News & Media From Richard Slawsky
Balanced Vending builds on growth with First Choice deal
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
New York-based Balanced Vending expanded its operational footprint by acquiring First Choice Vending earlier this year, adding established routes and micro…
read now
Studies examine biometric kiosk adoption, predictive vending maintenance
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Two academic studies examine what it takes to make unattended systems more useful to passengers and more reliable for operators.
read now
Morrison Healthcare, Blendid bring robotic smoothie kiosk to patient nutrition
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Morrison Healthcare and food robotics company Blendid have deployed a robotic smoothie kiosk at Mayo Clinic's Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota…
read now
Studies examine how self-service technology can expand health care access
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
This edition of our academic research roundup looks at two studies exploring how kiosks and vending machines could remove barriers to care in very different…
read now
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…
read now
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…
read now
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…
read now
Does cash still matter?
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
For many operators, accepting bills and coins remains a strategic business decision. While cash transactions continue to decline, eliminating them entirely…
read now
Research shows healthcare kiosks are growing smarter — and more human
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Four published academic studies suggest kiosk and vending technologies are becoming more intelligent, more accessible and more responsive to community needs.
read now
Beyond route drivers: The growing need for vending technicians
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
As vending machines, micro markets, smart coolers and unattended retail systems become increasingly sophisticated, operators need workers who can do far more…
read now
What the latest academic research says about kiosks and vending machines
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Three recent studies examine topics ranging from customer acceptance of self-service kiosks to AI-powered healthcare kiosks and the growing role of vending…
read now
Tord Olav Dønnum on the future of autonomous foodservice
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Tord Olav Dønnum discusses how robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping foodservice operations and how autonomous kitchens can help…
read now
How AI is making vending smarter
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
While the vending industry has embraced technology for decades through cashless payments, telemetry and remote machine monitoring, AI is opening the door to a…
read now
TendedBar, WeVend partner to expand automated beverage service beyond stadiums
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Automated beverage technology company TendedBar is taking a step beyond its roots in stadiums and arenas through a partnership with unattended payments…
read now
As vending gets smarter, ADA compliance gets more complicated
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
The evolution of vending technology is changing the conversation around ADA compliance. Touchscreens, mobile payments and more are becoming standard features…
read now
From restaurant grind to fresh vending finds
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
After years of operating a restaurant, Baltimore resident Jason Hrisanthacopoulos decided to leave behind the long hours and operational pressures of…
read now
Why mobile payments have become essential for modern vending operations
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
The vending industry has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, evolving from a primarily cash-driven business into a technology-enabled…
read now
Redistricting ripple effects: How political map changes could impact vending
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Redistricting efforts underway across the country could create new regulatory and operational challenges for vending and convenience services operators.
read now
NAMA CEO Christine Cochran talks AI, placement strategies, industry consolidation
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
Connect Media CEO Daniel Ceniceros spoke with NAMA CEO Christine Cochran at the recent NAMA show about competition from QSRs, the role of AI, evolving…
read now
Office comeback? What return-to-work means for vending sales
by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media
The return to office work is helping the vending industry recover from the steep losses it suffered during the pandemic, but the rebound remains uneven.
read nowSubscribe
Get the latest news and resources from Vending Times.
