, access management, remote visitor assistance, interactive self service, interactive consultations, queue management, facilities booking services and more.

The service also offers video capabilities and multi-language support.

Markets served include trade shows, shopping centers, airports, railway stations, hotels, financial institutions, government agencies, industrial sites, educational institutions, museums, health care facilities, fuel stations and automotive showrooms.

Ginko Systems LLC, a kiosk manufacturer based in West Carrollton, Ohio, demonstrated its Insomniac kiosk which is used for outdoor self storage. In conjunction with self-storage software solutions provider Open Tech Alliance, the Insomniac gives the end user a cloud-based access control solution for self-storage, turning the Insomniac outdoor kiosk hardware into a fully deployable self-storage solution.

The integration allows operators to reduce tenant frustration and customer service costs. The integration also makes it easier for operators to manage facility access through real-time account updates to automatically grant, restrict or remove tenant access based on account status.

Honeywell introduced its FlexRange N6803 Series which includes N6803MR and N6803FR 2D scan engines. Both variants have the same slim form factor.

The N6803 Series weighs only 3 grams, one of the lightest scan engines in the industry, which favorably compares to long-range engines within its class and translates to longer battery life in a single charge and reducing the need to recharge mid shift. These design features lend themselves to numerous applications by using a single, compact device.

The company's portfolio of fixed vision OEM hardware and software solutions includes scan engines, imager modules and software development kits for use in a variety of applications such as self-service kiosks, healthcare, mobile ticketing, inventory, mobile point-of-sale, airline services, access control, vending machines and more.

Mobile Technologies Inc. presented several self-service solutions.

The all-metal Radius floor stand kiosk supports both 75-millimeter and 100-millimeter VESA mounting, allowing for tablets and large touchscreen support. The kiosk supports payment peripherals, including integral receipt printers, hand sanitizer bottle attachments and more.

The RapidDoc multipurpose mobile kiosk can switch between docked and mobile use. The kiosk allows single hand release with a simple card tap or pin code.

Mobile Technologies also presented the Zebra Technologies ET4X tablet series, which supports tap-to-pay and includes a barcode scanner, a high resolution rear camera, front camera, an optional hot-swappable secondary battery and more.

Monexgroup, a Toronto-based provider of unattended payment solutions throughout North America, presented information about its all-in-one POS terminals, unattended kiosks and online payment options.

The company serves the multi-housing laundry, car wash, air pump and vacuum systems industries nationwide.

The company has deployed unattended payments solutions in over 70,000 terminals operating across Canada: laundromats in residential apartment buildings, air pumps and car vacuums at gas stations, car washes, highway tolls and more.

Monex Group also works with EV charging companies and parking companies in North America.

Nayax Ltd. highlighted its Monyx Wallet, which won this year's Self-Service Innovation Award for COVID-19, among its offerings. Monyx Wallet is a mobile wallet offering a touch-free feature that operators can configure by integrating Nayax's VPOS Touch cashless payment solution in machines using vending protocol 4.3 MDB and above.

The touch-free feature lets consumers purchase and pay at a machine using the digital app.

Operators can configure product maps in the Nayax management suite to enable Monyx Wallet functionality. When consumers choose a vending machine within the app, they can view a product map display that enables them to pick the desired product. Once the product is selected, payment is automatic and the machine then releases the product.

Monyx Wallet can be used in both closed and open environments. In addition to the touch-free feature, the wallet enables the operator to digitize the refund process, reducing operational costs.

The wallet also improves the customer experience by enabling customizable digital loyalty programs such as happy hour sales, cashback, gamification and more.

OptConnect presented its neo2, an LTE Category 4 multi-carrier cellular router for kiosks, vending machines, micro markets, digital signs and other applications that require high speed connectivity.

By offering dual-carrier functionality, neo2 offers twice the speed of the original neo router and eliminates the need to choose between single carriers.

Each neo2 includes the full bundle of OptConnect's managed solutions and services in addition to a lifetime license to Summit, OptConnect's cloud-based monitoring platform.

The neo2 also includes an on-board API that responds to requests and relays how the cellular connection is performing.

Pharmabox, which manufactures and operates glassfront machines that dispense over-the-counter pharmacy products, offered a surprise of sorts at its exhibit.

In addition to Pharmabox glassfront machines offering pharmacy products, the exhibit included a closed front, branded Mars candy machine. Pharmabox is a selected operating partner for the Mars candy machine, along with Canteen, Aramark, First Class Vending, Servomation and others.

Unlike traditional glassfront snack and candy machines, this Mars branded candy machine features a 48-inch digital touchscreen displaying graphic presentations of Mars candy packages for the customer to touch to make their selections.

Mars Wrigley has partnered with Invenda Group AG, a developer that offers vending machines equipped with advertising screens, on the branded candy machine, Jose Paez, senior customer manager for unattended retail at Mars Wrigley, told this website via email. Mars Wrigley is also partnering with U.S. operators to roll out the machines.

The Panoptyc hardware/software solution uses artificial intelligence to recognize theft and alert micro market operators of suspicious behavior.

Panoptyc's cameras make video extraction easy whether the network speed is poor, firewall issues arise, or the current DVR software makes video unwatchable.

The suspicious incident reports software streamlines the operator's theft search, highlighting the most suspicious events to review based the machine's data.

The solution catches micro market thieves and delivers the operator video and data proof of theft, eliminating tedious footage review that often takes hours.

