Automation & Self-Service Podcast

Classic meets modern: How vending is evolving in the age of AI

Photo: Networld Media Group

October 16, 2025

Vending has long been a symbol of convenience, from the nostalgic glow of the classic Coke machine to today's sleek, touchscreen models that accept mobile payments and even make product recommendations. In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast, host Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, sits down with Dale Laszig, a longtime payments industry journalist and content creator who has tracked vending's digital transformation for years. Together, they explore how operators are blending tradition and technology to meet modern expectations.

Laszig discusses the delicate balance between innovation and accessibility, highlighting how operators can modernize without losing the simple, familiar charm that made vending iconic. From AI-powered personalization and smarter inventory management to the rise of unattended retail in coworking spaces and residential buildings, she shares insights on where the biggest opportunities and challenges lie.

As the industry shifts from analog to intelligent, always-connected devices, Carpenter and Laszig look ahead to what's next for automation, from expanding product categories to sustainability and machine design. Whether you're a vending operator, technology provider or simply fascinated by how automation is reshaping everyday experiences, this conversation offers a grounded look at the vending industry's next chapter.