NEXCOM is set to exhibit its innovative smart application solutions designed for the restaurant and foodservice industry at the National Restaurant Association Show 2026 (NRA Show).
Taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, the event will see NEXCOM integrate edge computing and odor-sensing technology to enhance food safety, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience.
Highlights from NRA Show 2026
The National Restaurant Association Show, a key exhibition for commercial technologies and foodservice applications, showcases the latest tech trends and industry solutions.
It offers a comprehensive view of the value chain from product development to frontline operations.
Exploring business automation
Making its inaugural appearance at the NRA Show, NEXCOM intends to reveal an end-to-end suite of commercial solutions. By combining edge computing, IoT connectivity, and various peripheral devices, the company aims to spur business automation and digital transformation within the retail and foodservice sectors.
These solutions tackle pressing industry issues such as labour shortages, food safety, and managing multi-site operations across regions.
Core technologies for Smart Foodservice operations
Under the theme "Real-Time On-Site Computing × Stable Human-Machine Interaction × Intelligent Sensing," NEXCOM introduces a innovative Retail & Food Service architecture. This system is designed for versatility in both front and back-of-house deployment, utilising three vital products and technologies:
- Edge Computing Systems: Facilitate real-time data processing within restaurants and central kitchens, reducing latency while ensuring consistent operation amidst network issues.
- Industrial Touchscreen Computers: Built to resist high temperatures and provide waterproof and dustproof protection, these are perfect for kitchens and self-service areas.
- AI Nose Odor-Sensing Technology: Offers real-time odor data that detects anomalies, transforming "invisible issues" into detectable risks.
Ensuring safety and quality monitoring
The AI Nose technology helps identify safety risks early by detecting unusual oil fumes or gas leaksNEXCOM's SPPC 16-10N150, tailored for challenging kitchen environments, integrates with the Neu-X1045-N150 edge computing system for order, equipment, and sensor data management. The AI Nose technology helps identify safety risks early by detecting unusual oil fumes or gas leaks.
Deployed within refrigerated and food preparation zones, it monitors odors 24/7, providing a mechanism for early spoilage detection, thereby enabling managers to act proactively and prevent potential brand-damaging safety incidents.
Enhancing customer experiences with advanced technologies
In the customer-facing areas, NEXCOM's XPPC 24-10N97A touch panel PCs are built for self-service ordering and operational monitoring, supporting intensive use. When combined with the Duro Edge Computer - NDiS B363, it ensures seamless order processing and system integration.
The AI Nose technology extends to monitoring dining areas, ensuring optimal service quality and elevating the customer dining experience.
Looking ahead to Smart Foodservice operations
As the foodservice industry transitions towards smart, data-centered operations, NEXCOM's offerings at the NRA Show 2026 meet real-world needs for performance, stability, and safety.
By merging durable hardware with intelligent sensing technologies, NEXCOM supports foodservice operators in creating efficient and scalable smart environments.
- National Restaurant Association Show 2026 (NRA Show 2026)
- Date: May 16–19, 2026
- Venue: McCormick Place North Building (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago)
- Booth: 8515
NEXCOM will participate in the National Restaurant Association Show 2026 (NRA Show), held at McCormick Place in Chicago, where it will present smart application solutions for the restaurant and foodservice industry.
By integrating edge computing and odor-sensing technology, NEXCOM aims to help foodservice operators enhance food safety, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
NRA Show 2026
As a globally recognised benchmark exhibition for commercial technologies and foodservice applications, the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA Show 2026) brings together the latest technology trends and industry solutions, providing advanced industrial solutions that span the entire value chain, from product development and supply chains to frontline operators.
Business automation
Making its debut at the event, NEXCOM will showcase its comprehensive end-to-end commercial solutions. By integrating edge computing, IoT connectivity, and a diverse range of peripheral devices, NEXCOM aims to empower the retail and foodservice industries in their journey toward business automation and digital transformation.
These innovations are specifically designed to address critical industry challenges, including labor shortages, food safety, and the complexities of cross-regional, multi-site operational management.
Three core technologies to build a smart foodservice operations platform
Under the main theme “Real-Time On-Site Computing × Stable Human-Machine Interaction × Intelligent Sensing,” NEXCOM presents a smart Retail & Food Service architecture designed for flexible deployment across both front-of-house and back-of-house environments, leveraging three core products and technologies.
- Edge Computing Systems: Perform real-time data processing and analysis directly at restaurants and central kitchens, reducing latency and ensuring continuous operation even during network disruptions.
- Industrial Touchscreen Computers: Designed with high-temperature resistance, waterproof and dustproof protection, and easy-to-clean surfaces, making them ideal for kitchens, counters, and self-service ordering areas with heavy usage.
- AI Nose Odor-Sensing Technology: Utilising real-time odor data to detect ingredient anomalies, environmental odors, or potential risks, transforming “invisible issues” into manageable data.
Ensuring operational safety and food quality monitoring
NEXCOM’s SPPC 16-10N150 is a Touch Panel PC designed for high-temperature, grease-intensive, and fast-paced back of house kitchen environments. Combined with the Neu-X1045-N150 edge computing system, it integrates order systems, equipment status, and sensor data, while providing intuitive operation and real-time visualisation.
The “AI Nose” odor-sensing technology can detect excessive oil fumes, gas leaks, or other abnormal odors, helping kitchen staff identify risks early to improve operational safety and stability. With the edge computing platform deployed in refrigerated, frozen, and food preparation areas, it monitors odor changes 24/7 and identifies early signs of potential food spoilage. Through on-site computing and real-time alert mechanisms, managers can take immediate action, shifting from passive response to proactive prevention and reducing the risk of food safety incidents impacting brand reputation.
Smart stores and elevating customer experience with edge computing and intelligent sensing
Targeted at the front-of-house retail environments, NEXCOM’s XPPC 24-10N97A is a touch panel PC designed for self-service ordering, counter operations, and operational monitoring. It is built to support long hours and high-frequency usage. Furthermore, it pairs with the Duro Edge Computer - NDiS B363 to handle real-time order processing and system integration at the store level, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Additionally, with the AI Nose odor-sensing technology applied, it helps managers to monitor odors in dining areas, restrooms, and waste collection zones as part of service quality management to optimise the overall customer dining experience.
Driving the future of smart foodservice with edge computing
The foodservice industry is rapidly moving toward smart, data-driven operations. The solutions showcased by NEXCOM at NRA Show 2026 are designed to address the industry’s real-world demands for real-time performance, stability, and safety. By combining robust hardware platforms with intelligent sensing technologies, NEXCOM aims to help foodservice operators build safer, more efficient, and highly scalable smart operational environments.
- National Restaurant Association Show 2026 (NRA Show 2026)
- Date: May 16–19, 2026
- Venue: McCormick Place North Building (2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago)
- Booth: 8515