Partner Tech USA, a Germany-based provider of kiosks, POS peripherals and mobile solutions, presented its point-of-sale solutions, ranging from all-in-one terminals, kiosks and tablets on Windows and Android platforms.

Partner recently teamed with Holo Industries LLC, a developer of interactive holographic technology, to co-develop products that support Holo's holographic touch technology. Kiosks, digital signage and terminals equipped with holographic touch provide customers and employees a responsive user interface. Users can access data and images, scroll through images, enlarge images, order products and pay for them.

Partner Tech's solutions are designed for retail, hospitality, stadiums, event venues, cinemas, cruise ships and more.

Press N Xpress presented a touchless feedback kiosk to capture feedback at physical locations with a high response rate. The kiosk poses questions on the screen that can be updated remotely.

The system also includes options for email feedback, SMS feedback, web and mobile app feedback, email signature feedback and QR feedback.

The insights dashboard turns feedback data into actionable insight in real time, allowing the operator to understand the customer experience at every touch point of the customer journey.

The operator can browse through all the feedback received with the dashboard to monitor and track trends and click through to the details using filters and search capabilities.

Star Micronics America Inc. presented its line of point-of-sale technology solutions for retail, hospitality, self service, field service, cannabis and health and safety applications.

Products include kiosk printers, desktop printers, portable printers, cash drawers, scales, scanners, stands, mounts, enclosures, software development kits, antimicrobial film covers and sneeze guards.

Portable printers include thermal, impact multifunction and label printers.

SweetRobo presented its Ice Cream Robot which moves a fresh cup of ice cream along a track inside the machine, creating a fresh, made-to-order ice cream serving, complete with a syrup and topping.

Customers select from three flavors, three syrups and three toppings and are served in one to one and a half minutes.

The mobile kiosk features a 21-inch advertising screen, a cup dropper, ice cream, a 15-inch touchscreen, two loud speakers for robotic voice interaction, an infrared sensor, a bill acceptor, a credit card acceptor, a coin acceptor and changer, a security camera and a pickup window.

The system comes with a tracking app for sales, analytics and mechanical maintenance.

UST, a digital transformations solutions provider, presented its Product Box, a smart shelf solution with a weigh scale that features five cameras, enabling multiple items to be checked out simultaneously.

The customer is charged as soon as the items are placed on the weigh scale.

The system comes with a touchscreen that allows gesture recognition.

WTI presented demonstrations of its machine-to-machine wireless connectivity to offer real time data and usage analysis for a variety of applications, including ATMs, kiosks, digital signage and facility management. Beyond hardware or network troubleshooting, WTI designs solutions to make data connections reliable and easy to manage.

Products include routers, remote power switches and accessories such as antennas, antenna extension cables, Wi-Fi antennas and router power chargers.

Vendors Exchange International Inc. presented its VE Kiosk 3.0 with a 22-inch touchscreen that gives operators the flexibility to run the kiosk with or without a vending management system.

New features include trouble-free checkout "hot buttons" for non-scan items.

New payment options include Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as two-tier pricing for loyalty purchases.

The kiosk provides a single point of management for both micro markets and vending machines, and is compatible with Vendsys, Cantaloupe, Streamware and Gimme VMS platforms.

Features also include remote management, temperature monitoring and full or partial screen advertising.

The kiosk can be branded with customizable user interface features and exterior graphics.

Ventus Wireless LLC, a Digi company, provided information about its managed network-as-a-service for kiosks, digital signs, POS, smart safes, e-lockers, pop-up retail and more.

The company specializes in SD-WAN, hybrid WAN and cellular WAN solutions for businesses with distributed locations and applications such as kiosks, digital signs, ATMs, IoT and more.

Ventus managed network-as-a-service solutions include cross carrier and cross plan data sharing, 24x7x365 technical support with one-call resolution, and continuous monitoring with alerts for greatest uptime.

Vispero, a provider of assistive technology products for the blind and low-vision community and provider of JAWS, a screen reader, introduced its JAWS for Kiosk for Android systems. The JAWS for Kiosk won the Self-Service Innovation Award for Accessibility this year.

JAWS for Kiosk offers a self-service text-to-speech audio output to allow blind or low-vision users to perform tasks independently, such as ordering at a quick service restaurant, voting in an election, filling out information at a medical office and interacting with other kiosk or tablet-based applications.

Previously available exclusively on Microsoft Windows form factors, JAWS for Kiosk is now compatible with the Android platform, enabling deployment on more self-service kiosks systems.

Zebra Technologies presented its OEM scan engines, fixed mount scanners, decoders and other devices.

The OEM scan engines include small scan engines that feature serial host interface, mid-range scanning distance, programmable scan angle and more.

The fixed mount scanners feature a USB host interface, document and image capture, direct part marking, standard range and high density scanning, integrated beeper and more.

The decoders save space and power while reducing costs with flexible decoder choices for any OEM product. Options include a software decode library, support for Android and Linux, and support for off-the-shelf cameras with 1D and 2D scanning.

In addition, RE40, the company's first RFID module, can be embedded into third party OEM equipment. It can be used in fixed and mobile devices.

Photos provided by Networld Media Group.

Zebra’s self-service kiosk solutions give customers seamless technology while providing guaranteed security and a long life-cycle they can count on. When you choose Zebra as your OEM partner, you get a portfolio that delivers industry-leading features, durability and reliability.

Give your kiosks the best in managed connectivity and placement flexibility with powerful 4G LTE

Elliot Maras is the editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times. He brings three decades covering unattended retail and commercial foodservice.

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