Square Introduces AI-Powered Restaurant Kiosk With Voice Ordering

Square has introduced a self-service kiosk featuring artificial intelligence-powered voice ordering designed to help quick-service restaurants improve ordering efficiency and customer service, according to a press release. The Square Kiosk lets customers ask questions about menu items, request modifications, explore substitutions and receive personalized recommendations through conversational AI, pairing voice interaction with a 21.5-inch touchscreen so customers can switch between speaking and touching the display mid-order. The kiosk includes presence detection to greet approaching customers, integrated payment processing, a barcode scanner and access to Square Loyalty accounts. Its AI recommends products based on popular items, time of day and what a customer has already selected, with the goal of lifting average order values. Baltej Sra, CEO of boba tea operator Boba Nation Grand, said the company has tested the kiosks successfully and plans to expand their use across its locations this year. Square is also adding management capabilities for large quick-service restaurant franchises, including centralized menu management, reporting and gift card administration. The kiosk costs $1,999 including a countertop stand, plus $99 per device per month in software fees, and requires a Square Plus subscription at $49 per location per month or a Square Premium subscription at $149 per location per month. For foodservice-focused vending and micro market operators, the pricing shows major payments platforms competing directly in self-serve ordering. Source: Kiosk Marketplace — https://www.kioskmarketplace.com/news/square-introduces-ai-powered-restaurant-kiosk-with-conversational-voice-ordering/