From PCMAG · Rob Pegoraro · · 1m 10s
Robot Arm Hands Snack at LA Convenience Store
A robot arm at LAX Metro station dispenses snacks via app, with cold Perrier refund.
In brief
A robot arm at LAX Metro station dispenses snacks via app, with cold Perrier refund. VenHub's robot store at LAX sells snacks at low prices but reports a $10.5 million loss in Q2 2026. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Robot arm at LAX store
Peter, a robot arm with no face or mouth, dispenses snacks at a VenHub Smart Store near LAX International Airport.
“Peter”
VenHub store features
The store sells snacks, drinks, toiletries, and LA Metro-themed merchandise without human interaction.
App shopping process
Users order via VenHub app, then one of two robot arms plucks items from shelves.
Low prices for snacks
VenHub sells USB-C cables for $9.99, Cheez-Its for $3.99, and Pop-Tarts for $3.79.
Perrier purchase
The author bought a $1.29 Perrier can with tax, paid via Google Pay, and received it cold.
Refund issue
VenHub issued a refund because the system thought the can wasn't picked up.
Q2 2026 financials
VenHub reported a $10.5 million loss in Q2 2026, improving from a $20.5 million loss in Q2 2025.
CEO expansion plans
VenHub CEO Shahan Ohanessian plans to expand through large companies, municipalities, and transportation hubs.
The main idea
VenHub's robot store at LAX sells snacks at low prices but reports a $10.5 million loss in Q2 2026.
