WHAT IS IT?
Open Kiosk is a build-it-yourself point-of-sale (POS) system, certified open-source hardware by OSHWA. The idea: replace commercial registers loaded with monthly subscriptions and vendor lock-in with a touchscreen kiosk you assemble from off-the-shelf parts (LattePanda MU, ESP32, thermal printer, touchscreen) and a 3D-printed enclosure. It all drives a modern React retail app, with the hardware firmware written in C++.
WHY IS IT INTERESTING?
- Zero subscription: a full POS for the cost of the hardware, with no recurring fees and no vendor lock-in.
- Open-source hardware: OSHWA certified (IN000074), enclosure STL files included, schematics and code open end to end.
- Complete POS stack: category-based inventory management, customizable thermal receipt printing, and sales analytics (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Built for retail: touch-optimized interface, voice product search and cloud sync via Firebase.
- Reproducible: step-by-step build guide on Hackster and a video demo, from soldering to software setup.
USE CASES
- Equip a small shop (fashion, gifts, specialty grocery) without paying for a commercial POS.
- Set up a register for a pop-up store or a temporary market stall.
- Give a service business (salon, repair shop) a simple checkout.
- Serve as a hands-on learning base for hardware/software integration on a real project.