Vending

Ukraine based smart fridge company survives amid war

Image: Adobe Stock.

June 30, 2023

Neuroshop, a Ukraine-based provider of smart fridges, has managed to survive as a business during the Russian invasion, despite frequent power outages. Launched in 2018, the Kyiv-based company employs about 40 people and has established customers in Poland, Denmark, Moldova and the United Arab Emirates in addition to Ukraine, according to a Forbes report.

The company offers fridges that are equipped with cameras, RFID scanners and computer vision software that allow customers to pay using a credit card or an app.

The consumer scans a QR code to download the app and enter their credit card information. They then use their phone camera to unlock the fridge door and remove products.

Products include sandwiches, burgers, salads, ready meals and soups costing $2 to $3.50 in Ukraine. Each unit sells about 400 items per month, netting about $1,150, translating into $350 in profit.