< PreviousNEWS IN BRIEF 10KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE COULD DIGITAL REVIVE THE HIGH STREET? Analysis from one of Europe’s largest grocery retail chains showed that shoppers using the MishiPay scan & go platform came back to buy 33% more often than the year before whereas non-MishiPay users came back 4% less often. MishiPay is the first scan & go provider worldwide to release data from a case-study based upon a clear A/B test. The analysis from the European grocery retailer compared the behaviour of their loyalty members. Three cohorts were tracked: MishiPay users and non-users at MishiPay enabled stores, and a third control group of non-MishiPay customers shopping in ‘mirror’ stores. In order to accurately measure the impact of MishiPay on overall sales, the store visits and total spend of the three user cohorts were compared between Q4 2019 and Q4 2020, using the loyalty card number of the shopper. This gave a robust testing scenario, enabling the retailer to accurately assess the value that MishiPay generates for its business. When comparing per user spending, non-MishiPay shoppers spent 11% more in the quarter than they did in the year before, a rise seen by the majority of grocery retailers during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in the same quarter, MishiPay shoppers spent 27% more than they did the year before. The only difference between these two cohorts was the use of MishiPay and thus there is a 14% net YoY increase in spending attributable to MishiPay. Further analysis also showed significant operational efficiencies in stores with MishiPay deployed, including 4.4 hours of checkout staff time saved per store, per week. Kardome has contracted with LG Uplus to install Kardome’s Voice Activation Software in its store kiosks. Kardome is excited to partner with LG Uplus to provide its customers with secure interaction with the store’s kiosk digital assistants using voice commands. Kardome will install its voice activation technology in 2,000 LG Uplus store kiosks throughout South Korea by the end of the year. Dani Cherkassky, Kardome CEO and co-founder, said, “We are proud to see our voice activation technology employed in LG Uplus kiosks. Our voice user interface software will give the company’s customers private, secure voice interactions in any environment.” LG UPLUS EMPLOYS KARDOME’S VOICE TECH IN STORE KIOSKS Kardome’s voice user interface (VUI) technology provides a personalised digital experience using parametric or directional loudspeakers. The speakers transmit the digital voice assistant’s responses only to the relevant customer standing at the kiosk. Publish your news and company announcements here Contact: editor@kdseurope.com ABSEN UNVEILS EXPERIENTIAL SHOWROOM IN EUROPEAN HQ Absen is welcoming visitors to its European HQ and showroom, located in Mörfelden-Walldorf near Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Germany. The new showroom acts as the HQ’s centrepiece, as visitors are invited to walk through the showroom to access the main office. Absen, who was the earliest LED manufacturer to set up a full HQ on the continent in 2013 when they established near Frankfurt, is demonstrating key products such as the Acclaim, Absenicon 3.0, and N Plus Series. Upon entering the showroom, visitors are welcomed by a creative digital mosaic made of N2 LED tiles, before continuing down the corridor to see an example of how Absen LED can be fitted around structural pillars, which is reminiscent of the ones used at the iconic award-winning Fiumicino and OXO City airport installations in Roma and Shanghai. Opposite this pillar is the welcome desk, backed by a 16:9 screen made up of Absen’s A2715 panels, an LED feature that is proving more and more popular in the corporate world. As visitors progress into the main room, they are naturally attracted to the centrepiece – a 90° concave screen in the far corner – which demonstrates the immersive capabilities of Absen’s LED technology, as well as a larger truss to allow visitors a greater understanding of how the panels can be rigged. This ‘behind-the-scenes’ perspective continues throughout the main room, where a number of Absen products are arranged for anyone interested in getting their hands on some of the Polaris and Acclaim panels, to witness the lightweight and robust design that made Absen’s reputation. NEWS IN BRIEF 11 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE IMMERSIVE ARCADE This online and in-person exhibition is the first national collection of 12 of the best examples of virtual reality (VR) and 360 - or Immersive - experiences created in the UK between 2000 and 2020. Themed around an exploration of the human mind, the collection allows users to investigate a wide range of impactful VR experiences and aims to engage those who are new to immersive productions. Those who visit the free Immersive Arcade, either at home via a VR headset or at the in-person showcase during its national tour in September, will emerge into a wide range of experiences in documentary, experiential and narrative genres. Highlights include a VR trip inside Amedeo Clemente Modigliani’s final studio, produced for the Tate during its exhibition of the artist. The experiential Fly, which made waves at the Saatchi Gallery in 2019 and allowed users to experience what it was like to take to the skies, is also in the showcase. Home: a VR Spacewalk, the BBC-backed experience created by Rewind and inspired by the NASA training programs used by British astronaut Tim Peake, gives would-be astronauts the opportunity to spacewalk – only 217 people have ever spacewalked for real. The showcase will also include Somnai, the 2018 VR exploration of the subconscious mind that took people through their dreams and what they really meant; and Common Ground, a VR documentary about the Aylesbury Estate that takes viewers into the personal spaces and environments of its residents to experience what life was