Foodservice

Vendtek adds SandStar artificial intelligence smart coolers to equipment lineup

Image courtesy VendTek

September 24, 2026

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Vendtek Wholesale Equipment has begun offering SandStar artificial intelligence-powered smart coolers to vending operators, entrepreneurs and facility managers nationwide, according to a press release. Customers unlock the coolers with a payment card or mobile wallet, select products from open shelves and close the door, after which computer vision identifies the items and processes the transaction automatically.

The SandStar SRK includes four cameras, cellular connectivity, a real-time shopping cart display and self-learning product recognition. The higher-capacity VRK adds first-in, first-out shelving, a digital advertising display, an illuminated interactive handle and voice alerts designed to discourage theft. Vendtek recommends the systems for offices, hotels, fitness centers, universities and other unattended retail locations.

Operators can use cloud-based and mobile management tools to monitor sales, inventory and equipment status while receiving automated restocking alerts. Vendtek President Tom St. Germain said the company evaluated artificial intelligence-based unattended retail platforms for five years before selecting SandStar. Vendtek says the technology can recognize more than 1.5 million products with greater than 99% accuracy, and the coolers are available now through the Michigan-based distributor.

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SandStar is a global pioneer in AI retail, providing AI vending and AI store solutions. Its technologies help retailers safeguard revenue, optimize operations, and scale secure, efficient AI retail networks worldwide.

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