Self-service device market news 2026

Self-service market news: automation becomes the standard

The self-service device market continues to grow rapidly. In 2026, autonomous formats are becoming more common not only in banks and service areas, but also in retail, fast food, e-commerce and the ready-to-eat segment.

Self-service kiosks, flexible checkouts, smart stores, smart fridges and self-checkout solutions help businesses speed up service, reduce queues and adapt to different levels of customer traffic throughout the day.

Co-op introduces flexible checkouts in the UK

One notable example is Co-op in the United Kingdom. The company is introducing flexible checkouts that can operate either as a traditional staffed checkout or as a self-checkout, depending on customer flow.

This format helps retailers respond faster to peak loads. When there are more customers, the area can work as a self-checkout zone. When staff assistance is needed, the checkout can return to the traditional mode.

For businesses, this means:

– shorter queues during peak hours;
– flexible use of retail space;
– reduced staff workload;
– a faster customer journey.

Carrefour expands autonomous smart stores

Carrefour is developing the format of autonomous smart stores, where entry, product selection and payment are fully automated. These stores operate without traditional cashiers and strengthen the trend toward digitalization in offline retail.

Smart stores are especially relevant for urban locations, business centers, transport hubs and high-traffic areas. For customers, it is a faster shopping format. For businesses, it is a way to reduce operational processes and make stores more accessible.

White Castle tests an autonomous kiosk at an airport

Fast food is also actively moving toward autonomous pickup formats. At Southwest Florida Airport, a White Castle kiosk operates without staff and is designed for a high flow of passengers.

This self-service kiosk allows customers to receive their order quickly without waiting at the counter. For food service businesses, this is an important scenario: in airports, shopping malls and transport stations, service speed directly affects sales and customer experience.

SMARTIX develops smart fridges

SMARTIX is launching smart fridges for ready-to-eat meals. The device creates a full retail format without the need to rent a traditional store space.

This solution supports the trend toward micromarkets and retail automation. Smart fridges can be used in offices, residential complexes, educational institutions, fitness centers and other locations where there is demand for quick access to ready-to-eat products.

Why the self-service market is growing

The overall trend is clear: businesses need solutions that work faster, more consistently and are not fully dependent on staff. That is why self-service technologies are becoming not an experiment, but a practical tool for retail, fast food, logistics and e-commerce.

Automation helps companies:

– reduce queues;
– serve customers 24/7;
– lower operational workload;
– scale points of sale;
– create a more convenient customer experience.

Self-service as the new service standard

Flexible checkouts, autonomous smart stores, self-service kiosks and smart fridges show that the market is moving toward faster and more autonomous formats.

For businesses, this is no longer just a technology trend, but a way to stay competitive. Self-service devices help companies adapt to new customer habits and create solutions that work wherever speed and convenience are especially important.