blog

date

July 7, 2025

blog

reading time

5 min

What is a Kiosk Machine? Functions, Features & Emerging Trends in 2025

Kiosk machines are revolutionizing the way businesses and institutions interact with customers in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world.

As consumer expectations shift toward greater speed, convenience, and personalization, businesses across industries are reimagining the customer journey and kiosk machines are at the forefront of this transformation.

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Two freestanding MenuSifu self-order kiosks at a trade event displaying tea and coffee ordering interfaces

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These self service kiosks have become essential tools in helping companies deliver consistent, efficient, and engaging service experiences without the need for constant staff involvement.

Whether in a bustling airport terminal, a busy hospital lobby, a high-traffic retail store, or a modern restaurant, self service kiosks serve as digital touchpoints that streamline transactions, reduce wait times, and empower users to take control of their own experience.

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What Is a Kiosk Machine?

At their core, kiosk machines are interactive self-service terminals designed to allow users to perform specific tasks without direct assistance from staff.

Whether it’s placing an order, making a payment, checking in, or accessing information, kiosks provide a digital interface that streamlines interactions between businesses and customers.

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A Typical Kiosk Machine is Composed of Several Integrated Components:

1. Touch screen interface

Enables intuitive navigation, gesture support, and multilingual accessibility.

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MenuSifu digital ordering kiosk showing a bubble tea promotional screen and “Click to Order” button

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2. Kiosk software

Powers the user interface and integrates with systems like POS, inventory management, and CRM.

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3. Payment processing tools

Accept credit cards, QR codes, mobile payments, and in some cases, cash.

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4. Optional hardware

Includes receipt printers, barcode/RFID scanners, cameras, and speakers for accessibility.

While kiosks are widely used in many industries, their adoption in the restaurant sector has seen particularly rapid growth.

In restaurant settings, kiosk machines are most commonly deployed as self-ordering stations that allow guests to browse digital menus, customize meals, and complete payment independently.

This setup eliminates the need to wait in line at a counter, significantly improves order accuracy, and offers a more relaxed ordering experience for the guest.

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Kiosks Beyond Restaurants

Depending on the use case and industry, kiosk machines can serve a wide range of functions beyond just ordering.

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1. Payment

In retail and transit hubs, they often act as payment kiosks, allowing users to complete purchases or pay bills quickly and securely.

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2. Information

Information kiosks provide customers with helpful details about services, products, or store layouts.

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3. Navigation

Wayfinding kiosks assist users in navigating large venues like malls, airports, or campuses.

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4. Ticketing

Ticket kiosks are commonly used in cinemas, train stations, and event venues to streamline check-ins and reduce lines.

In more interactive settings, photo kiosks offer personalized services like on-demand printing or branded photo experiences, enhancing engagement and marketing impact.

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Vertical self-ordering kiosk with bubble tea menu screen interface powered by MenuSifu

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Why Kiosks Are Essential in the Restaurant Industry

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In the restaurant world, speed, convenience, and personalization are everything.

That’s why kiosk machines—especially self-service kiosks—are quickly becoming a standard fixture in high-traffic areas like fast-casual chains, food courts, and bubble tea shops.

These interactive kiosks are more than just a trend.

They’re a strategic solution to labor challenges, rising costs, and growing consumer demand for control and customization.

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MenuSifu’s self-ordering kiosk system is designed specifically for the restaurant industry, empowering customers to browse menus, select modifiers, apply loyalty points, and complete payment via QR code scanners, card readers, or mobile apps, all within a sleek, intuitive interface.

With built-in POS system integration, MenuSifu ensures seamless communication between front-of-house and kitchen operations through tools like KDS (Kitchen Display System) and centralized order management.

MenuSifu's seamless self-service ordering system significantly reduces lines and wait times while increasing operational efficiency.

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In addition to improving the customer experience, MenuSifu kiosks support smart upselling features that recommend add-ons and combos, increasing ticket sizes.

Some smart kiosks will make personalized recommendations based on previous orders of customer profiles.

Kiosks also help streamline backend operations.

MenuSifu’s kiosk ecosystem is powered by cloud data systems, enabling restaurant owners to make real-time menu updates, pricing adjustments, and promotional changes across multiple locations.

Combined with MenuSifu Emenu Pro, restaurants can deliver consistent branding and digital signage content that engages customers at every step.

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MenuSifu counter with self-service ordering kiosk, touchscreen POS, and digital signage in a modern café setup

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Adapting to a Changing Hospitality Landscape

Advanced kiosk machines now include features like biometric authentication, touchless technology, and thermal imaging cameras—especially useful for temperature kiosks deployed during health crises such as the Covid pandemic.

For full-service restaurants, self-check-in kiosks are being tested to handle waitlist management and seating, while payment kiosks reduce staff workload during busy hours.

In buffet or quick-serve setups, self-checkout kiosks enable customers to weigh and pay for their meals without staff intervention.

Meanwhile, cafes and dessert spots are implementing photo kiosks and interactive touchscreens for customized drink printing, enhancing both engagement and brand awareness.

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A Smarter, More Personalized Dining Experience

Ultimately, kiosk machines—especially when powered by MenuSifu—aren’t just about automation or reducing labor costs.

They represent a shift toward a smarter, more personalized, and data-driven dining experience that aligns with the expectations of today’s digital-first customers.

Consumers increasingly value convenience, speed, and control over their ordering journey.

With MenuSifu’s self-service capabilities, restaurants can empower guests to fully customize their orders, explore menu items at their own pace, and make informed decisions without pressure.

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This not only enhances satisfaction but also reduces order errors and misunderstandings that can occur during rushed, face-to-face interactions.

From the moment a guest enters the restaurant, a kiosk-powered flow integrated with visual menus, personalized suggestions, and multi-language options, guides them from selection to payment with clarity and ease.

For regular customers, kiosks can even surface previous orders, favorite items, or loyalty rewards automatically, creating a sense of familiarity and appreciation that strengthens brand loyalty.

Meanwhile, restaurant operators gain access to rich data analytics that reveal customer preferences, peak ordering times, item performance, and more.

This data can be used to optimize menu design, run targeted promotions, and adjust staffing needs.

Combined with MenuSifu’s cloud-based platform, insights gathered from kiosks across multiple locations can be centralized and analyzed for macro-level decision-making, helping businesses stay agile in a competitive market.