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

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

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, ATM Marketplace & Food Truck Operator

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

Transforming high-traffic operations: The power of strategic self-service

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Networld Media Group

A panel of experts at the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show Dec. 10-12 will discuss how strategically deploying smart self-service solutions can elevate…

Why a loyalty program is a 'must have' for retailers

by Judy Mottl — Editor, RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Len Covello, CTO at Engage People, shares expert insights on what a successful loyalty program should provide to…

Presented by Engage People

NCSA accepting nominations for candy hall of fame

November 27, 2025

The National Confectionery Sales Association is accepting nominations for the its Candy Hall of Fame class of 2026. The hall of fame recognizes remarkable…

NCSA Inducts 11 industry leaders into the Candy Hall of Fame

November 11, 2025

The National Confectionery Sales Association has honored 11 industry leaders with inclusion into the Candy Hall of Fame.

Steven King on leading ARKI and the future of automation

Steven King joins The Automation and Self-Service Podcast to discuss ARKI’s rebrand and how automation, AI and human connection are driving the next phase of…

Gen Z loves Nerds, the candy kind

November 10, 2025

When it comes to candy the Gen Z demographic is all about nerds, Nerds candy to be specific.