Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Awards

The Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation (ARKI) Awards recognize the companies, technologies, and individuals pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in self-service. From cutting-edge kiosks and vending systems to transformative payment solutions and socially responsible innovations, these awards spotlight the best in the industry.

Each year, we shine a light on the most impactful work shaping the future of automated retail and kiosk technology. Whether you’re launching a groundbreaking product, driving industry change, or leading by example, this is your opportunity to be recognized by your peers—and seen by the entire industry.

Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony during the upcoming Automated Retail & Kiosk Innovation Show.

Award Categories:

This award recognizes the most groundbreaking and impactful innovation within the broader spectrum of automated retail. This category encompasses solutions that go beyond traditional kiosks, including smart vending machines, autonomous stores, robotic retail assistants, and other novel automated systems that are transforming how goods and services are offered and delivered to consumers. We will be looking for originality, functionality, demonstrable impact on the retail landscape, and the potential for future scalability and growth.

This award celebrates the most creative and effective advancements specifically within kiosk technology. This includes innovations in kiosk design, functionality, user experience, and the integration of new technologies. We will consider factors such as enhanced user interaction, improved efficiency, novel applications of kiosk hardware and software, and the ability to solve specific challenges or create new opportunities within various industries, among others.

This award honors the most forward-thinking and impactful advancements in payment technologies specifically designed for automated retail and kiosk environments. This could include contactless payments, mobile payment solutions, biometric authentication, alternative payment methods, or innovative approaches to transaction security and efficiency. We are focusing on originality, security, user convenience, and the potential to enhance the payment experience within self-service settings.

This award celebrates innovations within the automated retail and kiosk sector that prioritize ethical considerations, sustainability, accessibility, and positive social impact. This could include solutions designed with environmental responsibility in mind, technologies that enhance accessibility for all users, or applications that address societal needs in innovative ways. We will assess the nominee’s commitment to responsible development and deployment, considering the broader ethical and societal implications of their innovation.

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated significant influence and leadership in driving innovation and shaping the future of the automated retail and kiosk industry. This could be through thought leadership, advocacy, significant contributions to the field, or the successful implementation of groundbreaking projects. We will consider the individual’s impact on industry trends, their ability to inspire others, and their overall contribution to the advancement of automated retail and kiosk technologies. There is no fee to submit a nomination in this category.

Why Nominate?

Winning is a powerful way to gain industry recognition, attract new business, and validate your hard work. The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts and are open to companies and individuals making a real difference.

Who Should Enter?

If you’re a solution provider, operator, brand, or thought leader with an innovation that deserves the spotlight, we want to hear from you. You can even nominate a partner or colleague doing exceptional work. To qualify for an award, the innovation or solution must have been introduced on or after September 1, 2024.

Ready to Nominate?

Don’t miss your chance to be recognized among the best in automated retail and kiosks.
Submit your nomination today and let your innovation shine.

Submit A Nomination

ARKI AWARDS Nominations

To qualify for an award, the innovation or solution must have been introduced on or after September 1, 2024. You may enter the same innovation or solution in multiple categories, but you must submit a separate nomination form and fee for each category. Contact us if you have questions.

For your nomination, you will be asked to provide:

Brief description of the innovation/solution. Information provided here must be non-confidential as this description may be used for the awards presentation or promotional purposes. (1500 characters max.)
In-depth description including what makes your offering unique in the market. (5000 characters max.)
Link(s) to a website or video about the submitted innovation/solution.

Once you have everything you need, click the button below to submit your nomination. Contact us if you have questions.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION

NOMINATION DEADLINE: August 31, 2025
NOMINATION FEE: $200.00 USD per category

There is no fee to submit nominations for the Influencer of the Year.