How does a smart vending machine work?
A smart vending machine is a fridge with open shelves instead of a coil. Tap your card to unlock it, take what you want, and close the door. Cameras and weight sensors work out what you took and charge your card automatically.
What is a smart vending machine?
A smart vending machine, or smart fridge, uses cameras and weight sensors instead of a mechanical coil. You tap a card to unlock the door, take what you want from open shelves, and close the door. The machine works out what left the shelf and charges automatically.
How do you pay?
Payment is fully cashless. A bank card or phone wallet unlocks the door, and the same card is charged automatically once the door is closed, based on what was taken.
How does it know what you took?
Cameras and weight sensors track changes on each shelf while the door is open. When the door closes, the system compares before and after, and charges for whatever is missing.
How is it different from a normal vending machine?
A coil machine drops product off a spiral, which limits it to small, shelf-stable items and causes frequent jams. A smart fridge has open shelves like a fridge, so it can stock a wider range including fresh meals, and has far fewer moving parts to break down.
Can it stock healthy food and fresh meals?
Yes. Because there's no coil, a smart fridge can hold fresh, ready-to-eat meals, yoghurt and other perishable healthy options alongside typical snacks and drinks.
Is it free for a business to install?
With Smart Market, installation is free to the host business. We earn revenue from product sales, and cover the cost of the machine, stocking, cleaning and maintenance.
Is your site a fit? Around 70 or more people on site on a typical day, whether that's staff, members or visitors, and nothing convenient to eat or drink close by. Machines come in a range of sizes and formats, so get in touch and we'll work out the right one for your space.
Frequently asked questions
How does a smart vending machine work?
You tap a card to unlock the door, take what you want, and close the door. Cameras and weight sensors work out what left the shelf and charge your card automatically.
What if I change my mind about an item?
Put it back before you close the door and you are not charged for it.
Is it secure without staff nearby?
Yes. The door stays locked until a valid card is tapped, so it cannot be opened anonymously, and every item taken is recorded against that transaction.