Hardware

Amusement Expo trade show sizzles

The Amusement Expo International trade show packed attendees into the Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center as exhibitors presented a wealth of entertainment innovation.

Nigel Allison presents the Jumanji ticket redemption game at the Sega Amusements International Ltd. exhibit.

April 3, 2023 by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

For the second straight year, amusement, family entertainment and ATM operators turned the Las Vegas Convention Center into a beehive of activity as the Amusement Expo International enjoyed its second post pandemic show last week.

Operators and facility managers converged on the Central Hall following two days of packed education sessions at the adjacent Westgate Hotel. Amusement and entertainment operators anxious to see the latest and greatest innovations kept exhibitors busy for two days.

Final attendance numbers were not available at the time of this report, but long-time attendees agreed the show was one of the best attended in recent years.

Equipment and technology providers offered a wealth of innovations, including mobile payment, virtual reality, biometric identification, cloud-based reporting and more.

Following are trade show highlights in alphabetical order.

Andamiro USA

David, Logan and Jessica Blouin of Fun Zone in Lowell, Indiana enjoy the SpongeBob VR Bubble Coaster from Andamiro USA.

Andamiro USA presented its SpongeBob VR Bubble Coaster, an unattended VR attraction that seats two guests.

The attraction offers three immersive rides that take guests on scenic adventures through "Bikini Bottom." Ride titles are "Plankton Robot," "Goo Lagoon" and "Krusty Krab." Each ride features a game in which guests use hand gestures to pop bubbles as they ride through Bikini Bottom.

The Bubble Coaster weighs 250 pounds, measures 48 inches wide by 72 inches deep by 105 inches high with the marquee and consumes 796 watts of power. The rides are equipped with wind and vibration haptics.

The SpongeBob coasters are sold and marketed by Andamiro USA and manufactured by Rilix.

Apple Industries Inc.

Jesse Weisberg presents the Disney Photo Booth at the Apple Industries Inc. exhibit.

Apple Industries Inc. presented a preview of its Disney Photo Booth featuring Disney characters. The photo booth comes with the company's out-of-booth experience ("oobe") which allows guests to download photos and videos and share them on social media.

The exhibit included the company's "Photoma!" which features lights inside the photo booth that flash and change colors on the booth and on the cabinet, creating a visual sensation between the light changing and the color of the cabinet changing — all due to the configuration of the cabinet. Apples' new rounded photo booth design enhances the visual dynamics.

The exhibit also featured the company's NASCAR photo booth which lets fans take photos in support of their favorite drivers, as well as the Marvel Adventure Lab, the Photo Studio Deluxe, the Prism and the Sapphire photo booths.

Astrosys International Ltd.

Jim Day and Jaime Ibarra present the coin and bill handling products at the Astrosys International Inc. exhibit.

Astrosys International Ltd., a London based global manufacturer of coin and bill handling products, presented its Microcoin SP coin validator and global bill acceptor.

The product has been well received for use on pool tables, kiddie rides and jukeboxes, incorporating a jam release mechanism. It also offers a bonus credit system and remote downloading of firmware and software.

The SP 115mm faceplate features a blue illuminated coin slot.

The company has offices in the U.S., the U.K., Hong Kong and Australia.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

Attendees try their luck to win points playing Pac-Man Power Pellets at the Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. exhibit.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. introduced its Pac-Man Power Pellets, a time-based ball throwing game. After throwing the ball into Pac-Man's mouth, a virtual ball appears on the screen. The ball then drops into one of seven positions that assign players points.

If the virtual ball lands on a power pellet, it can trigger a 10-second higher score mode signaled by the Pac-Man turning blue. When the player reaches a certain score, they receive an extra "free spin."

The score is accumulated to the player's total score.

Betson Enterprises

Steve Betti of Betson Enterprises enjoys the Fast and Furious Arcade at the Betson Enterprises exhibit.

Betson Enterprises Inc. featured Raw Thrills Inc.'s Fast & Furious Arcade that takes the driver along some wild tracks to experience exciting "Thrill-D" motion and two 65-inch UHD screens that make the driver feel like they are behind the wheel in many exotic locations.

