Nominations open for 2026 Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

The organizers of the Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) Show are accepting nominations for the 2026 ARKI Awards, recognizing the companies, products, deployments and technologies driving innovation across the automated retail, kiosk, vending and self-service industries.

Ray Friedrich talks AI, automation, next era of self-service

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Ray Friedrich reflects on the lessons learned from introducing some of the industry's earliest self-service technologies, discusses how AI is changing customer experiences and explains why successful automation is about enhancing — not replacing — the human element.

What 2 studies reveal about self-service success

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Two academic studies suggest the most effective self-service deployments balance automation with accessibility and user-centered design. Although the research examined very different settings, both papers offer practical guidance for kiosk manufacturers, software developers and organizations deploying self-service technology.

NERSA scholarship fund awards record $147,700 to 21 students

The Allan Z. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded a record $147,700 in financial assistance to 21 students whose parents work for operator and supplier…

Foodservice

Foodservice is the “backbone” for many convenience services operators. The operator provides meals at a client location, usually preparing most of the food onsite. Convenience services operators often supplement this service with vending machines at the location.