Research and Markets has released the industry report "Global Interactive Kiosk Market 2012-2016" – forecasting the global interactive kiosk market to grow by nearly 15 percent over the next three years.

The report cites growth factors such as high adoption rates and the growing use of tablets as a medium of interaction. The key vendors dominating this space include Diebold Inc., International Business Machine Corp., KIOSK Information Systems Inc. and NCR Corp., according to the report.

The report also points out one of the main challenges for the interactive kiosk industry: As technology rapidly evolves, the industry is faced with technology obsolescence. Manufacturers are facing a challenge to constantly update themselves with new technologies, since the latest technology gets outdated every six months.

Commenting on the report, an analyst from the team said:

In recent years, the big interactive kiosk machines are fast being replaced by sleek and handy tablet computers. During the forecast period, there is expected to be a major shift in the use of tablets as a medium of interaction. The use of tablets will help reduce the cost involved and portability issues related to interactive kiosks. Interactive kiosks have already been in use by various hotels and restaurants where customers can check-in, place orders and provide feedback. This will considerably reduce the adoption of interactive kiosks by various industries. Moreover, customized software can be used in tablets for use by the end-users.