Square Launches AI-Powered Self-Service Kiosk for QSRs

Square has launched its new flagship Square Kiosk, an intelligent self-service device designed specifically for quick-service restaurants. The hardware, available beginning October 14, 2026, costs $1,999 and requires either a Square Plus or Square Premium subscription plus a $99 monthly software fee per device. It combines AI-powered software, voice capabilities, and a large touch display to help operators manage staffing shortages, peak-rush pressure, and thinning margins.

Thomas Templeton, Block’s Global Hardware Lead, stated the kiosk adds intelligence to Square’s solution for QSR operators. The device is built around a conversational voice layer that fully understands a seller’s menu. Customers can order naturally by talking, ask questions about items, seek suggestions, and request modifications. Guests can switch between voice and touch at any point during the transaction.

AI-Powered Order Experience

The kiosk features a 21.5-inch touchscreen that supports rich menus and product imagery. Its voice system uses three directional microphones with AI noise filtering to listen and respond in real time. A presence-detection feature with a time-of-flight sensor welcomes guests as they approach, waking the screen before they reach the device.

The AI suggests items and add-ons using contextual information like an item's popularity at that location, the time of day, and common pairings. It can also answer specific menu questions, including those about allergies and vegetarian options. The system surfaces upsells within the order flow to increase average transaction value. All menu, price, and inventory changes made in the Square platform are reflected on every kiosk automatically.

Operational Benefits for QSRs

The kiosk is engineered to tackle acute operational challenges. It allows restaurants to handle peak queues and staff shortages while aiming to boost order value through smart recommendations. Orders are sent to the kitchen display system in real time. The unit includes fully integrated payments and a barcode scanner for tap, dip, and gift card transactions, with packaged goods scanning functionality coming soon.

For larger franchise operations, Square is rolling out a companion multi-account solution. This provides tools to manage menus, reporting, and gift cards across a network of locations while allowing individual franchisees to retain autonomy.

Adoption and Implementation

Early adopters are already planning expansions. Baltej Sra, CEO of Boba Nation Grand, said Square Kiosk has exceeded expectations and they plan to bring it to the rest of their locations this year. Multi-unit franchise operator Lawrence Kam was initially doubtful but is now convinced. "I was genuinely skeptical of kiosks, but now I want to place Square Kiosks throughout our national footprint," Kam said.

The kiosk can be mounted on a floor stand, counter, wall, or VESA mount. Square recommends placing multiple units at least 24 inches apart and notes that voice ordering may not suit extremely loud environments like music venues. For sellers seeking a lower-cost entry point, Square offers Square Stand paired with an iPad running the Square Kiosk Lite app as a more flexible alternative.

Square generates revenue through the one-time hardware sale and the ongoing software subscriptions. The company includes 30-day returns and a two-year limited warranty with the kiosk. It is currently available only in the United States and supports English only. Square Kiosk becomes available for purchase starting October 14, 2026.