Don't forget: ARKI Awards nomination deadline is Sept. 4

Time is running out to submit nominations for the 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards. The Sept. 4 deadline is approaching for companies…

How vending machines can help reduce plastic, other waste

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Vending machines are commonly associated with disposable bottles, wrappers and cups, but the same automated infrastructure could help move consumers away from single-use packaging. The concept has already taken root in Europe and could potentially offer benefits to the United States as well.

The fresh food frontier, part 2: Fresh vs. frozen is an operating decision

by Ben Wheeler — Dir. of Business Dev. - Automated Retail, T-ROC

Once an operator decides to offer meals through automated retail, another question appears quickly: Fresh or frozen?

Greater Vancouver Food Bank launches vending machines at SkyTrain stations

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank has launched vending machines at two Vancouver SkyTrain stations to sell products made from surplus fruit that otherwise could…

Micro Markets

Micro markets are unattended areas in a building where customers purchase products from open shelves and containers, then pay for them at a self-service kiosk.