How an AI Vending Machine Works

The traditional vending machine—with its metal coils, stuck snacks, and frustrating button-mashing—is becoming a thing of the past. In its place is the AI Smart Fridge, a seamless "grab-and-go" solution that feels more like a private pantry than a machine.

But how does it actually function? By looking at the WEIMI AI ecosystem, we can break down the sophisticated workflow that makes this technology a win-win for both business owners and shoppers.

1. The Consumer’s Journey: "Tap, Grab, and Go"

For a customer, the interaction is designed to be frictionless, taking less than 30 seconds from start to finish.

1. Authentication: The customer taps a credit card, swipes a mobile wallet, or scans a QR code on the machine’s reader. This "pre-authorizes" the payment.
2. Unlock & Browse: The door clicks open. Unlike old machines, the consumer can physically touch the products, check labels, and even put items back if they change their mind.
3. The "Grab": The customer takes one or multiple items. There is no need to scan barcodes or press specific shelf buttons.
4. Automatic Checkout: Once the door is closed, the transaction is complete. Within seconds, the system calculates the total and charges the card automatically.

2. The Operator’s Journey: Smarter Management

For the business owner (operator), the AI system eliminates the "guesswork" of traditional vending and significantly reduces labor.

• Product Registration: To "teach" the machine a new item, the operator takes nine photos from different angles. These are uploaded to the WEIMI backend, where the AI learns to recognize that specific packaging.
• Flexible Stocking: Once a product is in the cloud library, it can be placed on any shelf, in any position. The machine doesn't rely on "spirals" or specific slots—it uses its "eyes" to see what's there.
• Remote Monitoring: Operators don't need to visit the machine to check stock. They use a cloud-based dashboard to see real-time sales, inventory levels, and receive "low stock" alerts directly to their phones.
• Restocking at Will: When refilling, the operator simply opens the door, fills the shelves, and closes it. The AI automatically scans the new inventory and updates the digital records.

3. The Core Technology: In-House Vision Algorithms

What makes the WEIMI system unique is vertical integration. Unlike many companies that buy software from third parties, WEIMI is both the manufacturer of the hardware and the developer of the vision algorithm.

• The "Eyes" of the Machine: Each unit is equipped with dual wide-angle cameras mounted at the top. These cameras record the entire shopping process.
• Proprietary AI: Because WEIMI develops its own algorithms, the software is perfectly optimized for the machine's hardware. This results in a 99% correct recognition rate. By controlling both the "body" (the machine) and the "brain" (the code), WEIMI ensures a more stable and reliable experience for global export.

Why AI is Winning

By removing barcodes, sensors, and mechanical coils, AI vending machines are cheaper to maintain and more satisfying to use. With WEIMI’s self-developed vision technology, operators get an all-in-one solution that turns a simple fridge into a high-tech, autonomous retail powerhouse.