What is the Automated Retail Merchandiser (ARM)?

The Automated Retail Merchandiser (ARM) is an advanced autonomous retail solution designed to provide secure, cashier-less transactions in high-traffic locations. It offers 23% more product capacity than similar systems and allows for easy restocking and seamless integration with payment systems.

How does the automated retail improve operational efficiency?

The ARM enhances operational efficiency by reducing labor costs, simplifying restocking, and streamlining inventory management. Its advanced automation and checkout process create a faster, more reliable retail experience with minimal manual intervention.

What payment methods does the Automated Retail Merchandiser support?

The ARM supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, student and work IDs, and mobile payment options. It is designed for easy integration with existing payment processing systems.

How does the Automated Retail Merchandiser ensure security and accuracy in transactions?

The ARM uses advanced security features, including a built-in security camera that monitors product selections to resolve disputes. Additionally, its load cell trays and interactive LED shelf lights ensure accurate product tracking during transactions.

What are the key features of the Automated Retail Merchandiser?

Key features of the ARM include an automated checkout system, smart load cell trays for precise inventory tracking, LED shelf indicators, and an efficient refrigeration system with a variable speed compressor for fresh food storage.

ARM | Structural Concepts

Stay Relevant in Today’s Foodservice Marketplace

74% of small and mid-sized businesses expect their customers will continue to prefer contactless payments as much as or more than they do currently.

66% believe that automation can improve their shopping experience inclusive of the increasing need for food safety and product consistency.

To combat the increased complexity caused by the labor shortage, 72% of retailers/sellers of fresh food are using, or planning to use, automation to decrease their team’s time on hands-on work.

Increased Speed and Accuracy of Transactions

Ease of Use

Consumers were twice as likely to choose ease of use (50%) as the most important aspect of contactless experiences over the next option (data security, at 25%).

Creates Familiarity

When compared to locations that offer little to no automation, automated stores experienced an 11% sales lift among shoppers, as well as an 11% increase in trip frequency.

Provide a Level of Comfortability

Alleviates shopper concerns by ensuring greater food safety and product consistency.

The Structural Concepts Autonomous Retail Merchandiser is an Ideal Solution for All Fresh Food Selling Environments

Education

38% of college students want dining options open 24/7. McKinsey

More than 50% of institutions polled are interested in mobile ordering and/or cashierless pickup. McKinsey

Campus store/cafe traffic increased 21% and average transactions grew 23% in the months after going autonomous. Chartwells Higher Education Path Forward Survey

Having automated options for checkout ranked higher and more important than having human checkout options. NACUFS Campus Dining 2030 and Beyond

Learn how to automate foodservice in education—download the full brochure below.

Healthcare

71% of operators indicate that they are likely to invest in replacing equipment, and 68% said they are likely to invest in technology within the next 24 months. AHF State of the industry Report

22% (one-fourth) say that automation and technology is the biggest trend in healthcare dining right now, and 9% say they’re using it to help them with their labor shortage issues. FSD’s Healthcare Survey

To combat the increased complexity caused by the foodservice labor shortage, 72% of sellers of fresh food are using, or planning to use, automation to decrease their team’s time on hands-on work. Foodservice Director

Just over one-third of employee meals are from on-site offerings. Most employee meals are brought from home, though nearly 20% of healthcare employees are getting their food from an off-site provider. Datassential

Learn how to automate foodservice in healthcare—download the full brochure below.

Download Brochure

Travel & Entertainment

Contactless options in the hospitality segment popularized by the pandemic will continue to be in-demand for the foreseeable future. Lodging Foodservice Report

59% of sports fans and concert goers would spend more on food & beverages if wait times were shorter. AiFi, How Autonomous Store Solutions are Transforming Industries for the Better

Only 10 minutes is the maximum acceptable time attendees will wait to purchase food and beverages. AiFi, How Autonomous Store Solutions are Transforming Industries for the Better

Many airports do not have enough space to hold the necessary equipment for restaurant outlets, and they are struggling to get the best equipment, while supply chain issues and financial constraints are major concerns. Forbes

Learn how to automate foodservice in travel and entertainment—download the full brochure below.

Businesses & Institutions

Less than 30% of companies offer an on-site, formal cafeteria. SHRM

28% of employees would like their employer to provide healthy snacks at the workplace by offering convenient, healthy options to employees. Food in the Workplace Survey Reveals Food Perks Influence Millennials

Creating spaces where employees can grab a quick bite and take a coffee break when they need to recharge is a growing trend on business campuses. The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management’s Semi-Annual Industry Standards and Benchmark Comparisons Report NACUFS Campus Dining 2030 and Beyond

Learn how to automate foodservice in businesses and institutions—download the full brochure below.

There were over 61,000 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in the United States.

64% of Americans live within 2 miles of a public charging station, and those who live closest to chargers view EVs more positively.

In addition to WiFi and eco-lounge workspaces, EV owners are requiring on-the-go refreshments offering convenience to members and providing refreshments allowing a pleasant wait while cars charge.

Convenience stores are evolving along with EV stations, and a few of the latest charging plaza and lounge concepts don’t even envision being staffed by humans at all. Station builders are exploring autonomously operating micro-retail stores that are essentially walk-in vending machines.

