Category Archives: retail automation news

NAMA 2026: AI-drives opportunities for unattended retail; 9 takeaways to consider

AI plays a key role in convenience services post-COVID rebound “Fresh Food, No Kitchen Required” was how Aramark Refreshments greeted visitors at Imagination Way, the entry point at the NAMA 2026 trade show in Los Angeles last week. That theme carried itself throughout the Los Angeles Convention Center as attendees discovered the myriad ways unattended retail technology enables… Read More: NAMA 2026: AI-drives opportunities for unattended retail; 9 takeaways to… »

NRF Big Show 2026: Top 10 takeaways on push to self service, exhibitor highlights

Photo provided by the National Retail Federation. NRF Big Show 2026 Report One would be guilty of hyperbole to say that the NRF Big Show in New York City has become the largest self-service technology show in the world. But a veteran attendee can certainly say the number of unattended service exhibits has surged every year, driven by… Read More: NRF Big Show 2026: Top 10 takeaways on push to… »

Technology drives vending use cases, tasks equipment service teams

Service and Vending Much has been reported about new capabilities of self service equipment thanks to technology, but when it comes to vending, one maxim has never changed since the time Hero of Tesibus is believed to have invented a coin-operated machine to dispense sacrificial water in ancient Egypt: Service makes the difference. In vending industry parlance, “service”… Read More: Technology drives vending use cases, tasks equipment service teams »

Out of the warehouse, RFID sows new uses

Customer experience, theft prevention, inventory transparency and more take center stage RetailNOW panel explores rising RFID use cases With technologies improving many aspects of retail operations, one longtime standby not to be overlooked thanks to its convenience and versatility is radio frequency identification (RFID). Best known for simplifying inventory management, RFID has evolved to improve the customer experience… Read More: Out of the warehouse, RFID sows new uses »

LAX Metro Transit Center deploys VenHub robotic smart store

VenHub launches Smart Retail Store at LAX/Metro Transit Center at Los Angeles International Airport June 6, 2025. Photo provided by VenHub.

The launch marks VenHub’s first deployment in partnership with LA Metro, with additional locations planned VenHub Global, Inc., a provider of an autonomous, AI-powered retail store, unveiled its flagship Smart Store at the LAX/Metro Transit Center at Los Angeles International Airport earlier this month, the company announced in a press release. The Smart Store brings secure, frictionless, and… Read More: LAX Metro Transit Center deploys VenHub robotic smart store »