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From digital signage to unified communications, and everything in between, this year’s Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) event showcased the latest audiovisual technologies and systems innovators. And in its 20th year, it was bigger and better than ever before. Held in Barcelona, January 30-February 2, the global audiovisual and system integration event featured 900 exhibitors and a myriad of conferences, tech talks, and panel discussions on the latest and greatest innovations in this space.

Central to ISE was the exhibition itself, where seven dedicated Technology Zones showcased the world’s leading technology and solution suppliers.

At the heart of the exhibition hall was the Multi-Technology Zone, where Advantech Co., Ltd., a global leader in IoT technology, showcased its hardware and software platforms that power digital-signage applications for hospitality and retail. On display in the Advantech booth were the latest touchscreens for wayfinding and self-service kiosks, interactive digital signage and players, video walls, and more.

Beyond video screens and players, Advantech products also provide retailers with the necessary data to improve their business operations. For example, with real-time information at their fingertips, businesses can gain insight into their customer experiences, operating tactics, and revenue, and make impactful improvements. By having real-time information at their fingertips, businesses can gain insights into customer experiences, operational tactics, and revenue—allowing them to make impactful improvements.

Interactive Digital Displays Go Touchless

Elsewhere on the floor, the Content Production & Distribution Zone displayed some of the most innovative AV technologies at the event. There, touch-free customer experience solution provider Ameria had a booth where visitors could immerse themselves in interactive AV experiences with LED walls, projections, large-scale screens, and even holograms. From just a quick doodle, booth visitors were able to express their artistic side by creating impressive works of art with America’s one-of-a-kind gesture control technology powered by AI and computer vision. With its flexible and adaptable technology, everyone from retailers to manufacturers can benefit from the company’s Touchfree products.

Another exciting touch-free innovation is voice recognition and conversational AI technology, which Sodaclick—a digital content and AI experience company—had on display with its partners, including Advantech, Samsung, and Arrow. Sodaclick’s cloud-based platform enables retailers and QSRs to deploy touch-free, voice-activated, digital-signage solutions, offering contactless experiences to their customers.

Audiovisual + AI = Business Insights

Alongside digital-signage systems is the technology that helps retailers transform displays into powerful, smart tools capable of obtaining customer insights, increasing sales, and improving the in-store shopping experience. These digital-signage systems are accompanied by technology that empowers retailers to transform displays into powerful, smart tools capable of obtaining customer insights, increasing sales, and enhancing the in-store shopping experience.

Displayforce Global Limited, a developer of digital signage and visitor analytics software, is a prime example of how it’s done. The company’s AI-powered in-store performance marketing automation platform makes it possible to measure and engage shoppers, personalize marketing communication offline, and generate new revenue through programmatic advertisement.

Technology Partnerships Offer Complete AV Solutions

Equally important to the technology are the partnerships that go into delivering complete digital-signage solutions, which was a big theme at ISE. The collaboration between German systems integrator Aaronn Electronic GmbH and Sharp/NEC Display Solutions was just one great example. The two companies showed off displays that can be customized to suit a wide variety of needs, from corporate communications to transportation hubs to quick-serve restaurants. Visitors to the Sharp/NEC booth were able to see these solutions in action.

Connect, Communicate, Create

As evident in the presentations, there are endless opportunities in the audiovisual space across almost every industry. To stay ahead of the game, it’s more important than ever for innovators to build their knowledge and connect with others. ISE 2024 offered the information, presentation, solutions, and tools that help make it possible.
 

Edited by Christina Cardoza, Editorial Director for insight.tech.