The Role of Embedded Computing in Modern Kiosk & Retail Systems

The screen may be the part of a kiosk that customers see, but the embedded computer is responsible for much of what happens behind it.

From processing transactions and running customer-facing applications to connecting peripherals and managing data, embedded computing provides the processing platform that allows a kiosk or retail system to perform its intended function.

As retail technology becomes increasingly connected and interactive, the demands placed on these systems are also changing. A suitable embedded platform needs to provide the right balance of processing performance, power consumption, physical size, connectivity and long-term reliability.

What does an embedded system do in a kiosk?

An embedded computer can act as the central processing platform within a kiosk, POS terminal or interactive retail system.

Depending on the application, it may run the operating system and customer-facing software, communicate with a touchscreen, connect to payment hardware and other peripherals, process information locally or communicate with a wider network.

This means that the choice of embedded platform can have an impact on the performance and reliability of the entire system.

RDS provides custom single-board computers and Box PCs using both Intel and ARM processors, with platforms designed for applications where space, power consumption and reliability are important considerations.

Space is often limited

Kiosks need to accommodate far more than a computer.

A typical system may need space for a display, touchscreen, payment hardware, speakers, connectivity, power supplies and other peripherals, all within an enclosure designed around the customer experience.

That makes the physical size of the embedded platform particularly important.

Compact SBCs and embedded computers can help make better use of the available internal space. The platform can also be selected around the required processing performance rather than simply using the largest or most powerful computer available.

For kiosk designers, this can make it easier to create a compact product without compromising the functionality required by the application.

Performance needs to match the application

Not every retail system needs the same level of processing power.

A simple information kiosk may have relatively modest computing requirements, while a more advanced system could need to handle high-resolution graphics, computer vision, local data processing or multiple connected peripherals.

Selecting an embedded platform based on the actual workload helps avoid two common problems: specifying more computing power than the application needs, or choosing a platform that cannot comfortably handle the required workload.

RDS supports a wide range of embedded platforms, from low-power systems through to higher-performance x86 platforms, which can be customised for application-specific requirements.

Reliability matters when systems operate 24/7

Retail technology does not always have the luxury of regular downtime.

A self-service kiosk may be expected to remain operational throughout the day, while POS and other customer-facing systems can be central to everyday retail operations.

Fanless, low-power embedded systems can be particularly useful in these environments because they can reduce moving parts and support continuous operation. RDS's kiosk and retail platforms are designed around reliable 24/7 operation, including resistance to dust and temperature fluctuations.

The surrounding system also needs to be considered. Thermal management, storage, power supply, enclosure design and cable routing can all influence long-term reliability.

Connectivity is part of the design

Modern kiosks rarely operate as isolated systems.

A kiosk may need to communicate with payment terminals, scanners, printers, sensors, networks or remote management platforms. The embedded computer therefore needs to provide the appropriate interfaces and connectivity for the complete application.

Customisation can be particularly useful where standard I/O configurations do not match the requirements of the product.

RDS can combine embedded computing with custom connectivity, cable assemblies and system integration, allowing the interfaces required by the application to be considered as part of the overall design.

Designing for the life of the product

Kiosk and retail equipment can have long deployment periods, so the initial specification is only part of the challenge.

Component availability, operating system requirements, thermal performance and future maintenance all need to be considered when selecting the computing platform.

Using an embedded platform that can be customised around the application can provide greater control over the finished system. RDS works with customers to customise embedded boards and platforms, including mechanical, thermal, cabling and software considerations.

This can be particularly valuable when a kiosk is moving from an initial prototype into a larger production run.

Embedded computing is one part of a larger system

The most effective kiosk designs do not treat the computer, display and enclosure as separate products.

The processing platform needs to fit the mechanical design. The display needs to work with the software and user interface. Connectivity needs to be reliable. Thermal management needs to account for the complete internal system.

Bringing these considerations together at the design stage can simplify development and reduce the risk of problems appearing later in the project.

RDS combines embedded computing with display technology, connectivity, mechanical design and manufacturing support, allowing the individual elements to be developed as part of a complete system.

For kiosk and retail manufacturers, that means the embedded computer can be specified around the product rather than forcing the product to be built around a standard computer.