PAYMENT SYSTEMS


Frictionless futures: how payment tech is powering automated retail in 2026


Going into 2026, payment systems continue to sit at the heart of innovation in vending and automated retail. As consumer expectations sharpen around speed, convenience and personalisation, the market is moving even further toward frictionless, tech-enabled experiences that mirror the best of modern retail. A major part of this evolution is the continued growth of micro markets, smart vending machines and smart fridges. These formats rely heavily on sophisticated payment technology to deliver their full value. Micro markets, increasingly common in workplaces,


offer an open-shelf shopping experience supported by self- checkout kiosks or mobile payments. Their success depends on fast, reliable transaction flows and hybrid payment options from cashless and contactless to account- based and app-driven purchases. For operators, the benefits extend far


beyond the transaction. Advanced payment systems provide real-time insights into buying behaviour, product performance and location-level


trends, helping operators optimise stock,


tailor promotions and improve the customer experience. Chris Ives of VMC says: “Integrating mobile phones and apps into the customer journey is becoming essential to unlocking these opportunities. “Apps enable loyalty schemes, rewards and push notifications that can influence purchasing decisions and build habits over time. Even small enhancements such as adding interactive screens to payment terminals can significantly boost engagement at the point of sale.” His point reflects a broader shift: payment technology is no longer just about taking money it is now a core engagement tool. Looking ahead, the outlook for 2026


is strong. Continued investment in multi- function payment systems will underpin the wider digitalisation of automated retail, enabling operators to personalise offers, streamline operations and unlock new revenue opportunities. For future-focused operators, payment technology remains the most powerful tool for transformation.


Partnership powers smart self-ordering kiosks across the UK


Worldline, a specialist in payment services, and Deliverect, the food tech SaaS company, are expanding their collaboration to bring smart self-ordering kiosks to more hospitality businesses across the UK. The collaboration combines Worldline SoftPOS solution with


Deliverect’s all-in-one kiosk system, recently strengthened through Deliverect’s acquisition of Tabesto. Together, the two companies are helping restaurants and quick-service venues simplify ordering and payment, reduce queues, and enhance the customer experience. The kiosk solution is already live in more than 12 European countries and is now being rolled out to several British businesses operating across multiple locations. This expansion builds on Deliverect’s partnership with Worldline’s secure and scalable payment infrastructure, bringing UK operators access to a proven solution already trusted across Europe. Habib Ansari, UK country head – small & medium business at


Worldline, said: “Worldline’s partnership with Deliverect brings together two complementary areas of innovation: smart ordering and flexible payment acceptance. Together, we’re helping UK


restaurants, cafés, and quick-service businesses improve efficiency, accelerate service, and deliver the kind of seamless experience today’s customers expect.” Powered by Worldline Tap on Mobile, the kiosk enables hospitality


operators to accept payments directly on the device without the need for additional hardware or complex setup. It supports all major payment methods, including contactless cards and mobile wallets, and is fully certified under PCI-MPoC 1.0. Pierre Nonnenmacher, strategic program manager at Deliverect,


said: “At Deliverect, we are proud to partner with Worldline to expand our exclusive all-in-one kiosk solution across the UK. With Worldline’s Tap on Mobile technology, we are accelerating order taking and payment, helping restaurants serve customers faster, operate more efficiently, and ultimately drive more value for their business.” – The solution is now available to UK hospitality businesses through


Deliverect, offering a scalable and cost-efficient way to modernise in-store experiences.


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