Integrated Systems Europe 2025: Our take on the most intriguing technology trends.
Keeping track of developments in audio and video technology is always a priority for our team. It’s essential that we not only have access to the latest launches, but that we understand how to unlock their potential for our partners. Gimmicks and gadgets might grab headlines, but it’s the tech that could lead to long-lasting changes that attracts our attention.
That’s why our solutions experts headed to Barcelona to attend Integrated Systems Europe 2025: one of the world’s leading tech shows for the systems integrations and audio-visual industry.
But did this year’s event live up to the hype? And what can it tell us about the future of retail technology?
Evolution, not revolution
Attendees hoping to discover the next big thing at ISE 2025 might have come away disappointed. The consensus was that the tech on display represented an evolution of existing products rather than introducing launches that could revolutionise the way retail works.
“The wow factor wasn’t really there this year,” explained Marijn Bosman, Senior Director & Supervisor of EU Solutions Design. “But that’s not to say there weren’t worthwhile improvements.”
“It was a show of evolution, especially in terms of LED displays and interactivity,” agrees George Bedford, Director of Technical Design.
Aide Toon, Solutions Architect, may not have been blown away by the technology on display but the benefits it could offer to our partners did impress.
“The technology presented will definitely appeal to our clients, enabling them to find smart solutions to persistent problems while reducing their energy consumption and costs,” he clarified.
A grounded presentation
This more grounded presentation reflects a retail industry that’s navigating economic uncertainty, high rates of inflation, and increased energy costs. Advancements that may not have a tangible impact for several years – or even decades – hold less appeal than those that offer solutions to the immediate problems brands are facing.
It is also perhaps why the number of exhibits focused on new AI innovations was surprisingly limited.
“I honestly expected AI to dominate this year’s event, but I struggled to find many exhibits where it was the headline act,” commented Morgan Van Baren, Global VP of Product Management & Delivery. “The focus was really on technology that’s ready to go to market right now.”
Realising the potential of ePaper
While AI retail assistants and drone deliveries might not have been on the menu, there were still several exhibits that excited our team.
ePaper and eInk attracted attention across the board. The technology has significantly evolved in the past 12 months and offers a fantastic alternative for brands reliant on paper printing.
“The ePaper on display was seriously impressive,” said Aide. “If you’re familiar with the standard Kindle, the colours, resolution, and size of these new offerings will completely reset your expectations.”
“For clients specialising in static content, ePaper will be a game changer,” added Marijn. “Not only can they change the content with just one click, but the displays themselves consume minimal power, almost none at all.”
Further sustainability benefits
Samsung, Phillips, and Sharp and other manufacturers had ePaper solutions to show off, with Phillips taking the sustainability benefits a step further by offering 100% recycled frames. DynaScan also impressed with its wireless solution powered via an inbuilt solar PV.
That’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement. Costs are still relatively high, and publishing new content is slower than printing a page, taking around 12 seconds to update and undergoing slight pixelation in the process.
“ePaper will take off if prices come down,” said Morgan. “If it’s presented as a cheaper, more robust, and resilient alternative to LEDs, I can see many businesses like real estate agencies and restaurants with daily specials menus getting on board.”
Electronic shelf labeling
An evolution of ePaper, electronic shelf labelling also inspired our team’s imagination. These small-format LED displays could transform the way food retailers operate, especially if they’re linked to POS and store inventories.
“When you think about shelf life and dynamic pricing, electronic shelf labelling could drastically reduce food waste,” explained Mat Wilde, VP of EMEA Sales. “Imagine being able to run weather-based promotions without risk of over-ordering inventory when the temperatures suddenly change again.”
Energy efficiency made easy
Energy waste is one of many areas where retailers are looking to operate more efficiently. Reducing energy consumption not only benefits the planet but can also help brands cut costs.
“The benefit of energy efficiencies may differ market-by-market,” said Trey Courtney, Chief Product and Partnerships Officer. “Europe, in particular, may be more prepared to pay more to achieve their sustainability goals.”
