Autonomous Retail Merchandiser | ARM | Structural Concepts | Structural Concepts

Serve Fresh Food
Anywhere, Anytime

Autonomous Retail That Fits Any Environment

The Structural Concepts ARM platform delivers intelligent, frictionless merchandising for fresh food vending and smart retail environments, with two purpose‑built configurations—ARM XL for high‑volume environments and ARM SLIM (coming summer 2026) for compact spaces. Operate seamlessly 24/7 with secure transactions, real-time inventory control, and data-driven insights that help drive up to 30% more recurring revenue.

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One Platform. Two Configurations.

ARM XL — Maximum Capacity

ARM XL — Maximum Capacity

ARM XL is built for high‑traffic, high‑volume environments, maximizing product capacity and merchandising space to support expansive assortments of fresh food vending and grab-and-go offerings. Holding 23% more product than comparable models, it reduces the frequency of restocking while simplifying operational effort. Ideal for airports, campuses, and large venues, it is optimized to perform under peak demand while maintaining continuous access—designed to drive maximum revenue per location.

ARM SLIM — Space‑Optimized Design (Coming Summer 2026)

ARM SLIM — Space‑Optimized Design (Coming Summer 2026)

ARM SLIM features a compact footprint engineered for space‑constrained environments, enabling placement in corridors, lounges, and smaller locations where traditional solutions may not fit. Designed to support healthy, fresh food vending in a refined form factor, it delivers full ARM platform intelligence while expanding access to autonomous retail across new and distributed environments. By maintaining performance while increasing deployment flexibility, ARM SLIM allows operators to unlock revenue from previously underutilized spaces.

ARM Platform — Shared Intelligence

ARM Platform — Shared Intelligence

The ARM platform delivers a seamless, frictionless grab‑and‑go checkout experience—eliminating lines and the need for manual scanning. Often associated with smart fridge vending, the system is powered by precise load cell (weight‑based) sensing to accurately track product selection in real time while enabling robust inventory management and analytics. Secure, multi-layer transaction and access controls protect every interaction, and flexible payment options—including card, mobile, and credential-based access—support a wide range of environments. Designed to scale, the ARM platform adapts easily across locations and use cases.

Purpose‑Built for High‑Value, Compact Spaces.

Why Go Smaller?

Turn overlooked or constrained footprints into productive sales generating environments.

ARM SLIM Coming Summer 2026

ARM Specs

A Simple Working Process

1.  Present payment

2.  Door unlocks

3.  Select products

4.  Close door

5.  Pay or walk away

Frictionless Checkout with Speed and Accuracy

ARM delivers a seamless, grab‑and‑go checkout experience—eliminating lines while improving transaction speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.

Ease of Use

Consumers were twice as likely to choose ease of use (50%) as the most important aspect of contactless experiences—highlighting the demand for fast, intuitive checkout.

Creates Familiarity

Automated retail environments drive adoption, delivering an 11% increase in sales and trip frequency compared to traditional formats

Provides Comfort and Confidence

Contactless interactions enhance food safety and consistency, giving customers confidence in every transaction.

A Seamless, End to End Customer Experience

ARM is designed to deliver a fast, intuitive retail experience that minimizes friction for both operators and consumers. Customers can quickly access products, shop freely, and complete transactions with minimal interaction—reducing wait times while improving satisfaction.
  • Delivers faster, more convenient transactions with a fully frictionless checkout experience
  • Reduces wait times and eliminates traditional checkout bottlenecks.
  • Creates a consistent, intuitive experience across locations and environments.

Flexible Payment & Access Options

ARM is designed to support a wide range of payment methods and access types, making it easy to adapt to both open retail environments and controlled-access settings.

FOB Scanner

Accepts credit/debit, mobile, and credential-based payments, including employee IDs, student IDs, and membership accounts.

Barcode Scanner

Provides secure, contactless access through key fobs, badges, and barcode-based credentials.

ARM Membership 1

Supports customizable membership access, allowing operators to control entry, track usage, and simplify billing across user groups.

Advanced Technology That Powers ARM

Load Cell Technology

The ARM uses integrated load cell trays to accurately track product selection based on weight. Operators assign items digitally, allowing the system to identify what is removed or returned. LED shelf lighting visually confirms interactions and highlights discrepancies, ensuring accurate transactions and simplified restocking.

Inventory Management

Track inventory levels, product movement, and sales performance through a centralized platform. ARM provides real-time insights that allow operators to optimize assortment, reduce out-of-stocks, and make data-driven merchandising decisions across locations.

Security Systems

Advanced sensing, transaction validation, and access controls work together to ensure accurate purchases and prevent theft. Each interaction is tracked and verified, providing a secure and dependable autonomous retail experience.

Closer Look at ARM

A Closer Look at the ARM

1
Security Camera

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

2
Load Cell Trays

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

3
R290 Refrigeration System

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

4
Interactive LED Shelf Lights

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

5
Ordering Table Cart/Screen

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

6
Credit Card Terminal

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

7
Electronics Box (E-Box)

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

Flexible Operation: Autonomous or Traditional

ARM can operate as a fully autonomous, cashier-less retail solution or as a traditional cooler—giving operators the flexibility to adapt to changing environments and operational needs. In autonomous mode, customers enjoy a secure, frictionless shopping experience. In standard mode, the unit functions as a conventional merchandiser, allowing products to be removed and purchased at a staffed checkout.

Operators can switch between modes instantly through the control interface—making it easy to adjust based on traffic patterns, staffing levels, or location requirements.

