The next time you travel near Five Points Plaza, you'll notice something new. The City of Charlotte installed its first of 30 interactive digital kiosks at the intersection of Beatties Ford Road and West Fifth Street — more than any other city in North Carolina — in partnership with IKE Smart City.

"This is about more than having the most kiosks in North Carolina. It's about creating opportunities for our corridors and our small and minority-owned businesses," Mayor Pro Tem James "Smuggie" Mitchell said during the city's ribbon cutting.

A tall digital board for the city of Charlotte near a busy intersection. — The IKE digital kiosk can show visitors local businesses, maps, and other city information. | Photo by CLTtoday

The kiosks offer free Wi-Fi, touchscreen navigation, local business highlights, emergency alerts, and information about city events. The most-used application? The photobooth feature, where visitors can snap a selfie with a unique Charlotte-themed frame.

"Throughout my career representing this district and throughout the city, I've heard a constant message: Help me know what's happening around me... These kiosks do just that," added Council member Malcolm Graham.

The kiosks will be fully funded by advertising revenue, meaning taxpayers aren't footing the bill for installation. A timeline for installation remains TBA.