To accommodate the demands of frontline environments and the many ways AI is reshaping how businesses are run, Global Payments unveiled an AI-first Genius handheld. Made to slip into pockets and aprons, this device is designed to help with everything from improving operations to ensuring payments can be made anywhere. "We designed a next-generation handheld, purpose-built with advanced hardware and intelligent software to power the next evolution of AI-driven commerce for restaurants," said David Rumph, president of SMB for Global Payments. "By pairing mobile technology with the flexibility to support a range of AI-driven workflows, we will help servers spend less time on transactions and more time with guests—elevating the dining experience for customers while giving staff the tools to work smarter."
The innovative handheld will be previewed at the National Restaurant Association Show 2026, introducing key features like a smartphone-style interface to speed up the onboarding process for new and seasonal staff, and AI-powered voice ordering technology.
AI-First POS Handhelds
Global Payments' AI-First Genius Was Made for the Future of Commerce
Trend Themes
-
AI-first Handheld POS — Compact AI-enabled POS devices consolidate payments, order management and analytics into a single portable tool that can redefine frontline workflows.
-
Voice-powered Ordering — Natural-language voice interfaces on handhelds reduce transaction friction and enable conversational order capture and context-aware recommendations at the point of service.
-
Mobile Staff-centric Interfaces — Smartphone-style UIs and simplified onboarding lower training barriers for seasonal workers while delivering contextual prompts that increase speed and accuracy.
Industry Implications
-
Restaurants and Quick-service — Tableside AI handhelds shift order-taking, payment and personalization tools to servers, with the potential to change labor deployment and guest experience models.
-
Hospitality and Events — Portable AI-driven POS units enable vendors and event operators to unify payments, guest data and service workflows in transient environments, blurring front- and back-of-house boundaries.
-
Retail and Mobile Merchants — Pocket-sized intelligent terminals allow omnichannel sellers to accept payments, capture customer insights and deliver personalized offers outside traditional storefronts.