VenHub Global boosts smart store security to tackle retail industry theft and shrink problem

VenHub Global, a US-based specialist in autonomous smart store technology, has developed six new security and protection solutions.

“We are focused on technology innovations for our smart stores that address the challenges of traditional retail to empower consumers with an easy and enjoyable shopping experience while also providing quantifiable financial benefits for our smart store operators,” says Shahan Ohanessian, CEO at VenHub.

“Theft and product shrinkage are two of the most critical challenges for retail operations today as highlighted by a 2023 National Retail Security Survey that quantified more than $100 billion in annual losses due to retail shrinkage inclusive of theft.”

“We have prioritised addressing this significant challenge as six of our 24 patent pending applications directly address providing for enhanced security solutions in our smart store deployments. Our focus on implementing new forward thinking technologies in our smart stores continues to establish VenHub as the leading provider of autonomous retail today.”

The six patent pending technologies are as follows:

• A multi-layered protective laminate enhances ballistic protection while maintaining optical clarity and offering active defence capabilities.

• A security glass system that combines ballistic protection with dynamic transparency control via integrated smart film technology.

• A retail security tag that integrates traditional alarm systems with advanced location tracking for real-time merchandise location monitoring and recovery.

• A dual function security tag combines traditional alarm-based detection with tamper-responsive mechanisms that permanently mark goods upon unauthorised removal, rendering stolen merchandise commercially worthless.

• A non-lethal security system employs directional acoustic technology to deter unauthorised entry while minimising environmental disturbance and integrating with autonomous retail infrastructure.

• An Integrated security platform combines intelligent surveillance with automated robotic countermeasures for active intrusion prevention in unmanned retail environments.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Autonomous retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.