SandStar debuts VRK AI vending kiosk

March 3, 2026

SandStar has debuted the SandStar VRK, an vending kiosk featuring AI computer vision.

From Vending Machines to Autonomous Retail: The Evolution of Grab‑and‑Go Shopping

Retail convenience has always been driven by speed. Customers prefer shopping experiences that save time and require minimal effort. Over the years, retail…

SandStar VRK AI Vending Machine Fact Sheet

SandStar’s VRK AI Vending Machine (30,000+ sold across 30 countries, trusted by 25 Fortune 500 firms) embodies “Real AI. Real Easy” with its “Any Product…

Presented by SandStar

SandStar Unveils the VRK, the New Home for the World’s Most Ambitious Vending Operators

The AI-Powered vending machine brings Four-camera protection, Dual-sensor lock security, and a self-learning engine to the retail floor—all backed by an…

Why Smart Coolers and Vending Kiosks Are Becoming the New “Mini Stores”

If you’ve noticed more vending-style setups in offices, apartments, hospitals, or even airports lately — you’re not imagining it. Retail is shifting fast, and…

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…

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

The AI winter is coming and retailers need a plan

by Erik Nieves — Founder and CEO at Plus One Robotics, Plus One Robotics

To navigate the AI winter and emerge stronger, retailers should invest in automation that has already proven operational value. This is a time to prioritize…

Modulate expert shares insight on responsible AI in voice channels

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

In this episode of the CX Innovators podcast, Mark Frumkin, director of customer success at Modulate, shares expert insight on how online retailers can deploy…

Presented by Modulate

The Future of Customer Trust: Responsible AI in CX Voice Channels

As retailers adopt AI in customer service, the challenge goes beyond efficiency—it’s about trust. Customers expect fast, frictionless support, but also…

Presented by Modulate

AiFi introduces ‘eddie’ API to power frictionless checkout, loss prevention

October 1, 2025

AiFi has launched eddie, an API that applies artificial intelligence to real-time spatial data, enabling physical spaces such as stores and stadiums to…

SandStar AI Vending Drives Revenue and Efficiency for WALL’s Ice Cream in Europe

In the competitive European retail market, WALL’s Ice Cream sought to enhance customer reach and operational efficiency. The brand turned to AI-powered…

Presented by SandStar

How AI can help in operational efficiency, labor productivity, productized compliance

August 28, 2025

In a recent webinar "Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI," presented by Deputy and hosted by Networld…

How AI turning labor from cost center into growth driver for multi-location businesses

August 15, 2025

AI is transforming how multi-location businesses — restaurants, retailers, hotels, etc.— manage their most significant controllable cost: labor. Instead of…

Labor Forecasting 2.0: Predicting Future Demand and Staffing for Efficient Growth with AI

Labor is your most significant controllable cost—but leveraging labor as a growth driver is more complex than ever. Enter labor forecasting 2.0: an AI-driven…

Amazon deploys 1 millionth robot, launches AI model for robotic fleet

July 2, 2025

Amazon has hit a robotic milestone with the deployment of its one millionth robot in operation.

Automated access: Anora Morton, JD on self-service, community impact

Join Anora Morton, JD, and Vending Times editor Sandra Carpenter as we discuss how automation is delivering accessible solutions and community impact.

The strategic embrace: Blending automation and AI power with the human touch to drive customer relationships

by Jeanne Duca — Chief Marketing Officer, BCN

Retailers face a tricky balancing act: using technology to make life easier for customers while keeping the human connection that builds loyalty and trust.