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Interactive kiosks started to become widespread in the early 1990s. They sparked many innovative applications and solutions with the rapid worldwide proliferation of self-service technologies due to their accessibility and potential to deliver 24/7 service to large numbers of people. In the process that followed, numerous firms established strong market positions for themselves by coming up with carefully crafted solutions for their clients.
Kodak Picture Maker (35,000 units)
Launched by Kodak seven years ago, the Kodak Picture Maker (also known as "Kodak Picture Kiosk") introduced a whole new category of interactive kiosks to the public. It is believed to be the world's most extensive interactive kiosk system with about 35,000 units installed worldwide. The Kodak Picture Maker is a "self-service photography shop" that allows users to make prints of digital-format pictures and also to make enlargements and perform simple editing.
U-Scan (12,000 units)
Developed by Optimal Robotics Corp, the U-Scan Self-Checkout is a computer-automated self-service checkout counter. Self-service checkouts have proved to be particularly successful in high-volume supermarkets, wholesale markets, and so-called "big-box" stores. By eliminating the cashier bottleneck, they can prevent long waiting times in checkout lines.
Coinstar (11,000 units)
Installed in shopping centers and in the lobbies of supermarkets etc, Coinstar interactive kiosks accept the loose change that we collect in jars at home because it's too bulky to carry around with us and convert it into shopping vouchers and gift cards and even into bills. With some Coinstar units the money can be donated to charity or else converted into prepaid mobile phone and "digital cash" cards.
NCR Fastlane (10,000 units)
NCR Fastlane is a computer-automated self-service checkout counter. With NCR Fastlane, customers scan their purchases and make their payments themselves without the need for a cashier. NCR Fastlane units are in operation at thousands of locations all over the world. Their design and layout make them particularly ideal for supermarkets and grocery stores.
Jobpoint (9,000 units)
Jobpoint is a touchscreen-operated interactive kiosk that was developed by an Austrian firm and is widely used in the UK as part of that country's Labor Market System. Jobpoint kiosks have been extremely successful in bringing people who are looking for jobs together with employers with vacancies who are looking for personnel to fill them.
Healthnotes (6,500 units)
Healthnotes interactive kiosks provide touchscreen access to information about health clinics, health food stores, medicines and pharmacies, and fresh fruit and vegetable markets.
Fujifilm Aladdin Picture Center (5,000 units)
Closely resembling the Kodak Picture Maker, the Fujifilm Aladdin Picture Center is an interactive kiosk that allows users to perform many different imaging applications including enhancing and duplicating photographs. Images can be recorded on CDs and requests can be made to have printed photographs delivered to specified addresses.
Wal-Mart ACSM (3,000 units)
Wal-Mart automated customer service machines (ACSM) are interactive kiosks that have been installed mainly in the jewelry departments of Wal-Mart stores and "Supercenter" hypermarkets. Among their functions, these units enable shoppers to create bridal, baby, and birthday registries by scanning the items that they wish to include.
AT&T; Internet Kiosks (3,000 units)
Launched in 2001, AT&T; Internet Kiosks were the first kiosk network to provide widespread public internet access. Using the terminals of these pay-for-use interactive kiosks, people can access the internet, send and receive e-mail, and make VoIP phone calls.
DaimlerChrysler VIC (2,500 units)
The DaimlerChrysler VIC is an interactive kiosk that provides convenient access to information about DaimlerChrysler products. The system is designed for use not just by customers but also to support dealers and sales personnel as well. These touchscreen-based kiosks present complete information about vehicle models, accessories, color options etc.
Marconi Neptune (2,000 units)
The Marconi Neptune is an interactive kiosk that serves as an internet-based payphone. In addition to voice-based telephony, these units enhance revenue and market share through the inclusion of such added-value features as internet browsing, SMS messaging, and e-mail. With 2,000 units already in operation, plans are to expand the network to 20,000 locations, making it one of the most extensive applications of its kind.
Australia Job Network (2,000 units)
The Job Network is an Australian network of interactive kiosks that provide employment services to those who are looking for jobs or looking for personnel.
Wawa (1,500 units)
Wawa is a chain of convenience stores whose interactive kiosks give customers access to a wide array of products without the need of a cashier or clerk. Users can have purchases delivered to specified addresses and reserve items that are currently out of stock.
Sony Picture Station (1,500 units)
The Sony Picture Station is an interactive kiosk made by Sony, a leading manufacturer of digital cameras. The kiosks are equipped with entirely self-operated equipment that allows users to produce high-quality prints from digital images stored on a variety of media such as memory sticks, CDs etc.
7-Eleven VCOM (1,000 units)
The 7-Eleven VCOM is a "multi-function financial service kiosk" installed in 7-Eleven convenience stores that provides various banking services such as check-cashing and bill-payments.
Burger King (950 units)
Introduced in 2000, the Burger King "Fun Kiosk" is an interactive kiosk aimed at children that allows them to see themselves displayed as different characters, create a variety of images, play games, and generally have a good time.
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