Digital kiosks offer one-stop shopping for Detroit residents, tourists

Interactive kiosks scattered throughout Detroit are providing a wealth of information and features for residents and tourists alike, according to a Detroit Free Press report.

The 28 touch-screen kiosks, developed through a partnership between IKE Smart City and the Downtown Detroit Partnership, provide users with local business directories, community event listings, social service information, emergency call buttons and even selfie cameras.

The kiosks are free to use and operate at no cost to Detroit residents. IKE Smart City covers all operational costs.

Advertising on the kiosks is a mix of paid and unpaid content. The city and DDP can post non-commercial local information for free. Special rates are available for local small businesses, with a portion of paid advertising revenue going back to the city and DDP.

Privacy concerns were initially raised by some residents when the kiosks were first introduced. These concerns stemmed from a feature that linked security cameras directly to the police department. The kiosks currently use selfie cameras, not security cameras, and any future security camera implementation would require approval from the city council and mayor.

The DDP placed them based on factors like foot traffic, visibility and access to power. The program is open to expansion, with a potential future feature allowing users to explore historical sites, according to the news report.