Pew Research

Learn how to automate foodservice in EV charging stations—download the full brochure below.

Download Brochure

Flexible, Secure, and Streamlined Access

We’re expanding the capabilities of the ARM with new scanner-based payment options—offering greater flexibility for both open and closed environments. Whether you’re leveraging employee credentials, corporate IDs, or traditional payment methods, ARM will soon support more ways to access and pay.

FOB Scanner

Supports secure, contactless transactions using key fobs—ideal for workplace settings or restricted-access locations.

Barcode Scanner

Enables quick and seamless purchases with barcode-based IDs or internal credentials—perfect for streamlined user experiences in high-traffic areas.

Now You Can Run the ARM Both Ways

The ARM now has the ability to transition from a cashier-less system allowing shoppers to pay with credit/debit, mobile payments, or other forms of IDs for faster transactions to one of a utility open cooler where fresh food and chilled beverages can be manually taken out and purchased at the checkout counter.

Depending on the situation, an active ARM can offset labor and operational challenges with a cashier-less transactional system; in an inactive state, the ARM can simply act as any other merchandiser, holding 23% more inventory than any other models, where products are taken off shelves and purchased manually.

How It Works

1. Change the mode setting of the ARM from the kiosk using the operator’s login.

2. Immediately change the mode setting (activate/cashier-less or deactivate/basic cooler) on the kiosk without having to preprogram a setting/time/day.

3. When the cashier-less mode is activated, the kiosk will only show a start screen.

ARM Membership Function Has Its Privileges

In addition to using a cashier-less system allowing shoppers to pay with credit/debit, mobile payments, or other forms of IDs for faster transactions, the ARM can now be programmed by type of membership account, meaning that preselected individuals or groups can access fresh food, chilled beverages, or non-food products by simply logging in their member account number.

How It Works

1. Push the Membership Screen Button
2. Enter Your Membership Number or Scan Your Membership Card
3. Continue to Shop Following the Prompts

This is a perfect application for country clubs, health club facilities, and any other organization who want to sell more merchandise in a quick and efficient way, accessible 24/7 in remote locations, while still having the ability to track individual usage to bill its members.

Available Configurations

Refrigerated/Refrigerated

Keep your products chilled to perfection.

Refrigerated/Ambient

The perfect blend of freshness and convenience.

Ambient/Ambient

Versatile options for any merchandise.

A Closer Look at the ARM

Security Camera

Directed down to only capture hand making selections; used only to settle disputes.

Load Cell Trays

Operator programs food in each tray via the App; Weight tells systems what’s been selected.

R290 Refrigeration System

Slide-out pan, variable speed compressor, and an on board condensate pan.

Interactive LED Shelf Lights

Identifies tray that product was selected from and turns red when wrong product is put in a tray.

Ordering Table Cart/Screen

67% of consumers highlight that contactless experiences are important because they’re easy to use.

Credit Card Terminal

A majority of those who say that contactless experiences are important say it’s because they’re quick (59%).

Electronics Box (E-Box)

65% of consumers said privacy was a heightened concern, and they prefer an anonymous/privacy-protected shopping experience.

Explore Models

Refrigerated BD3632IS

Ambient BD3632DIS

ARM DUO BD3632-IS

Refrigerated Satellite BD3632SIS

Ambient Satellite BD3632DSIS

View All Autonomous Merchandisers

Increase Profitability by Lowering Your Total Cost of Ownership with the Autonomous Retail Merchandiser

In Tests Conducted with the Competition, Structural concepts Outperformed All Models in Key Areas

Energy: 40% lower
Fees: 54% lower
Labor Costs: 85% lower
Capacity: 23% higher
Profitability: 30% higher
Download Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Brochure

ARM LOCATOR

Want to See and Experience the ARM Up Live and Close?

Click on the button below to locate a Structural Concepts sales office in your market that has an Autonomous Retail Merchandiser in their showroom. Contact that office and arrange for an appointment for a live demonstration today!

Find an ARM Showroom

Easy Setup and Management

Initial Setup

Shelf Calibration

Inventory Setup

Restock Instructions

What the Industry is Saying About the ARM

Kitchen Innovations 2023 Award

A featured recipient of the 2023 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Award celebrating the back of house innovations that improve operations and generate growth through advances in automation, sustainability, efficiency, space saving and more.

National Retail Federation 2024 North America VIP Award Finalist

The ARM was recognized by NRF for Best Commerce/Multi-Vendor Platform Award. Structural Concepts was the only manufacturer considered for this prestigious honor as the other finalists included technology and software solution providers.

2024 Readers' Choice New Products of the Year Awards

The ARM is a nominee for the 2024 Readers' Choice New Products of the Year Awards through Vending Market Watch.

2024 FCSI's Product of the Year Award

The Autonomous Retail Merchandiser (ARM) received the Product of the Year Award from the Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) as part of their 2024 Innovation Showcase. FCSI is one of the most respected, professional organizations offering design and management consulting services, specialized in the foodservice and hospitality industry, across the world.

Serve Fresh Food Anywhere, Anytime

Reinventing the Autonomous Experience

Generate More Sales and Profits with Autonomous Shopping

Enhancing Efficiency and Customer Experience with the ARM