FRANKLIN, Tenn. — New research from the IHL Group says transactions at self-service kiosks will surpass $775 billion in 2009 and will grow to more than $1.6 trillion by 2013. The IHL Group is an analyst firm and consultancy that serves retailers and retail technology vendors.
 
"We expect continued double-digit growth in the revenue generated by self-service transactions, particularly as retailers, restaurants and transportation authorities offer more devices in more locations," said Lee Holman, lead retail analyst for the IHL Group.
 
"Most consumers have adapted to self-service as a way of life," Holman said. "The current recession is actually increasing the acceptance of the technologies, as they are a hedge against increasing labor expenses during a tough economic climate. They allow companies to schedule their workforce for high-volume periods without sacrificing service during non-peak times."
 
In the market study “2009 North American Self-Service Kiosks,” IHL examines the increasing use of six types of payment-accepting kiosks: self-checkout systems, ticketing, check-in, food ordering, postal and other retail applications. The report details the number and types of kiosks shipped historically and provides forecasts for each type of kiosk, both in terms of units shipped and revenue transacted.