Anatomy of a Kiosk

Processing Unit

Embedded PC

• Processor: Intel Celeron/i3 or ARM
• RAM: 4-8GB
• Storage: SSD 64-256GB
• OS: Windows IoT, Linux, Android

Critical Features:

• Fanless design (no moving parts = reliability)
• Wide temperature range (-20°C to +60°C)
• Watchdog timer for auto-recovery
• TPM for security

Display and Touch

LCD Panel

• Sizes: 15.6" - 32" (most common)
• Resolution: Full HD minimum
• Brightness: 300-1000 nits (outdoor: 1500+ nits)
• Visibility: Anti-glare coating

Touch Technology

• PCAP (Projected Capacitive): Most responsive, multi-touch
• IR (Infrared): Works with gloves, resistant
• SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave): High precision, durability

Optional:

• Tempered glass (vandal-proof)
• Oleophobic treatment (anti-fingerprint)

Functional Extensions

Payment Modules

Bill Acceptor

• Validation: UV, magnetic, size
• Cassette capacity: 500-2000 notes
• Acceptance rate: >95%
• Anti-jamming design

Card Reader

• Chip (EMV): Contact and contactless
• NFC: Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Magnetic stripe: Legacy support
• Certification: PCI-PTS

Coin Dispenser/Change (optional)

• Capacity: 4-6 denominations
• Precision: 99.9%

Output Modules

Thermal Printer

• Width: 58mm or 80mm
• Speed: 200-300mm/s
• Integrated auto-cutter
• Paper near-end sensor

Card/Ticket Dispenser

• Capacity: 200-500 cards
• Encoding: Magnetic, RFID, print

Input Modules

Document Scanner

• Type: Flatbed or document feeder
• Resolution: 300+ DPI
• Integrated OCR

QR/Barcode Reader

• 1D and 2D
• Reading from phone screen

Mechanical Engineering for Kiosks

Enclosure Materials

Powder-Coated Steel

• Excellent durability
• Vandalism resistance
• Moderate cost
• Weight: Considerable

Aluminum

• Lightweight
• Premium look
• Higher cost
• Excellent for mobility

ABS/Polycarbonate Plastic

• Curved designs possible
• Lightweight
• Lower cost at volume
• Less resistant

Design Considerations

Ergonomics

• Screen height: 120-150cm from floor
• Tilt angle: 10-15°
• Accessibility: ADA compliant (wheelchair access)

Physical Security

• Multi-point locks
• Anti-tamper alarm
• Door open sensor
• Anti-theft cables

Service Access

• Rear door for maintenance
• Modular components (quick swap)
• Organized cable guides

Communications Infrastructure

Connectivity Options

Ethernet (primary recommended)

• Speed: Gigabit
• Minimal latency
• Maximum stability
• Requirement: Cable at location

4G/LTE (backup or mobile primary)

• Integrated industrial modem
• Accessible SIM slot
• External antenna for signal
• Automatic fallback

WiFi (secondary)

• Dual band
• Possible interference in crowded environments
• Use: Backup or temporary locations

Network Architecture

Cloud Model

Kiosk → Internet → Cloud Platform → Admin Dashboard
                 ↓
            Backend APIs

On-Premise Model

Kiosk → LAN → Local Server → Firewall → Internet
                    ↓
               Local Admin

Network Security

• VPN for sensitive communications
• Integrated firewall
• IP whitelist for management
• Client certificate for authentication

Software Development for Kiosks

Technology Stack

Option 1: Windows + .NET

• Pro: Mature ecosystem, excellent tooling
• Con: Licensing, large footprint
• Use: Enterprise, banking

Option 2: Linux + Qt/Electron

• Pro: Open source, customizable
• Con: More complex hardware support
• Use: Custom, embedded

Option 3: Android

• Pro: Familiar, app ecosystem
• Con: Security, update management
• Use: Retail, hospitality

UX Principles for Kiosks

Simplicity

• Maximum 3 taps for main action
• Large buttons (minimum 48x48px, ideal 100x100px)
• Readable text (minimum 24pt)

Feedback

• Visual confirmation on every tap
• Audio feedback for actions
• Clear progress indicators

Error Handling

• Clear, non-technical messages
• Restart/cancel option
• Timeout with return to home

Accessibility

• High contrast mode
• Screen reader support
• Multiple languages

Operations and Maintenance

Remote Management

Essential Capabilities:

• Remote desktop/VNC
• OTA software deployment
• Remote configuration
• Remote restart/shutdown
• Logs and diagnostics

MDM Platforms:

• SOTI MobiControl
• VMware Workspace ONE
• Custom solutions

Proactive Monitoring

Sensors and Alerts:

• Peripheral status (printer, scanner)
• Consumables level (paper, cards)
• Internal temperature
• Connectivity status
• Tamper attempts

Operational Dashboard:

• Fleet map with real-time status
• Configurable alerting
• Uptime and usage reports
• Ticketing for interventions

Preventive Maintenance

Schedule:

• Screen cleaning: Weekly
• Peripheral check: Monthly
• Software update: Monthly (scheduled)
• Consumables replacement: Based on monitoring

Standards and Regulations

Mandatory Certifications

CE Marking (Europe)

• EMC: Electromagnetic compatibility
• LVD: Electrical safety
• RoHS: Hazardous substances restrictions

FCC (USA)

• Electromagnetic emissions
• Required for US export

UL/CSA (North America)

• Electrical safety
• Accredited testing

Industry-Specific Certifications

PCI-PTS (Payments)

• Required for card processing
• Physical and logical PIN pad security
• Periodic audit

ISO 27001 (Information Security)

• Data security management
• Recommended for sensitive applications

ADA/DDA (Accessibility)

• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Requirements for US public spaces

Required Documentation

• User manual
• Service manual
• CE conformity certificate
• Test reports from accredited lab

From Concept to Production

Phase 1: Concept and Specifications (2-4 weeks)

Activities:

• Requirements workshop with client
• User flow analysis
• Technical specifications definition
• Budget and timeline estimation

Output:

• Requirements document (PRD)
• Technical specifications
• Approved timeline and budget

Phase 2: Design (4-8 weeks)

Mechanical Design:

• Conceptual sketches
• 3D models (SolidWorks/Fusion)
• Structural simulations
• Design for manufacturing (DFM)

Electronic Design:

• Component selection
• Block diagram
• Cable routing

Software Design:

• Application architecture
• Wireframes and mockups
• Interactive prototype

Phase 3: Prototyping (4-6 weeks)

• Mechanical prototype (3D print or CNC)
• Component assembly
• MVP software development
• Functional testing
• Iterations based on feedback

Phase 4: Production

• Pilot batch (5-10 units)
• Real conditions validation
• Final adjustments
• Series production

Your Kiosk Partner

Self-service kiosks represent a strategic investment with proven ROI. Success depends on choosing the right development partner.

Vendor Selection Criteria

Vertical Experience

• Similar projects in portfolio
• Understanding of your industry

Complete Capabilities

• In-house mechanical design
• Electronic development
• Software and integration
• Production and assembly

After-Sales Support

• Warranty and SLA
• Spare parts availability
• Software updates

Why Torcip

Torcip offers complete solutions for self-service kiosks:

• Custom Design - From concept to finished product
• Local Production - Quality control, flexibility
• Vertical Integration - Mechanical + electronic + software
• Complete Support - Installation, training, maintenance

Completed Projects:

• Public transport ticketing kiosks
• Hotel check-in terminals
• Tourist information kiosks
• HoReCa self-ordering systems

Contact us for a discussion about your project and receive a free requirements assessment.