Automation and Self-Service Podcast

Automation and Self-Service
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Welcome to Automation and Self-Service podcast, a place where we explore new ways to improve customer service through technology. Hear from industry leaders and get the latest news in the automation field– subscribe today! 

  1. 11/10/2025

    Steven King on leading ARKI and the future of automation

    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".

    14 min

  2. 10/16/2025

    Classic meets modern: How vending is evolving in the age of AI

    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.

    18 min

  3. 09/18/2025

    Keeping kiosks always on: a conversation with Smart Charging Technologies

    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.

    16 min

  4. 08/21/2025

    The future of campus dining? PizzaForno thinks it’s a 24/7 pizza vending machine

    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. Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

    17 min

  5. 07/17/2025

    The automation of eco-friendly cleaning with Mr. Turtle

    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. Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

    20 min

  6. 07/16/2025

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

    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.

    24 min

  7. 05/22/2025

    Expanding unattended retail with Byte Technology

    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. Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.

    25 min

  8. 03/20/2025

    Starting a vending machine business: Unbundled model reduces startup costs

    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.

    16 min
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Welcome to Automation and Self-Service podcast, a place where we explore new ways to improve customer service through technology. Hear from industry leaders and get the latest news in the automation field– subscribe today! 

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