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2w ago

Target Starts Nationwide Rollout of Accessible Self-Checkout Kiosks

The company co-designed the system with the National Federation of the Blind and chose not to patent its tactile controller to speed adoption by other retailers.

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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. 

Overview

  • The upgraded kiosks add braille and high-contrast icons, a headphone jack with volume control, physical navigation buttons with an info key, a custom tactile controller, and a single audio stream for scanning and payment.
  • The technology is live in more than 200 stores and will extend to nearly all of Target’s roughly 2,000 U.S. locations by early 2026, with the upgrade added to existing kiosks so every self-checkout becomes accessible.
  • Target developed the experience with the National Federation of the Blind and touchscreen maker Elo, declined to patent the controller, and says it is working with suppliers to encourage wider industry adoption.
  • Target’s blind UX accessibility manager Steve Decker says customers can plug in wired headphones and use the tactile controller to follow audio prompts to scan items and complete payment, supporting blind and low-vision users and benefiting some with motor disabilities.
  • Most installations are scheduled while stores are closed to limit disruption, and the rollout comes as some retailers scale back self-checkout even as Target maintains its stations and continues to refine the experience.