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…

Presented by SandStar

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…

Presented by SandStar

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…

Presented by SandStar

9 self-service tech trends to watch

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

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…

EV charging stations provide a built-in customer base

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Charging stations are growing in popularity and they present a major opportunity for vending operators.

NYC Asian cultural hub offers self-serve tea-infused vodka vending machine

January 2, 2026

An Asian hub called Hue House in Midtown Manhattan in New York City is home to a self-serve tea-infused vodka vending machine.

Kentucky convention centers deploy smart-vending program

December 31, 2025

Visitors to Kentucky's convention sites may access high-end local snacks and interactive technology following the launch of a "smart" vending program at the…

Rollney Singapore deploys robotic ice cream vending machine

December 30, 2025

Rollney Singapore, a dessert brand, has launched a fully robotic soft-serve ice cream vending machine.

Hershey acquires LesserEvil snack company

December 26, 2025

Hershey Company has completed it acquisition of the LesserEvil snack company.

Vending machine doles out free meals in Kentucky

December 23, 2025

A vending machine in Lexington, Kentucky is providing free meals and to-purchase meals round the clock.

Kraft Heinz hires Steve Cahillane as CEO

December 16, 2025

Kraft Heinz has chosen Steve Cahillane, former Kellanoa chief, as CEO come Jan. 1, 2026.

Pecan pie vending machine still going strong after 17 years

December 12, 2025

The pecan pie vending machine at Berdoll Pecan Candy and Gift Company in Cedar Creek, Texas, is still pretty popular.

Self-service innovators honored at ARKI Awards

by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show Awards honors innovators and influencers in automated retail, kiosks and responsible self-service.