like in the notorious South London housing area. Amtek has enhanced the automated sale of products and services with an expanding range of ‘Click & Collect’ kiosks. It now depends upon Zytronic’s projected capacitive technology (PCT) for the touchscreens in all its outdoor kiosk designs. At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, food shoppers struggled to secure booking slots for home deliveries and consequently, supermarkets sought to offer more ways to fulfil customers’ needs. An example is Amtek’s ‘Click & Collect Drive’ kiosk, which is increasingly being installed in supermarket car parks. Customers pre-order and pay for their groceries online and are sent a time slot and secure code which they enter via the 21.5in all-weather touchscreen without needing to leave their car. An extra advantage compared with a purely online shopping experience is that customers can add ‘last minute’ or impulse items to their shop. At the same time, the supermarket chain can also present special offers and upsell prior to the final transaction. To offer an additional sales channel, Amtek has created their ‘Self-Service Cash’ kiosk. The rugged, portrait- mounted 21.5in touchscreen is large enough for the user to browse, select and order products clearly but still enables the kiosk to have a small enough footprint for multiple units to be located side-by-side outside the shop. AMTEK’S CLICK AND COLLECT OPTS FOR ZYTRONIC’S TOUCH SENSORS ITL SHOWCASES LATEST AT PARIS RETAIL WEEK Innovative Technology is preparing to showcase its latest innovations at the 7th edition of Paris Retail Week on 28- 30 September 2021 in the Pavilion 7.2 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition centre. Paris Retail Week attracts 600+ exhibitors and 25,000+ decision-makers over three days. Newly appointed Business Development Manager for the region, Stephan Rosseneu, said, “This is the first time ITL has exhibited at Paris Retail Week, and we are looking forward to the opportunities this will bring in this vibrant, expanding sector. It comes at an ideal time, giving the opportunity to meet new and existing customers.” MICROCARE’S WEBSITE - NOW IN SPANISH MicroCare has announced the launch of its new Spanish language website. With over 475 million native Spanish speakers in the world, MicroCare is now making it easier for them to get MicroCare and Sticklers cleaning fluids and tools. Having launched a redesigned English language website last year, the Spanish language inclusion reflects the company’s global awareness and its desire to extend its outreach at a local level and to make its information available to a wider audience. In addition to the Spanish language website, MicroCare also launched the MicroCare Español YouTube channel.O2 Business has launched Spatial Insights, a new technology that uses video analytics and Artificial Intelligence to provide a slick and efficient experience for customers in retail stores and other public spaces. Piloted across 20 of O2’s high street stores, the tech will help deliver insights around customer movement and flow, enabling managers to make informed space and capacity management decisions. It can also help improve customer experience and efficiency by reducing service and transaction times and monitoring queues, dwell times and conversion rates on certain products. O2 Business has partnered with Aura Vision to deliver Spatial Insights to organisations managing retail, leisure, transport and other public spaces. It uses AI to deliver real-time and historical anonymised, encrypted insights to aid store management, staffing levels, marketing, vendor management and the wider customer experience. Spatial Insights captures privacy- protected analytics from existing CCTV cameras, without the use of facial recognition. All insights are delivered in an anonymised way with all personal identifiable information being stripped out of the analysis at source. All data is processed on premise and is then encrypted and anonymised, therefore ensuring it is GDPR compliant and that no personal identifiable information is ever stored. NEWS IN BRIEF TRANSPARENT LED SERIES NEW FROM ABSEN Absen has launched the Jade Dragon (JD) Series, its latest LED display series, as announced in its March online product launch. As a transparent LED display solution, created to be used in windows or to divide spaces, the JD Series boasts a lightweight 6.5kg design, as well as a thin 10mm thickness and up to 86% transparency. Featuring brightness of up to 7,000nits and a high refresh rate of 3,840Hz/20,000Hz, advertisers can be assured that content on the JD Series will be eye-catching and bold, and uncompromised by the transparency of the screen. Retailers meanwhile, will gain the added benefit of windows that can not only provide ample light and visibility for instore products but also advertise to and attract customers simultaneously. The standard size of the panels are 1,000mm x 500 mm, but the three models in the series offer alternative sizing and design customisation to meet more creative demands. The models differ in pixel pitch and transparency and can be frameless if required. The JD10 and the JD16 are capable of over 80% transparency and can be fully customised in shape, down to the LED strip. In addition, customers can choose to install the transparent PC cover for the JD3.9 model, which further protects the panel and prevents dust build-up. Ben Phelps, Absen’s Retail Industry Director, said, “Over the last year, businesses across the globe have faced unprecedented challenges. The Jade Dragon Series will enable businesses to create state-of-the- art experiences that customers enjoy being in, while also benefiting from a product that can act as a window or glass wall and also as an advertisement.” BRIGHTSIGN MOBILE FOR MEDIA PLAYER CONNECTIVITY BrightSign Mobile has been released onto the European Market with a modem operating at European cellular network frequencies. The solution easily connects media players to the cloud in situations where traditional methods of network connectivity are difficult to achieve. It is available as an accessory to BrightSign players that includes a low-profile regional USB modem with an installed universal SIM card that can connect anywhere in the UK and European Union (including Switzerland and Norway). In addition, customers can enjoy a choice of data plans custom-designed for digital signage and exclusive to BrightSign. The solution is ideal for signs outside buildings that are out of WiFi range and where running an Ethernet cable isn’t practical. BrightSign Mobile also lends itself perfectly for networks of kiosks or vending machines where no Ethernet or WiFi connectivity is available. 12KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE AI TECHNOLOGY LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCEWORLD AI CANNES FESTIVAL In February 2022, Cannes will be the centre of attention for artificial intelligence (AI) at the World AI Cannes Festival, a new event organised jointly by Corp Agency (the organiser of the Big Data Paris & AI Paris, Quantum Business Europe and Voice Tech Paris shows), the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the Institut EuropIA, the City of Cannes and the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council. This high-profile industry event will offer a lineup of top flight international speakers, unique initiatives, immersive experiences and disruptive innovations over three days at the iconic venue of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès convention centre in Cannes, in person and virtually. The first-of-a-kind event is aimed at experts, business and the general public alike, with a custom program. Thursday 10 and Friday 11 February will be given over to strategic conferences, thought leading workshops, exhibition stands and networking sessions with AI experts, while Saturday 12 February will focus on fun and spectacular events and experiences for the public. PRO-SHIELD PROVIDES STABLE EMI ENVIRONMENT The Chomerics division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, has launched a trio of new PRO-SHIELD products into the European marketplace. The PRO-SHIELD range of coatings, paints and sealants allows users to provide plastic components with a stable EMI (electromagnetic interference) shield. PRO-SHIELD 7100 is a nickel-filled electrically conductive coating that represents a cost-effective EMI shielding solution for plastic parts or electronic enclosures. This durable acrylic coating protects electronic equipment using the nickel filler’s ferromagnetic properties which absorb electromagnetic waves to provide good shielding over a range of frequencies. The one-part (no mixing required) PRO-SHIELD 7100 is easy-to-use and cures fully within 2-4 hours, providing a shielding effectiveness of 45-60dB for applications ranging from electronic housings, medical devices, industrial cabinets and access panels, through to engine control modules (ECMs), telecom infrastructure and portable electronics. For those requiring even higher EMI protection in the same broad range of applications, Chomerics is releasing another electrically conductive coating. PRO-SHIELD 7108 is silver-filled to provide premium EMI shielding and surface conductivity for the protection of critical electronic equipment. NEWS IN BRIEF NHS TRUST OPTS FOR SMARTROOM County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has chosen Smartroom Health, an advanced multiscreen content management system by Hibox Systems, to provide clear and reliable digital signage in three of its hospitals – Darlington Memorial Hospital, University Hospital of North Durham and Bishop Auckland Hospital. This system also enables patient TV entertainment services to be managed from the same server leading to greater operational efficiencies and time savings compared to multi-server systems. The Smartroom Health solution by Hibox was seen to fit seamlessly into the hospital’s business systems and furthers the Trust’s mission to provide the safest joined-up care. SMART POS TERMINALS TO GROW BY 156% BY 2026 A new study by Juniper Research has found that smart POS terminals globally in service, where analytics and loyalty can be integrated directly to the terminal, will increase from 13.7 million in 2021, to 35 million units in 2026. As digital payments accelerate and QR codes provide intense competition, particularly in North America, POS terminals need to offer more features than before. The report identified smart POS terminals as the future of POS terminals that should be considered by all vendors. The research recommends POS manufacturers focus on high-value features, such as inventory management, loyalty scheme automation and store synchronisation, in order to maximise the appeal of their offerings in a highly competitive hardware market. 13 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE If you would like to discuss one of our advertising or advertorial packages contact: sales@kdseurope.comAUTOMATED LABEL PRINTING 14KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINET he print production environment was probably not your first thought, but it is a reality that is increasingly being made possible for small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by affordable robotic solutions and label printers. The sales of professional service robots is on the rise and the International Federation of Robots (IFR) expects the market’s annual compound growth rate (CAGR) will be 26% in 2023. The IFR also predicts the pandemic will be a digitalisation booster creating growth opportunities for the robotics industry worldwide. This in turn can support SMEs as they shape their post-pandemic operation. It can enable print production environments - particularly colour product label printing - to integrate the numerous time and labour savings offered by robotics, coupled with socially distanced and automated operations. When talking to SMEs about these opportunities we have noticed five common misconceptions. 