IKE Kiosks Provide Digital Services in Downtown Phoenix and Tempe

“Not everybody has a smartphone, and so to me, it’s a great equity tool,” Lori Foster said, according to Cronkite News.

The Interactive Kiosk Experience, or IKE, provides digital services and information at no cost to users in downtown Phoenix and Tempe, Cronkite News reported. These metal towers cycle through weather updates, transit schedules, and nearby job opportunities to serve residents and visitors alike.

While many pedestrians pass the screens without a second glance, the kiosks aim to bridge a digital divide for those without personal mobile devices.

The kiosks serve as more than just digital signage; they act as emergency communication hubs. They can broadcast real-time storm warnings, Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, and Turquoise Alerts, while also providing immediate information on road closures. A dedicated side button allows users to call 911 directly from the interface.

For those experiencing housing instability or seeking employment, the kiosks offer categorized resources for various needs. This includes information on housing for families, women, men, and the LGBTQ+ community, alongside details on food support, medical services, and addiction recovery. Even pet welfare information is available to those on the street.

The utility extends to tourists and commuters who may need wayfinding or hydration. The screens provide maps to local hotels and hostels, shopping locations, and even directions to places to find chilled drinking water—a vital feature in the Arizona heat. Residents can also access transit schedules and air quality data.

Beyond utility, the kiosks offer interactive features such as an arcade and a photo booth that allows users to apply filters and send photos directly to their phones. Despite these features, the long-term relevance of the hardware remains a point of discussion among organizers.

“They might have been state of the art and really cool in 2019, but as smartphones get better and better are people going to actually stop and touch some buttons on a screen, or are they just going to whip out their phone and use it for the same purpose?” Foster asked, according to Cronkite News.

The deployment of these kiosks relies on a public-private partnership model that requires no upfront expense from the cities involved. IKE Smart City installs and operates the units, generating revenue by selling advertising space on the screens. This allows the technology to function without taxing municipal budgets directly.

In Phoenix, the city is guaranteed at least $14,000 annually per operational kiosk, paid out in monthly increments of $1,166.67, according to John Trierweiler, a public information officer with the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department. There is also potential for additional revenue through local advertising opportunities.

Location	Operational Kiosks
Downtown Tempe	14
Downtown Phoenix	18

The Downtown Tempe Authority, a private nonprofit that works with the City of Tempe, installed the first unit in 2020 to replace static signage that required constant manual updates. The organization maintains the ability to decline any advertisements it deems inappropriate.

According to IKE Smart City’s privacy policy, the company does not use facial recognition technology, and any images captured of the surrounding area are deleted within 15 days unless required for an investigation.

As mobile technology evolves, organizers plan to monitor user interaction over the next several years to determine if the kiosks are still needed in the city.