SandStar VRK AI Vending Machine Fact Sheet

SandStar’s VRK AI Vending Machine (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms) embodies “Real AI. Real Easy” with its “Any Product…

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Hot meals are back in the [vending] box

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Hot food vending is no longer a novelty. It is a response to real market pressures and a sign that, once again, vending is pushing beyond its historical…

Dutch vegetable breeder unveils veggie vending

February 19, 2026

Dutch plant breeder Rijk Zwaan has developed a vending machine concept designed to encourage young people to eat more fresh vegetables. The machine dispenses…

Florida airport unveils vending-based dining concept

February 18, 2026

Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers is undergoing a major transformation marked by large-scale construction and phased upgrades across the…

UC Berkeley gets fried chicken vending machine

February 16, 2026

A fried chicken vending machine has begun operating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union at the University of California, Berkeley. The machine, dubbed…

Why Smart Coolers and Vending Kiosks Are Becoming the New “Mini Stores”

If you’ve noticed more vending-style setups in offices, apartments, hospitals, or even airports lately — you’re not imagining it. Retail is shifting fast, and…

Coca-Cola discontinues frozen juice can product category

February 6, 2026

No more frozen juice for you or anyone else.

Spokane-area vending machine becomes a local landmark

February 5, 2026

An unusual vending machine has become a local attraction in Otis Orchards, a semi-rural community north of Liberty Lake, Washington, where a glowing…

This Coke machine needs a hug

February 5, 2026

A Coca-Cola vending machine spotted in an unidentified Walmart recently invited shoppers to "Hug Me," rewarding those who do so with a free can of Coke.

Revolutionizing Retail: How SandStar is Leading with Smarter Coolers and Smart Cooler Technology

SandStar is shifting the paradigm for retail by providing integrated AI solutions addressing the challenges businesses face in the selling of chilled products…

Australian airport adds seafood vending machine

February 3, 2026

Port Lincoln Airport in South Australia has added a premium seafood vending machine, giving travelers 24-hour access to some of the Eyre Peninsula's local…

Spain’s fruit law could harm vending operators

February 2, 2026

A contentious debate has emerged in Spain over proposed legislation that would require vending machines in public institutions, including hospitals and…

SandStar TASTE AI Vending Machine -GDM

SandStar’s Premium Taste Series AI Retail Kiosk (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms) is USA-engineered with precision, boasting…

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SandStar EZEgo AI Vending Machine

SandStar’s EZego AI Vending — with 30,000+ units deployed across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 companies — exemplifies “Real AI. Real Easy.” Its…

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SandStar TASTE AI Vending - CVM

SandStar’s TASTE AI Vending: A smart, elegant AI-powered retail terminal (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms). It offers 3 size…

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9 self-service tech trends to watch

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

The recent Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show kicked off with a keynote on nine self-service trends to keep an eye on in the coming years: including…

Sweet Robo to showcase robotic chocolate vending machine

January 19, 2026

Sweet Robo will debut its robotic vending machine ChocPrint, which produces chocolate shapes and logos. This 3D chocolate printing machine is built to engage…

Sprinkles Cupcakes shuts down

January 14, 2026

Sprinkles Cupcakes, a company that sells cupcakes out of cupcake ATMs, has shut down after 20 years in business. The business has removed all products from its…

Card processing fees pose a challenge to vending machine operators

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

With card acceptance becoming a near-necessity in vending due to declining cash usage, processing fees can put meaningful pressure on already thin margins.

Japan fights food waste with discounted food lockers

January 7, 2026

Keikyu Corp and Alpha Locker System Co. introduced an automated locker system at Kanazawa-Bunko Station that provides discounted pastries that would otherwise…