In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast, editor Sandra Carpenter sits down with Steven King, CEO of BlueSky Robotics and Distinguished Professor of Innovation and Emerging Technology at UNC. King is co-hosting and keynoting this year's Automated Retail and Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) show in Tampa, where he'll help lead conversations on how automation, AI and robotics are reshaping self-service industries.

King shares his perspective on the event's evolution from the Self-Service Innovation Summit to ARKI, explaining how the rebrand reflects the growing connections between retail, vending, and technology. He also discusses the importance of applied AI, automation in customer experience and the balance between efficiency and human connection.

Listeners will hear insights from King on what to expect in Tampa this December, including the themes shaping this year's agenda and why collaboration remains central to the future of automation. Listeners of the Automation and Self-Service podcast also receives $100 off of the registration cost using code "PODCAST".

Vending has long been a symbol of convenience, from the nostalgic glow of the classic Coke machine to today's sleek, touchscreen models that accept mobile payments and even make product recommendations. In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast, host Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, sits down with Dale Laszig, a longtime payments industry journalist and content creator who has tracked vending's digital transformation for years. Together, they explore how operators are blending tradition and technology to meet modern expectations.

Laszig discusses the delicate balance between innovation and accessibility, highlighting how operators can modernize without losing the simple, familiar charm that made vending iconic. From AI-powered personalization and smarter inventory management to the rise of unattended retail in coworking spaces and residential buildings, she shares insights on where the biggest opportunities and challenges lie.

As the industry shifts from analog to intelligent, always-connected devices, Carpenter and Laszig look ahead to what's next for automation, from expanding product categories to sustainability and machine design. Whether you're a vending operator, technology provider or simply fascinated by how automation is reshaping everyday experiences, this conversation offers a grounded look at the vending industry's next chapter.

 In the newest episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, Sandra Carpenter, editor of Kiosk Marketplace, talks with Micah Larsen, MBA, sales director at Smart Charging Technologies, about one of the most expensive challenges kiosk and vending operators face: downtime. 

On this episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, we're diving into one of the hottest trends in food tech: 24/7 pizza vending. My guest is Travis Musser, PizzaForno's West Coast lead, who is spearheading the brand's expansion into Southern California.

PizzaForno is North America's first automated pizzeria, serving fresh, high-quality pizzas in just minutes — anytime, day or night. Now the company is making waves on college campuses across Los Angeles, bringing students a late-night dining option that's convenient, affordable and surprisingly fresh.

Musser shares insight about what makes this concept so appealing to students, the reactions he's seeing on campus and why he believes PizzaForno is perfectly positioned to meet the demand for quick, reliable meals in a 24/7 world. He also discusses PizzaForno's unique student ambassador program and where the company hopes to go next on the West Coast.

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In this episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, we're exploring an innovative solution tackling one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time: single-use plastic waste.

Our guest, Benjamin Arts, co-founder of Mr. Turtle, has launched a "refill revolution" in the cleaning product industry. We discuss how Mr. Turtle's self-service stations are not only making it incredibly easy for consumers to refill their cleaning essentials, but also how they're dramatically reducing plastic waste by offering high-quality, effective products with convenience that rivals traditional shopping. Arts shared the journey behind creating this brand and how their automated refill system integrates into daily life.

Our conversation with Arts went beyond just the mechanics of refilling; we also explore the vision driving Mr. Turtle forward. Arts discusses the hurdles of introducing such a transformative concept to the market and the clever strategies they've employed to overcome them. We also look to the future, envisioning how Mr. Turtle aims to expand its reach and further revolutionize consumer habits, making a lasting positive impact on our planet.

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On the latest episode of The Automation and Self Service Podcast, I had a fascinating conversation with Anora Morton, JD, about topics that resonate strongly with groundbreaking initiatives like The Nori Project. It recently launched its innovative Japanese-style vending machines in Louisville, Kentucky. These aren't just typical vending units; they're designed to offer hot and cold, chef-crafted meals, significantly improving access to healthy and affordable food, especially in underserved areas.

Morton provided insightful perspectives on how automated services are evolving to not only enhance convenience but also to create substantial community impact. This aligns perfectly with The Nori Project's mission to address food deserts in West Louisville. Our discussion explored everything from the practical efficiency of these machines, providing delicious meals in under a minute for less than $15, to the broader implications of such technology for future expansion beyond local communities.

If you're interested in how technology is driving positive change and reshaping access to essential services, then this conversation with Morton is a must-listen. We chat about the future of self-service and automation, examining how forward-thinking ventures like The Nori Project are making a tangible difference. It's an engaging episode that highlights the powerful intersection of innovation and community well-being.

Click the link above to listen to the podcast in its entirety, and don't forget to subscribe to the Networld Media Group podcast channel for more great self-service conversations.

On this episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, we're discussing the evolving world of smart kiosks and automated retail. This episode features a conversation with Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, and Lee Mokri, Founder and VP of Sales at Byte Technology. Discover how Byte's versatile technology is expanding unattended retail beyond traditional vending, enabling new opportunities in diverse sectors like healthcare, higher education and niche consumer markets.

Mokri and Carpenter discuss how Byte's innovative solutions are transforming access to goods and services. From providing 24/7 fresh meals in hospitals to enabling ranchers to sell frozen meats directly to consumers, you'll hear how smart kiosks are redefining the landscape of commerce. Tune in to explore the future of automated retail.

