Nominations open for 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

The organizers of the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) Show are accepting nominations for the 2026 ARKI Awards, recognizing the companies, products, deployments and technologies driving innovation across the automated retail, kiosk, vending and self-service industries.

Ray Friedrich talks AI, automation, next era of self-service

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Ray Friedrich reflects on the lessons learned from introducing some of the industry's earliest self-service technologies, discusses how AI is changing customer experiences and explains why successful automation is about enhancing — not replacing — the human element.

What 2 studies reveal about self-service success

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Two academic studies suggest the most effective self-service deployments balance automation with accessibility and user-centered design. Although the research examined very different settings, both papers offer practical guidance for kiosk manufacturers, software developers and organizations deploying self-service technology.

AMERIKIOSKS

Unlock the future of retail with AmeriKiosks! Our end-to-end solutions empower retailers to thrive in automated retail. With years of experience, we guide your transition into a cutting-edge automated retail company, ensuring growth and success.

UAW to review firings over kiosk payment issues

The United Auto Workers is investigating the termination of two Ford employees who were fired after allegedly failing to pay for low-cost food items purchased…

ATMs & Kiosks

Convenience services operators often supplement their vending, coffee service, foodservice and micro market services with ATMs and kiosks. The kiosks play an integral role in micro markets, as noted in the micro market description above.