From vending machines to autonomous retail: The evolution of grab and go shopping

Customers want physical shopping to feel as quick and simple as online purchasing. The demand has led to the rise of autonomous retail — stores where customers…

Expressions gift card kiosks bring personalization to retail gifting

by Richard Slawsky

The Expressions Gift Card Kiosk offers a personalized greeting card with the option to include a digital gift card, all in a fraction of the space retailers…

Some tech companies deploying tobacco vending machines

March 13, 2026

Some technology companies, including data integration and analytics firm Palantir Technologies, are stocking office vending machines with nicotine pouches and…

What makes the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show a must-attend event?

by Richard Slawsky

The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show takes place December 14-16 in Miami Beach this year. Here are the many reasons to attend.

UK arena unveils autonomous market

March 12, 2026

Co-op Live, the U.K.'s largest live entertainment arena, has launched Europe's first fully frictionless autonomous self-serve market, according to an Event…

Illinois town eyeing ban on cannabis vending machines

March 11, 2026

The City Council of Wood River, Ill., approved an ordinance banning cigarette and vape vending machines during a recent meeting, according to a report at the…

Chevron funds book vending machines for Texas school district

March 10, 2026

The Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District in West Texas has begun installing book vending machines across the district to reward students with free…

Maryland county offering free cannabis storage bags via vending

March 9, 2026

Anne Arundel County, in Maryland, is using a network of "Health-to-Go" vending machines to distribute free cannabis safe-storage bags in an effort to prevent…

Irish farmer group maps milk vending machines

March 9, 2026

The Ulster Farmers' Union in Ireland has launched a new on-farm milk vending machine map as part of its Februdairy campaign, according to a report at the…

USC student creates app to transform vending placement

by Richard Slawsky

Deven Chitkara is attempting to modernize one of the most traditional sectors of unattended retail.

NCSA names 2026 Candy Hall of Fame inductees

March 6, 2026

The National Confectionery Sales Association has announced the Candy Hall of Fame Class of 2026 and the recipient of the NCSA Distinguished Service Award.

ART launches crowdfunding campaign

March 5, 2026

Automated Retail Technologies, a developer of the fully automated Just Baked hot-food robotic kiosk, has launched a regulation crowdfunding campaign to support…

Missouri high schoolers recognized for vending savvy

March 4, 2026

At Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, marketing teacher Sarah Pincus emphasizes hands-on learning, giving four seniors the opportunity to operate a real-world…

North Carolina college offering healthy meals via vending

March 3, 2026

North Carolina's Robeson Community College has introduced a new healthy food option for students and staff with the installation of an a la carte-style…

SandStar debuts VRK AI vending kiosk

March 3, 2026

SandStar has debuted the SandStar VRK, an vending kiosk featuring AI computer vision.

InventHelp inventor develops sports vending machine

March 2, 2026

An inventor from Akron, Ohio, has developed Vendi Sports, a vending machine designed to provide convenient access to sporting goods such as tennis balls…

Automated dining takes flight at Southwest Florida International Airport

by Richard Slawsky

For kiosk and vending machine vendors, the trend toward vending-operated food service represents potential for significant expansion. For foodservice brands…

Temple University to provide emergency contraceptives via vending

February 27, 2026

Temple University students now have access to a vending machine that dispenses emergency contraception pills, according to the campus publication Temple…

Winery installs art vending machine to enhance visitor experience

February 26, 2026

Presqu'ile Winery, in California's Santa Maria Valley, has expanded its art programming by installing an Inciardi Mini Print Vending Machine in its tasting…

Iconic British phone boxes to become vending machines

February 26, 2026

Plans submitted to the Canterbury City Council in the county of Kent, England, propose repurposing two iconic red phone boxes into a vending machine and a grab…