Don't forget: ARKI Awards nomination deadline is Sept. 4

Time is running out to submit nominations for the 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards. The Sept. 4 deadline is approaching for companies…

How vending machines can help reduce plastic, other waste

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Vending machines are commonly associated with disposable bottles, wrappers and cups, but the same automated infrastructure could help move consumers away from single-use packaging. The concept has already taken root in Europe and could potentially offer benefits to the United States as well.

The fresh food frontier, part 2: Fresh vs. frozen is an operating decision

by Ben Wheeler — Dir. of Business Dev. - Automated Retail, T-ROC

Once an operator decides to offer meals through automated retail, another question appears quickly: Fresh or frozen?

Study explores expanding contraception vending across New York campuses

Researchers at Binghamton University are studying the use of emergency contraception vending machines on New York college campuses and whether students want…

Vending

Vending machines service is the primary service for most convenience services operators. Vending usually refers to food and refreshment service machines, including candy/snack machines, cold beverage machines, hot beverage machines, refrigerated food machines and frozen food machines.