Square’s new kiosk lets you talk to AI for help with your order

Introduction

Square has expanded its hardware lineup with the Square Kiosk, a 21.5‑inch touchscreen that pairs a sleek pill‑shaped design with a conversational AI layer. The device is aimed at restaurants, cafés, and other quick‑service venues that want to streamline ordering while giving customers a more natural, voice‑driven experience.

How the AI‑Powered Ordering Works

The kiosk’s AI acts as a virtual staff member. As a customer approaches, presence detection triggers a friendly greeting. From there, users can speak naturally—asking about menu items, requesting modifications, or swapping ingredients—just as they would with a human server. The AI parses the menu in real time, confirms choices, and updates the order on the screen, reducing the back‑and‑forth typically required with touch‑only interfaces.

Hardware and Payment Features

• Display: 21.5‑inch capacitive touchscreen with high‑resolution graphics for clear menu visuals.
• Audio: Built‑in speakers and microphones enable two‑way conversation; the system uses noise‑cancellation to handle bustling environments.
• Payments: Integrated contactless reader and traditional card slot let customers complete transactions without leaving the kiosk.
• Presence Detection: Infrared sensors detect when someone is nearby, prompting the AI to initiate the greeting sequence.

Pricing and Subscription Model

The Square Kiosk is priced at $1,999 per unit, but it requires a Square Plus or Premium subscription to unlock the AI software. In addition to the hardware cost, businesses pay a $99 per‑device monthly fee for the conversational layer, software updates, and analytics.

Practical Considerations for Businesses

1. Training the AI: Square provides a menu‑import tool that maps items, modifiers, and inventory levels to the AI, ensuring accurate responses.
2. Staff Integration: While the kiosk handles front‑of‑house ordering, staff still receive order notifications on existing Square POS devices, allowing them to focus on preparation and service.
3. Accessibility: Voice interaction can aid customers with visual impairments or those who prefer speaking over tapping.
4. Data Insights: The monthly software fee includes analytics on order patterns, peak usage times, and common modification requests, helping owners refine menus and staffing.

Closing Thoughts

Square’s AI‑enabled kiosk blends familiar touchscreen ordering with a conversational layer that mimics human interaction. For venues seeking to reduce queue times, improve order accuracy, and offer a modern, accessible experience, the device presents a compelling, albeit subscription‑based, solution. As AI continues to mature, such integrations may become a standard feature of the quick‑service landscape.