The Fast & Furious Arcade is the latest in string of Raw Thrills' hits — from the original "The Fast and the Furious" to "Drift" and "SuperCars," followed by "Cruis'n Blast."

The exhibit also featured Halo: Fireteam Raven, a four-player version of the HALO: Fireteam Raven, where players explore the HALO universe and fight with the renowned Master Chief. HALO: Fireteam Raven features an 85-inch display and four guns that are replicas of the classic HALO Assault Rifle.

Other games on display were King Kong of Skull Island VR, Minecraft Dungeons Arcade and MotoGPVR.

Chargefuze

Nick Duckwall presents a portable charging station at the chargeFuze exhibit.

ChargeFuze presented its portable charging stations that enable mobile device users to charge their devices. By scanning a QR code, a portable charger will charge most smartphones and other devices, from 1% to 100% in less than an hour.

Users can also rent portable chargers from the charging stations.

They can locate charger stations using the company's app map.

The charging stations come in four designs that hold between five and 45 portable chargers and include digital screens ranging from seven to 43 inches.

The charging stations can be installed at restaurants, bars, sports stadiums, shopping malls, schools, health care facilities and more.

Embed

Carla Dekker shows the Stats business analytics at the Embed exhibit.

Embed, a cashless solutions provider for the amusement and entertainment industries, introduced its "Stats" business intelligence dashboard developed with Amazon. The tool allows operators to generate real-time reports across multiple business locations and customer touchpoints.

Operators can track game and guest activities and gain insights into game performance and revenue, average dwell time, spending habits, manpower analysis and inventory management.

The operator can customize the dashboard with interactive widgets called "stacks" to get bite-sized, easy-to-interpret data to identify revenue management areas and tangible return on investment.

Intercard Inc.

Scott and Linda Sherrod present a tap-and-pay reader for family entertainment centers at the Intercard Inc. exhibit.

Intercard Inc., a provider of cashless technology to the amusement machine industry, presented its "Impulse Tap" tap-to-play reader for family entertainment centers.

Part of the company's iReader Impulse Series, the "tap-to play" reader shows guest photos in real time and takes both play cards and credit cards.

The reader's centralized system creates a single report covering both types of revenue.

The display area on the reader can be customized to match the entertainment center's theme.

The system uses Wi-Fi technology. No apps need to be downloaded and no mobile wallet needs to be created.

LAI Games Inc.

Anthony Martinez presents the Rick and Morty game at the LAI Games Inc. exhibit.

LAI Games Inc. presented the "Rick and Morty" game, a pusher style skill game based on Adult Swim's TV series.

The two-player cabinet game challenges guests to aim marbles down the playfield to add marbles and disks to the deck to win tickets and a chance to win the Super Bonus.

The TV series has been the most viewed comedy among adults several times. The season six premier was the highest rated telecast for women aged 18 to 34, the highest non-sports telecast for male viewers aged 18 to 34, and the second most viewed non-sports program for viewers aged 18 to 49.

The game features a ticket dispenser, a universal connector link, a card system, a coin acceptor and a bill acceptor.

Kiosoft Technologies LLC

Jack Donnelly presents the KioPlay payment solution at the Kiosoft Technologies LLC exhibit.

Kiosoft Technologies LLC, a manufacturer of robotics and payment technologies, presented its KioPlay connected cashless payment solution which includes a variety of unattended payment readers that accept stored value from game cards.

The KioPlay stations allow customers to purchase game credits, recharge their cards and earn rewards.

The system includes a mobile app to offer customers a convenient way to play that provides operators the funds upfront and lower credit card charges with reduced processing fees.

The system also has a "scoreboard" backend management application that combines web-based reader configuration and financial reporting along with equipment health and management reporting.

Lock America Inc.

Frank Minella, founder and CEO, presents the security lock and key systems at the Lock America Inc. exhibit.

Lock America Inc. presented its Series 600 locks for kiosks and ATMs, which include high security padlocks, cam locks, plug locks, high security hasps and accessories.

