VIDEO: New tech takes center stage at NRF’s Big Show 2025VIDEO: New tech takes center stage at NRF’s Big Show 2025

Artificial intelligence, computer vision, electronic shelf labels, retail media network technology, and more captured the imaginations of retailers from across the globe at the National Retail Federation’s Big Show convention in New York City last week.

We made the rounds on the show floor to find the hottest new tech on the market. 

Augmodo

This startup tech company, featured in the Innovators Showcase, uses computer vision collected from wearable smart badges to track every product in the store. Associates wear the high-tech badges, which passively collect data throughout the store during the regular course of business. The gadgets also include a security button. 

Dragonfruit AI

This suite of AI-powered solutions includes 19 applications covering everything from shoplifting detection, self-checkout fraud, smoke and fire detection, slip-and-fall prevention, and more. The platform uses retailers’ existing camera infrastructure and makes it smart using artificial intelligence. 

FlexFactor 

This unique tech solution works with retailers to convert failed payments into revenue. Whether the transaction failed due to a faulty credit card decline or some other reason, FlexFactor evaluates the declined sale, purchases it from the retailer, and works to authorize the transaction as the merchant of record. The company was featured in the NRF Innovators Showcase.

Publicis Sapient

The tech service, featured in the NRF Innovators Showcase, enables customers to scan the products in their refrigerators and then provide recipes based on those products. Publicis Sapient is working with suppliers like Unilever to help reduce food waste. 

Rockbot

This in-store retail media network company offers digital signage, music, and TV to the physical store. Rockbot works with retailers to “create a curated dynamic environment that’s custom to convenience and grocery stores,” according to Robert Cornell, SVP of Sales at Rockbot. 

Sensei

If you thought checkout-free stores were on the way out, think again. Sensei has a new solution that they say outperforms “Amazon’s Just Walk Out” technology. 

SoundHound

This voice-activated tech has a wide variety of applications, including everything from drive-thru ordering kiosks to in-store media that enables human conversations with AI.

VusionGroup

Electronic shelf labels are more than just digital versions of their printed counterparts. They can provide a host of data and insights for retailers.