Expand Your Product Inventory with DUO Configuration

Increase merchandising space and assortment flexibility with ARM’s DUO configuration—pairing a primary unit with a connected satellite case to offer more products without additional payment terminals.

Seamlessly connected and managed as a single system, the DUO configuration helps operators increase sales potential while optimizing space and equipment investment.

Available Configurations

Refrigerated/Refrigerated

Maximize chilled product capacity across both units.

Refrigerated/Dry

Offer a balanced mix of fresh and shelf-stable items.

Dry/Dry

Expand non-refrigerated assortment for snacks, beverages, and packaged goods.

Stay Relevant in Today’s Foodservice Marketplace

Education Campuses

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 Facilities

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. 

Airports & Entertainment Centers

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.

Office Environments

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

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 

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.

EV Charging Stations

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.

Generate More Sales and Profits with Autonomous Shopping

Watch the video to learn more

  • Operates seamlessly in remote locations
  • Safe and secure cashier-less transactions
  • Simplest and lowest flat fee structures
  • Easy integration with existing payment systems
  • Accepts most methods of payment
  • Lowest overall operating costs
  • Includes SCC's hallmark industrial design and features

Increase Profitability by Lowering Total Cost of Ownership

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

Reduce Labor Costs and Increase Revenue

Unlock the benefits of autonomous retail—reducing labor, increasing product access, and driving incremental sales to improve overall profitability.

Flexible Leasing Options

Access ARM without significant upfront investment through a flexible leasing program designed to support your financial and operational goals.

- Immediate deployment with no large capital investment

- Preserve cash flow with fixed or flexible monthly payments

- 100% financing, including installation and technical support

- Credit options available for new and growing businesses

Fast, Simple Approval

Credit decisions are typically completed within hours, allowing you to begin generating revenue quickly.

Navitas Logo

Real-World Results with ARM

Focusing on delivering even greater value to its customers, Structural Concepts is making fresh food displays more profitable with this new merchandiser that utilizes leading-edge automated checkout technology. 

Automated Checkout allows shoppers to browse products directly on the shelf, have their selections automatically added to their cart, and pay with credit/debit or mobile payment for faster transactions. 

For the operator, the autonomous solution tracks inventory and requires less labor, resulting in lower operating costs and increased productivity.

Noblesville High School Case Study

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Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Case Study

United States Air Force Case Study

First Horizon Ball Park Case Study

HARVEST Clean Eats Case Study

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 was 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.

Explore Models

ARM SLIM (Coming Summer 2026)

SD2826 IS

ARM SLIM (Coming Summer 2026)

ARM SLIM DUO (Coming Summer 2026)

SD2826 IS DUO

ARM SLIM DUO (Coming Summer 2026)

ARM XL Refrigerated

BD3632IS w PRODUCT

ARM XL Refrigerated

ARM XL Dry

BD3632DIS RENDERING PRODUCT ENG 3 27 2024

ARM XL Dry

ARM XL DUO

BD3632 IS BD3632 SIS LINE UP 3 10 2025

ARM XL DUO

View All Autonomous Merchandisers

Payment Options

The ARM technology requires a connection to the internet and payment processing setup.  Operational fees are associated with payment processing as outlined here. 

Easy Setup and Management

Initial Setup

Case Removal from Pallet

Ethernet Cable Installation

Leveling Instructions

Satellite Unit Connection

E-Box Access

Power On Instructions

Shelf Calibration

Inventory Setup

Restocking Instructions

Door and Lock Adjustment

Software Settings Access

Lights Setting Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ARM is designed for secure, unattended operation, combining multi layer access controls, transaction monitoring, and system intelligence to protect both products and users. These safeguards make ARM suitable for 24/7 deployment across diverse locations.
ARM supports flexible payment options, including credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, and credential based access. This flexibility allows the platform to integrate easily into a wide range of workplace, campus, and public environments.
By expanding access to fresh food 24/7, ARM helps operators drive more frequent purchases, higher basket sizes, and consistent repeat usage. Reduced labor requirements, efficient restocking, and data driven insights further support long term operational efficiency and revenue growth.
ARM is built around commercial refrigeration performance and secure access controls to protect product integrity. Real time inventory visibility helps operators manage freshness and rotation, while controlled access and transaction tracking support safe, unattended operation.
ARM uses precise load cell (weight based) sensing technology to track product selection in real time. Shoppers simply access the unit, select their items, and complete the transaction without manual scanning—creating a fast, intuitive grab and go experience.
ARM supports a wide range of fresh, perishable food and beverage programs, including healthy vending initiatives, curated assortments, and chef prepared or branded meal offerings. The platform accommodates prepared meals, salads, sandwiches, snacks, and refrigerated beverages, and is designed to handle changing menus and rotating concepts. Its open merchandising approach makes it easy to align offerings with nutrition guidelines, workplace wellness goals, or brand standards—while maintaining consistent access and operational efficiency.
ARM is often associated with smart fridge vending, but it goes beyond basic smart coolers. The platform combines advanced refrigeration, intelligent sensing, and merchandising flexibility into a purpose built autonomous retail system designed to scale across environments and product mixes.
ARM is designed specifically for fresh food and refrigerated grab and go. Unlike traditional vending machines that rely on item-by-item dispensing, ARM enables a frictionless, open access experience where shoppers can select multiple items at once. The result is better product visibility, greater assortment flexibility, and a more premium foodservice experience.

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!    

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