The company provides each customer its own exclusive key code, which is registered with Lock America for easy replacement or re-order. Master key options are also available.

Lock America, based in Corona, California, also manufactures high security locks for the vending, amusement, gaming, information management, fuel distribution and self storage industries.

PayRange Inc.

Matt Birchard and Steve White present the "Add Mobile Payment to Your Coin-Op Billiards Table" at the PayRange exhibit.

PayRange Inc., a provider of a mobile payment app and hardware for automated retail, presented its "Add Mobile Payment to Your Coin-Op Billiards Table" retrofit kit that allows for mobile payments for billiards tables. The billiards kit uses the PayRange BluKey mobile payment technology that allows for mobile payments while retaining coin acceptance without the need for permanent power or a data connection.

The kit includes a mechanical actuator and rechargeable battery system to provide months of continuous operation. Once the device is installed, users can send payments directly to the table and begin a game. Users can pay per game or per hour.

The solution eliminates the need for coins.

PayRange also presented its newly introduced "immi" age verification device to allow for age restricted vending. The solution enables age and identity verification when used with the PayRange BluKey mobile payment app.

Rhode Island Novelty

David Bejbl and Hutch Costello present a plush toy at the Rhode Island Novelty exhibit.

Rhode Island Novelty presented king size Belly Buddies and new plush toys.

Belly Buddies include bride and groom, hamster, goat, seagull, gorilla, donkey, dragon, duck, giraffe, beagle, cat, elephant, pig, panda, unicorn, frog, husky, lamb, monkey, bunny, Rottweiler, polar bear, penguin, tiger, bee, ladybug and more.

Plushes include Bubble Tea animal cup, capterpillar, seagull, mushroom, chameleon and more.

S & C Vending

Robert Scripter presents the EZ Redemption pay center at the S & C Vending exhibit.

S & C Vending, a Kearney, Nebraska based amusement and ATM equipment distributor, presented its EZ Redemption pay center made by GeWeTe which allows players to cash out tickets without delay. A printed ticket allows players to transfer credits between machines.

The system also provides management with consolidated, scheduled and on-demand, multi-location reports.

Multi-layer, wireless encryption enables fast, safe installation.

The cash-center-slim option offers automated pay-in and pay-out of sports betting slips.

The cash-center-compact option changes banknotes to coins and notes, offers real-time reporting via remote access and features a 15-inch LCD touchscreen.

The cash-center-compact-casino includes a dispenser with capacity of up to 12,000 notes and up to four denominations.

The cash-center-premium has a dispenser with a capacity of up to 15,000 notes and up to five denominations, accepts bank cards and features a 27-inch LCD touchscreen.

Sega Amusements International Inc.

Nigel Allison presents the Jumanji ticket redemption game at the Sega Amusements International Ltd. exhibit.

Sega Amusements International Ltd. presented its Jumanji ticket redemption game, a four-player, skill-based ticket redemption game that allows guests to take on the role of one of the film's characters.

To win the super bonus, players have to climb the Jaguar statue and save Jumanji.

The controller switches between ratchet spin and free-spin, depending on the particular game being played.

The Unreal Game Engine presents graphics on a 65-inch HD monitor.

Each of the 12 mini games recreate scenes from the two most recent films in the franchise with authentic movie audio.

Semnox

Andrew Parow, Bepin Jose and Brian Duke present the Parafait FEC Solution at the Semnox exhibit.

Semnox presented its Parafait FEC Solution that offers a suite of management tools for family entertainment centers, arcades, trampoline parks, laser tag arenas, indoor playgrounds and bowling alleys.

Features include: promotions and loyalty management, RFID card acceptance, self-serve kiosk management, RFID locks, turnstile control, food and beverage management, Radian wristband, party booking software, point-of-sale management, tablet POS, game reader, waiver, digital signage, redemption and stock control.

SF Processing

Nater Saweeres and Ashley Mrino present the payment processing system for amusement operators at the SF Processing exhibit.

SF Processing presented its payments processing solution, including an automated accounts payable solution and an electronic checks and ACH payments service.

