Square launches AI voice-ordering kiosk for restaurants

Square has launched a self-service kiosk powered by conversational artificial intelligence, aiming to help restaurants streamline ordering and enhance customer service. The Square Kiosk combines voice interaction with a 21.5-inch touchscreen display, enabling guests to switch between speaking and tapping as they order. Through its AI voice features, customers can ask questions about menu items, request custom modifications, explore substitutions, and receive personalized recommendations. To improve efficiency during peak hours, the hardware includes presence detection to greet approaching guests, an integrated barcode scanner, built-in payment processing, and access to Square Loyalty accounts. Its AI engine makes real-time upsell recommendations based on popular items, time of day, and items currently in the cart to help drive higher average order values. "The kiosks have been tested successfully, and we plan to expand their use across our locations this year," Baltej Sra, CEO of Boba Nation Grand, said in a press release. Square stated the technology aims to relieve front-of-house pressure during rush periods, freeing staff to focus on order preparation and hospitality. Alongside the kiosk hardware, Square introduced enterprise management tools designed for multi-unit quick-service operations and franchises. The features include centralized menu management, multi-location reporting, and enterprise gift card administration. The Square Kiosk is available for $1,999, which includes a countertop stand. Software pricing is set at $99 per month per device, requiring either a Square Plus subscription ($49 per location monthly) or a Square Premium subscription ($149 per location monthly). The launch builds on Square's expanding suite of restaurant-focused technologies, following its recent rollouts of drive-thru management tools and integrated ordering platforms.