PUBLISHED
February 2025
CATEGORY
Hospitality
companies involved
Bazzacco, Aitech Italia, Kiosk Italia, Engicam
SuiteKBox – Key Dispenser with Check-In and Digital Signage
01. The challenge and the solution
Many accommodation facilities – hotels, residences, B&Bs, but also car rental companies – need to hand over keys or badges in a safe way. autonomous, safe and continuous, without tying guests to reception opening hours. At the same time, more and more businesses are looking for a system that is not just a "key dispenser", but also a channel of communication and marketing towards customers.
From this need, together with Bazzacco, Aitech Italia e Kiosk, is born SuiteKBox: a smart box available in versions from 5, 10 or 20 keys, equipped with 10″ touch display (or 7″ depending on the configuration) which allows, by entering a code, the release of a physical key or other objects (RFID badge, key ring with tag, etc.).
SuiteKBox works like a real automatic dispenser:
- the guest enters his code,
- the system verifies the credentials,
- an internal motor releases the assigned key and makes it available.
The device was designed for both hospitality facilities and other contexts where it is necessary to issue keys or physical media in a controlled and traceable manner.
Furthermore, thanks to the display, SuiteKBox can also be used as a digital signage: display advertisements, promotions, information about hotel services (e.g. breakfast, spa, timetables, regulations), discount codes and QR code that link to dedicated web pages, apps, or forms.
“Your mindset will define what you do on a daily basis and what you do on a daily basis will define who you are as an individual”
– casey adams – rise of the young
02. The work process
For SuiteKBox I followed the project in a end-to-end, from the software part to the certification documentation, collaborating with Bazzacco SRL and other technical partners.
Software & Embedded System Development
- I worked on a Embedded Linux based on Yocto, integrated with the hardware platform provided by Engicam SRL (Scandicci, Florence).
I developed all display software:
- system services necessary for the overall functioning of the device.
- back-end and application logic,
- front end of the touch interface (React.js),
I have implemented communication with the internal motors through serial, to control the opening of compartments and the release of keys in a reliable and safe way.
Physical design & components
- I contributed to the metal box design, collaborating with the company to define a robust, functional container suitable for use in real-world contexts (hotels, entrances, protected outdoor areas).
- I was responsible for selecting and coordinating several component suppliers (cables, antennas, internal elements, etc.).
- Some parts of the device were made using 3D printing: together with another collaborator we designed several internal pieces that are now printed and used in the final product.
Certifications & documentation
A fundamental part of the work was the regulatory compliance of the device.
I have drafted and signed independently the technical and certification documentation relating to:
- RED Directive
- RoHS
- REACH
- WEEE (disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment)
- Machinery Directive
- Cybersecurity
The laboratory emissions tests were performed by a third party laboratory, while all supporting documentation (manuals, technical file, requirements analysis, declarations, etc.) was prepared by me.
User Experience & Marketing
- I defined and curated the user flow on the display, so that the key collection operation was clear and guided, even for those unfamiliar with digital devices.
- I also contributed to the marketing part of the product, supporting the definition of SuiteKBox's positioning and participating in the presentation at trade fairs and commercial contexts.
03. The result
SuiteKBox has become a complete product, not just a technical prototype:
- It allows hotels and accommodation facilities to automate check-in and the delivery of keys, also with integration into flow of visual verification and OCR managed by smartphones.
- Reduces the workload of reception staff while ensuring traceability and greater security in key management.
- Thanks to the touch display, it transforms the moment of collecting keys into an opportunity to communication and promotion towards the customer (offers, extra services, useful information, QR codes, discounts, etc.).
- It is designed on a solid technical base (embedded Linux, React, serial control, dedicated components) and supported by a complete certification documentation, making it ready for use in real-world, regulated settings.
SuiteKBox represents a concrete example of how, starting from a very practical need of accommodation facilities, it is possible to create a physical-digital product that integrates hardware, software, UX, regulatory and marketing in a single solution.