Features
Can AI run a vending operation? New study raises doubts
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
A new study found that four of five AI agents managing simulated vending operations underperformed conventional inventory software. Industry experts say AI can…
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10 winners named in the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards 2026
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Meet the winners of the ARKI Awards 2026, recognizing advances in self-service and unattended retail.
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Fastenal makes vending part of its industrial supply strategy
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Fastenal combines industrial vending, monitored inventory bins and replenishment services to help businesses control supply use and keep operations running.
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Connect Media spotlights the 2026 Top Women in Retail Technology Awards
by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media
The 25 female retail innovators come from a variety of sectors, from brands striving to drive a rewarding customer experience to technology providers…
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Free vending still needs an operating plan
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Free health vending machines need more than startup grants. Reliable funding, clear staffing responsibilities and partnerships with vending operators can keep…
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How can vendors and operators work together successfully?
by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media
Vendors and operators need to rethink their relationship to be successful with automated retail.
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Automated retail finds a home in apartment communities
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Automated retail is finding a home in apartment communities as micro markets, smart coolers and autonomous stores offer residents convenient access to everyday…
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Poor kiosk installation, maintenance can turn self-service investments into costly liabilities
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
At the 2026 ARKI Show, industry experts will discuss how proper deployment, preventive maintenance and standardized service procedures can reduce downtime…
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Madeline Adventures takes unattended rentals to the waterfront
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Kayak rental company Madeline Adventures plans six additional locations in 2027 after launching a lock-code operation on Wisconsin's Madeline Island.
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Best practices for integrating automated retail while enhancing customer experience
by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media
How automated retail such as kiosks can be integrated within a venue is the focus of a panel talk at the upcoming Automated Retail and Kiosk Innovation Show.
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Primepick brings meal tracking, automated safety controls to hot food vending
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Primepick’s MealMate system combines robotic meal preparation with individual meal tracking, temperature monitoring and automatic sales lockouts to help…
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Valentina Ellison brings airport restaurant experience to automated vending
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
In this Q&A, Valentina Ellison discusses the challenges behind unattended food service, how she evaluates locations and why traveler interest does not always…
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Building Loudega: What it takes to launch a smart cooler business
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Dan Ross-Li saw an opportunity for modern unattended retail in Louisville. Turning that idea into a workable vending route required him to learn the business…
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Bucked Up tests automated retail store at Utah student housing complex
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Bucked Up has launched an automated retail store inside the gym at Alpine Village, a student housing community in Provo, Utah, to test whether its sports…
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When the signal disappears: How vending machines handle cashless payment outages
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Cashless payments have made vending machines easier to use, but that convenience depends on a chain of technology that usually remains invisible until…
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Does AI really save time in vending operations?
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
For small vending operators, artificial intelligence's biggest benefit may not come from futuristic machines or complicated predictive models. It can be as…
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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…
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Bouncer Digital founder Juan Carlos Corvera on innovative age verification
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Juan Carlos Corvera, president and founder of Bouncer Digital, discusses how his technology works, regulatory acceptance and why he believes automated age…
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Prepango scores with FIFA merchandise vending machines
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Automated retailer Prepango used its airport network, remote monitoring and regional sales data to put official World Cup products within reach of travelers…
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Evolvending partners with Amish Pretzel Co. for airport kiosk rollout
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Evolvending has partnered with The Amish Pretzel Co. to offer freshly warmed pretzel products through automated dining kiosks at U.S. airports.
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