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In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times, and Jack Brown, CEO of Legacy Ventures Group, discuss the company's "unbundled" vending packages. Brown's model aims to increase accessibility to vending business ownership, particularly for veterans, women and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, by offering flexible entry points with lower initial investments. The conversation examines the structure and potential impact of this alternative to traditional vending business setups.

Brown explains Legacy Ventures Group's business philosophy, emphasizing strategic planning, collaborative partnerships and long-term growth. The discussion focuses on the company's approach to providing tailored solutions and support, highlighting its commitment to addressing the specific needs of individual entrepreneurs. The podcast explores the company's stated goal of facilitating sustainable business development through innovative problem-solving.

Carpenter and Brown detail the practical aspects of the "unbundled" package concept, outlining how it allows for phased business development. The episode provides information on the potential benefits and challenges of this approach, offering listeners an overview of how Legacy Ventures Group is attempting to modify the vending industry's traditional entry barriers.

The world of retail is rapidly transforming, and at the heart of this change lies the powerful force of artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation with Ray Friedrich, chief strategy officer of East Street Business Advisors, Sandra Carpenter, host of Networld Media Group's Automation and Self Service podcast and editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times, discussed the exciting and sometimes daunting landscape of AI-driven automated retail. The podcast explored how AI is revolutionizing the customer experience, moving beyond simple automation to offer highly personalized recommendations and purchasing journeys.

Friedrich shared compelling examples of how AI is being used to tailor offers and even entire shopping experiences, while also addressing the potential benefits and drawbacks of this level of personalization. The conversation also tackled the critical issue of data privacy, discussing how retailers can ethically leverage the vast amounts of data generated by automated systems to improve operations and build consumer trust.

Beyond personalization and data, Carpenter and Friedrich examined the evolving role of human workers in this increasingly automated environment. Friedrich offered insights into the potential for new opportunities and discussed how businesses and individuals can prepare for this significant shift in the job market.

Friedrich's predictions for the future of this rapidly growing tech offer a glimpse into how these advancements might fundamentally change the way consumers shop and interact with brands, painting a picture of a retail landscape that is both innovative and customer-centric.

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In this episode of the Automation and Self Service podcast, we explore the innovative world of campus wellness with Melanie Day, founder of In Living Curls. Day shares her journey of bringing hair care vending machines to Kentucky colleges, including Morehead State University. We discuss the impact of this initiative on student well-being, particularly for students of diverse backgrounds, and explore the challenges and triumphs of introducing this unique self-service solution.

Discover how technology is empowering students with personalized hair care options while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity on campus. Listen to learn how In Living Curls, grounded in accessibility, affordability, and community, is transforming the college experience.

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Follow In Living Curls's self-service journey on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

In this episode of the Automation & Self-Service Podcast, host Sandra Carpenter explores the world of restaurant automation with Parrish Chapman, chief revenue officer of GRUBBRR.

GRUBBRR is a provider of self-ordering technology that streamlines restaurant operations and improves customer experiences. By leveraging AI and data-driven insights, GRUBBRR helps businesses increase efficiency, boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction.

Chapman shared insights into the latest technologies shaping the industry, including self-ordering kiosks, AI-powered solutions and data-driven analytics. Learn how GRUBBRR's innovative platform can streamline operations, improve customer experiences and seamlessly integrate with existing POS systems and payment platforms.

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In this episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, Kiosk Marketplace Editor Sandra Carpenter talks with Sassan Rahimzadeh, president of Arya Cleaners. They discussed the history of self-service in the dry cleaning industry, exploring the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the sector.

Rahimzadeh shared insights into Arya Cleaners' approach to customer service, technology integration and its commitment to delivering high-quality garment care.

He recently told Retail Customer Experience, "The best marketing always creates trust between consumers and product. To get things off the ground sometimes you may in fact have to resort to the live human resource to be able to create that trust between consumer and machine."

Rahimzadeh will also join other industry leaders at Self Service Innovation Summit for a panel talk, "Self-Service Retail: A Profitable Path to Growth in High-Traffic Locations" Dec. 9-11 in Tampa, Florida. Registration continues through Dec. 6.

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In recent months, the availability of ammunition vending machines has sparked significant debate and controversy. From concerns about accessibility to questions about safety, these machines have become a hot topic.

To dig deeper into this issue, Vending Times sat down with Grant Magers, the CEO of American Rounds, a company in the development and distribution of ammunition vending machines.

Magers discusses the company's stance on safety regulations, addresses the concerns raised by lawmakers and provides insights into the potential benefits of these machines. Join us as we explore the growing trend of ammunition vending machines and the ongoing discussion about their impact on public safety.

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This past year, Gong cha, an international bubble tea chain, has seen a surge in self-service kiosk usage across its stores in the Americas.

In the inaugural episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, Rebecca Kahn, Gong cha's franchise business leader executive for the U.S. and Canada, shares insight with Kiosk Marketplace Editor Sandra Carpenter on how Gong cha's Gen Z customers interact with kiosks, touching on boosts in sales, personalization and an enhanced customer experience.

This podcast is an extended conversation stemming from a feature article exploring Gong cha's triumphs in the beverage industry.

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