According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights report, the retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by innovative technologies. One key area of innovation is the development of automated self-service kiosks. These interactive kiosks enable customers to perform various tasks, such as bill payments, food ordering, and accessing product information, without the need for staff assistance.

These kiosks are equipped with touchscreens, cameras, sensors, and other hardware to meet the basic needs of shoppers. They offer convenience and efficiency, allowing customers to complete transactions quickly and independently. The use of automated self-service kiosks is expected to reduce wait times for customers and improve overall efficiencies for foodservice retailers.

In the realm of automated self-service kiosks, there are over 60 companies involved in their development and application. Some of the key players in this disruptive innovation include Outerwall, Vengo, HILLMAN GROUP, Shenzhen Hive Box Technology, Cleveron, and PepsiCo.

PepsiCo, for instance, recently introduced its first touchless automated kiosk that can be controlled by gestures. This kiosk was tested at a KFC restaurant in Poland, allowing customers to conveniently place their orders by simply pointing at the menu item without any physical contact.

Barclays leads in terms of application diversity, followed by Cleveron and Omnicell. Fiserv, on the other hand, has the highest geographic reach, followed by Grendene and Omnicell.

GlobalData’s analysis of patent volumes related to automated self-service kiosks provides further insights into the growth and impact of this innovation. As the retail industry continues to evolve, automation and self-service kiosks are expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiencies.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the key themes and technologies disrupting the retail industry, GlobalData offers a thematic research report on Robotics in Retail and Apparel.

(Source: GlobalData’s Technology Foresights)

*Definitions:*
– Automated self-service kiosks: Interactive kiosks that allow customers to perform various functions without staff intervention.
– Application diversity: The variety of applications identified for each patent, distinguishing companies into either niche or diversified innovators.
– Geographic reach: The number of countries where a patent is registered, reflecting the intended geographic application range.