How AI Vending Machines Recognize Your Purchases

Modern vending machines have evolved far beyond the clunky coils and stuck candy bars of the past. Today’s AI-powered "smart fridges" offer a "grab-and-go" experience that feels like magic: you swipe your card, take what you want, and the machine knows exactly what you’ve grabbed the moment you close the door.

But how does it actually work? Using the WEIMI AI system as a blueprint, here is a look at the sophisticated technology that makes this possible—and why our in-house approach sets them apart.

1. Teaching the AI: The "Learning" Phase

Before a machine can sell a single soda, it must first be taught what that soda looks like. Unlike traditional machines that rely on barcodes, AI machines use image recognition.

• Multi-Angle Training: Operators take nine distinct photos of a product from different angles.
• The Algorithm: These photos are uploaded to the WEIMI backend system, where a proprietary visual algorithm "studies" the item's shape, color, and branding.
• The Cloud Library: To save time, once a product is approved, it enters a global cloud product library. If another operator wants to sell the same item, they can simply import the data without taking new photos.

2. Dual-Camera Surveillance: "Eyes" on the Prize

Inside the top of a WEIMI AI vending machine are two wide-angle cameras. These cameras act as the eyes of the system, providing a full view of the interior.

The process follows a strict real-time sequence:

1. Entry: The cameras activate the moment a customer swipes their card and opens the door.
2. Tracking: The system records every movement. It doesn't just look at what is missing from the shelf; it tracks what is taken out and what is put back.
3. Accuracy: Because the AI has already been trained on the product images, it can identify items with a 99% accuracy rate.

3. The Human Safety Net

Even the best AI can face challenges—for example, if a product is very small or if a customer’s hand completely blocks the camera’s view.

To ensure fairness, if the algorithm is uncertain about a transaction, the video clip is automatically flagged and sent to professional human reviewers. This double-check ensures that customers are never overcharged and operators don't lose inventory due to technical glitches.

Why This is a Game Changer

This technology offers several massive advantages over older systems:

• No Barcodes Needed: Products don't need special stickers or RFID tags.
• Zero Sensors: The shelves don't require weight sensors, making the hardware more durable and easier to maintain.
• Flexible Stocking: Merchants can place any product on any shelf at any time; the AI recognizes the item by sight, not by its location.

The WEIMI Advantage: Vertical Integration

What truly distinguishes this system is that WEIMI is both the manufacturer of the hardware and the developer of the software. > Total Control: By developing our own vision algorithms rather than relying on third-party companies, WEIMI has complete control over the integrated management process. This independence allows for faster updates, better hardware-software optimization, and a more reliable export product for global markets.