The company has developed a program for American Amusement Machine Association members offering a 10% rebate on net processing revenue, free loaner equipment, free online reporting and a dedicated help line.

Smart Charging Technologies

Sam Burgoon and Micah Larsen present the "switch always on" technology at the Smart Charging Technologies exhibit.

Smart Charging Technologies presented its "Switch Always On" IoT direct current micro power supply to provide uninterrupted power and connectivity to networking devices. The solution enables operators of IoT devices to remotely manage and monitor network connectivity.

The solution allows operators to receive real-time alerts when network connectivity is disrupted and automatically recycles power to network devices by port preference.

"Switch Always On" recovers network connectivity issues in two ways. One way is by actively restoring network connectivity via 24/7 automatic connectivity checkup, connectivity loss detection and equipment hard auto reboot. The other way is by actively preventing power disruptions via 24/7 incoming power monitoring, equipment power loss detection and automatic switch to backup battery.

Stern Pinball Inc.

Seth Davis and Gary Stern welcome attendees to the Stern Pinball Inc. exhibit.

Stern Pinball Inc. presented its new line of pinball machines celebrating and created in cooperation with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2021 inductees "Foo Fighters." The machines are available in Pro, Premium and Limited Edition models.

The machines bring the Foo Fighters concert experience home as players are immersed in an epic pinball adventure featuring 15 songs spanning the band's catalog, including "All My Life," "Best of You, Breakout," "Everlong," "Holding Poison," "I'll Stick Around," "Learn to Fly," "MonkeyWrench," "My Hero," "Run," "Something from Nothing," "The Pretender," "This is a Call," "Times Like These" and "Walk."

Foo Fighters pinball machines include Stern's Insider Connected system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in a variety of ways. Through Insider Connected, players can track progress, earn new game-specific achievements, engage with the player community and participate in promotions and Challenge Quests.

Insider Connected also provides an operator-focused tool set to drive location play through its Location Leaderboards, build player loyalty, analyze performance, make adjustments remotely and maintain the machines.

Tipago/Nayax

Harry Kozlovsky presents the Nayax Capital solution at the Tipago exhibit.

Tigapo, a cloud-based management and monetization system for amusement locations, hosted its partner company, Nayax, at its booth. Tipago leverages Nayax's payment infrastructure for its amusement machine customers.

Nayax presented its Nayax Capital finance solutions for operators looking to purchase a VPOS Touch card reader or Nova Market self-service kiosk to scale their unattended retail operations.

Nayax Capital enables customers to fully own their devices from the start and pay with 0% APR. Nayax customers can make payments for the devices either via a monthly payment or via a percentage of their sales until the device is fully paid.

TouchTunes

Rick Herschman, a 25-year TouchTunes employee, presents a 25-year-old jukebox at the TouchTunes exhibit.

TouchTunes, a provider of jukeboxes, celebrated its 25-year anniversary at its exhibit, which included a 25-year-old jukebox.

The company serves more than 55,000 bars, restaurants and social venues with a subscription-based music solution for workplaces.

Venco Business Solutions Inc.

Chris Hale presents the Genmega Nova ATM at the Venco Business Solutions Inc. exhibit.

Venco Business Solutions Inc. presented the Genmega Nova retail ATM which features a 17-inch touchscreen and allows full motion video on the top half of the screen.

Features also include:

• Edge lighting around the cash dispensing unit.
• An encrypted pin pad.
• UL-291 certifield vault.
• Up to four 2,000 note removable cassette.
• A 3-inch printer.

WTI Wireless

Ann Marie Council presents the WTI wireless 4G LTE router at the WTI Wireless exhibit.

WTI Wireless presented its wireless 4G LTE router that works with single and dual SIMs.

Users are able to activate and deactivate the router/SIM from the company's website without incurring any charges.

Features include: eight frequency bands, PCI compliance, cloud monitoring, two magnetic antennas, a power adapter, an Internet cable and one SIM card.

Photos: Networld Media Group.

About Elliot Maras

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Elliot Maras is the editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times. He brings three decades covering unattended retail and commercial foodservice.