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5h ago

Target Rolls Out Accessible Self-Checkout Nationwide With Tactile Controls and Audio Guidance

Built with the blind community, the effort includes an unpatented tactile controller to encourage broader adoption.

Target says it rolling out accessible self-checkout at its stores nationwide. (Target)
Anita Brands shopped the Target Midway store for a Shipt client.
Target makes a bold change to its controversial self-checkout machines. 
(AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Overview

  • More than 200 stores already have the upgraded kiosks, with nearly all of Target’s roughly 2,000 U.S. locations slated to receive them through early 2026.
  • The stations add Braille and high-contrast buttons, a headphone jack with volume control, physical navigation keys with a dedicated info button, a custom tactile controller, and single-stream audio prompts.
  • Target collaborated with the National Federation of the Blind and co-developed the tactile controller with Elo, then opted against patenting the device to lower barriers for other retailers.
  • Advocates say the design enables blind and low-vision shoppers to check out independently and more quickly, with Target noting benefits for customers with motor disabilities as well.
  • The rollout underscores Target’s commitment to self-service as some rivals scale back kiosks over theft concerns, and most installations will occur during store closures to avoid disrupting shoppers.