News & Media From Elliot Maras

Ontario museum finds diverse use for AI powered virtual assistant

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While the original goal for Lana was to check in visitors and give them directions on where to find things in the museum, COVID-19 put those plans on hold. The…

read now

AI robot does double duty and then some for Ontario Regiment Museum

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

An AI powered robot checks in visitors, screens their health status, provides directions to exhibits and activities.

read now

Locations continue to embrace temperature screening, facial recognition kiosks in response to COVID-19

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Customer locations in nearly every sector are investing in temperature screening kiosks to protect visitors and employees from COVID-19.

read now

ICX to fill the void left by DSE's disbandment

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The loss of the Digital Signage Expo comes at a highly inopportune time for the digital signage industry. In the meantime, the Interactive Customer Experience…

read now

Trump or Biden? Veteran AAMA lobbyist calls it a wash

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Which candidate will win the presidential election? The AAMA's lobbyist John Russell IV cites a number of factors that will influence a very tight race in a…

read now

Telehealth technology evolves in response to rising customer acceptance

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Hospitals and pharmacies have used telehealth services for years, mainly as a patient convenience, but industry observers believe they will become even more…

read now

Telehealth kiosks make big strides during COVID-19

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Funding has become more available for telehealth kiosks as a result of COVID-19. In addition, insurers, medical professionals and patients are all more…

read now

EV charging station expansion continues despite the pandemic

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

EV vehicles have expanded steadily over the past decade, and research indicates the coronavirus hasn't taken the wind out of this sector, even as automotive…

read now

Sights set on non-traditional locations, Saladworks pins growth on robotic salad maker

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

When restaurants were closing in response to COVID-19, Saladworks went into overdrive targeting non-traditional locations. The Chowbotics robotic saladmaker…

read now

Hair care specialists tap e-commerce/self-service retail synergy

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Three years after launching their e-commerce business, this entrepreneurial couple began placing vending machines to make their products available to people in…

read now

How self-service helps a healing products retailer weather COVID-19

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

While the company was initially interested in self-service technology to improve customer convenience, the COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated how important…

read now

Workplace safety innovation lets loose

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The self service industry's response to the "new normal" began as soon as quarantines were announced in early spring. The momentum has since escalated.

read now

Touchscreen windowpanes empower self-service ordering

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

How a pair of technology enthusiasts in Sweden came up with a way to allow customers to place orders on a restaurant windowpane, sparing them from having to…

read now

Newk’s Eatery tests ‘hardwareless kiosk,' plans to add vending coolers

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Adam Karveller of Newk's Eatery thinks order habits will change long-term as a result of COVID-19. He thinks curbside pickup, delivery, online ordering and…

read now

Feds make forgivable PPP loans easier to navigate

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The federal government recently introduced simplified PPP loan application form is part of an effort to make the PPP loan easier for companies to use since the…

read now

Speed, quality and health: LA smoothie truck combines robotics with self-order kiosks

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Ono Blends, a smoothie kitchen on wheels operated by Ono Food Co., offers tasty cold treats prepared and served automatically with state-of-the-art robotics.

read now

Pandemic reopenings may be premature; why self-service needs to step forward

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Higher coronavirus hospitalizations in some states could get out of control unless robust tracing measures are deployed, and a slowdown in long awaited…

read now

Starbucks closing 400 stores

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Over the next 18 months, Starbucks will increase convenience-led formats in company-operated locations with drive-thru and curbside pickup options, as well as…

read now

Magnet Analytics stakes its claim with personal electronics kiosks

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Eduardo Alvarez was quick to realize how a retail kiosk serves a customer need. Developing a product and a business model to meet that need has been a gradual…

read now

Robots join the battle against COVID-19

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Robot technology providers are already working in partnership to address COVID-19. A recent webinar provided a extensive overview.

read now