1. I am too small an operation to benefit In fact, the greatest benefit tends to be with small and medium sized businesses, where flexibility is an important competitive advantage. If you need to apply a variable colour label during the production or packaging phase, automating the colour label print and application process improves efficiency and competitiveness. For a highly affordable investment, compared to traditional production solutions, robotic arms can quickly be added to the production process and be up running in 24 hours. Their complete programmability delivers greater production flexibility. 2. They are expensive On the contrary, the cost of a robotic arm is comparative to investing in a new labelling solution and is very competitive when considering more complex production environments. SCARA (selective compliance assembly robot arm) robots for example can range from approximately 7.5k EUR (with included software) up to around 15k, which when you consider their speed and reliability, AUTOMATED LABEL PRINTING FIVE MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND AUTOMATED LABEL PRINTING When you think of robotics in the workplace what image springs to mind? A highly sterile secure laboratory? A huge production line managing an array of components? Or a small to medium print production environment that delivers a range of applications? 15 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE DAYLE GUY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER EPSON (UK) LTDAUTOMATED LABEL PRINTING 16KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE not only offers great return of investment, but can enable you to focus human workmanship on other roles. Their versatility and agility enable robots to be multifunctional and as such they can offer you an alternative to tamping or blowing, depending on the application, rather than the need for dedicated inline label applicators. 3. They only complete one job Robotic solutions are easily programmable so they are simple to transfer from one job to another and can also change their assigned role within the same process if necessary. When combined with a colour label printer you can quickly start applying labels to new products, reducing your time to market. While SCARA robots are a 4-axis device operating on a horizontal base and offer better repeatability for a task such as label application, 6-axis robots have more flexibility, can work on the vertical base as well as giving you more options with what they can achieve. 4. Difficult to integrate The robotic element seems to create an air of mystery. But with easy- to-use software the solution can be seamlessly introduced to any stage of the product label printing and application process. Their ease of use and small footprint also make for quick and efficient installation so your automated operation can begin almost immediately. But, of course, AUTOMATED LABEL PRINTING Explore how label automation with robotics and colour label printers can be a cost effective option to help you grow business, save time and reduce costs. 17 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINE nobody is expecting every SME to have the in-house engineering expertise to select, install and program robots into their business operation. If they do, that’s great, but otherwise external specialists can help identify your requirements and set them up accordingly. 5. It is too complicated to choose The solution is modular and can be built to support any need. With the right controller, arm and label applicator (eg a vacuum gripper) the ideal design can be created. Suppliers and partners will offer advice and guidance based on your budget and what you want to achieve. Maybe it’s time to explore how label automation with robotics and colour label printers can be a cost effective option to help you grow business, save time and reduce costs.NEW FRONTIERS FOR DIGITAL DISPLAYS S ome predicted innovations, like portable music players and earbuds are in everyone’s hands and ears already. Bluetooth allows us to talk and listen on the go and smartwatches mean we don’t even need to get our phone out to read a message. But what about the telephone viewscreens from the Jetson’s cartoon and Captain Kirk’s interactive bridge screen in Star Trek? Digital displays are making these a reality and even better things are coming. Display Development The last 30 years have seen incredible advances in display technology from CRT to LCD and from individual LED diodes to OLED and MicroLED. Every step has brought better resolutions and clarity to televisions, computers and our smart devices. In the 1990’s, computer displays were often only able to show green or amber text. Reflecting on the computer graphics improvements over that decade, in 1998 Siemens was able to launch a colour phone that was the start of a revolution. While many phones remained black and white and very low resolution (and lower cost), Nokia introduced the 9210 in 2000 with a 640 x 200 display. Other companies soon followed and today’s iPhone 11 boasts a resolution of 1792 x 828, able to reproduce millions of colours and providing stunning detail for games, movies and photos. From screens to displays A screen was, not so long ago, the surface that we projected onto. Technology has changed the language so that today, a display is more than just a screen. NEW FRONTIERS FOR DIGITAL DISPLAYS Science fiction has foreseen many of today’s technical marvels. Robots that can walk or run untethered are marching over the horizon and self-driving cars are being driven on public roads. Global positioning means it’s hard to get lost anywhere on the planet, whether you’re a robot or a human. BOB KRONMAN KRONMAN ASSOCIATES 18KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINENEW FRONTIERS FOR DIGITAL DISPLAYS 19 KIOSK AND DIGITAL SIGNAGE MAGAZINENext >