“In the past 12 months, energy efficiency has been one of the topics our partners have asked me about most,” agrees Mat.
LEDs have long been problematic when it comes to energy consumption, not only when in operation but also because it can be difficult to completely switch them off.
“LED racks often remain on – in a standby state that consumes energy – even when they appear to be turned off,” confirms Nick Phillips, VP of Solution Engineering.
Screen management systems
It’s perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that some of the most intriguing exhibits at ISE 2025 were new screen management systems that can switch off completely within 30 seconds of the content being turned off. Instead of remaining in standby mode when turned off, the demo displays recorded almost zero power consumption.
Additional software by the likes of VOD Visual/LED Studio, Liantronics, and Canopy was also presented that can limit the amount of time screens are on so that brands can turn off their displays at night. With our insights, we would be able to supply data on the energy savings per day, night, or region.
With many companies engineering open APIs, brands could use the cloud to monitor their store environment and push new programming into the firmware with no need to visit the physical site.
Even so, it’s important that any energy efficiency claims are thoroughly fact-checked.
“LED manufacturers know that keeping energy use down is the number one client request right now, so it’s key that we deep dive into the data and ensure it’s not all smoke and mirrors,”
Looking at LEDs
When it comes to LEDs, there were three innovations that our team felt stood out from the crowd: transparent displays, LED mesh, and holographic screens. Micro-LEDs have also improved in recent years.
“The smaller the LEDs, the more surface area that can be used for black. These deeper blacks increase the contrast to produce much sharper images,” explains George.
Transparent LED screens
Transparent LED screens caught the attention of Rim Posthumus, Global Account Director.
“Completely transparent when not in use, the Muxwave displays really surprised me. They can display really vibrant colors at a relatively affordable price,” he clarified.
LED Mesh could unlock even more flexibility, according to Jonathan Wharrad, VP of Global Brand Experience.
“These static displays are like a cloth that can be wrapped around almost any space without any need to have fans or blades behind them.”
The need for a motor to power spinning LED fans has been a limitation of this technology for some time. It runs the risk of mechanical failure and requires frequent maintenance.
Holographic screens
While not for everyone, holographic screens could have potential for brands looking to make an artistic statement or grab their audience’s attention on a busy street.
Samsung presented a coating that, when viewed at a 45-degree angle, causes items to appear like they’re floating out of the screen. Particularly effective when presented on a dark backdrop that ensures the 3D item really pops, the technology could be ideal in a drive-thru, for example, when seasonal menu items could come out of the screen to ignite the driver’s interest.
Smart homes meet smart stores
While smart home technology may not be able to compete with the features already available in-store, elements of the Alexa or Google Home experience are crossing over into the retail realm.
“The functionality we’re used to using in our homes is now being replicated in retail,” explained Mat. “Smart Things Pro showcased systems that allow brands to remotely control lighting, their thermostat, or even their door locks with their mobile devices.”
Invisible speakers
Invisible speakers are another product that could suit multiple environments. Powersoft presented a tiny amplifier that may be complex to install but certainly had potential, while Sonance’s range of premium but affordable commercial speakers helped solidify the company’s position as a team favorite for audio clarity.
A further crossover from home to work is Power over Ethernet. This enables the transfer of electricity and data through a single cable rather than requiring separate power sources, potentially simplifying installation and reducing costs by using the existing infrastructure.
“PoE is a more flexible way to deliver content,” explained Greg. “But it involves a lot more wire!”
Forget gimmicks: the future is grounded
The main takeaway from ISE 2025 for our team was that technology is still evolving, but it’s developing in response to retailers’ current needs rather than simply for development’s sake.
The innovations that impressed us could solve our clients’ everyday challenges, whether that’s helping them save energy, reducing the amount of paper they use, or ensuring LEDs still have an impact in restricted spaces.
These updates may not inspire future gazing, but they could make a tangible impact tomorrow and play a part in making the retail landscape more cost-effective, sustainable, and operationally efficient.
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