Smart coolers are AI (artificial intelligence) because they don’t rely on fixed rules, but rather use computer vision and data analysis to learn and make inferences. Cameras inside the cooler capture images of the shelves, and AI-powered computer vision identifies which products are taken or returned. The system then compares these visual insights with a product database to confirm the item type and price. By interpreting images and learning from data, the AI can accurately infer customer actions and automatically update inventory and transactions in real time.

Operators can easily choose products from our master SKU library or upload new items to customize their AI-powered smart cooler. Using advanced computer vision technology, the cooler automatically identifies each product a customer removes—no manual scanning or setup required. Unlike other smart vending machines that demand AI or machine learning expertise, our automated retail kiosks are designed specifically for existing vending operators. You don’t need to train the system or hire technical staff. Our ready-to-deploy AI vending software bridges the gap between traditional vending and modern automation, helping you scale your business from day one.

We understand—AI and its applications can sound complicated. That’s the #1 question we get, and we completely agree! Because our founder comes from decades in the coin-operated amusement and ATM industry, we built our AI vending technology to be as operator-friendly as possible. Our program is roll-out ready, simple to use, and requires no AI or machine learning expertise. We specifically designed our smart coolers and vending systems for traditional vending operators who want to grow with automation—without the steep learning curve. In short, our AI is ready to go right out of the box, no training required.

Vending machines were once simple, mechanical cabinets—glass-front, coin-only systems that dispensed snacks and drinks through basic motorized coils. Over the decades, incremental upgrades followed: bill acceptors replaced coin slots, then credit card readers expanded payment options. Eventually, cloud-based management platforms and digital displays arrived, promising to modernize vending through data, telemetry, and improved customer engagement.

Despite all the innovation, the economics never fully aligned. For most operators, the added complexity, recurring fees, and maintenance costs of connected systems and digital screens failed to deliver a meaningful return on investment. The machines became smarter—but not necessarily more profitable.

Now, the application of AI has shifted that balance. Smart Coolers not only enhance the customer experience but finally provide an ROI that makes technological investment worthwhile. By combining computer vision with incremental pre-authorization, these systems close the loop between convenience and control. A customer taps their card to unlock the cooler, triggering a small pre-authorization, selects their items freely, and as they do, the AI recognizes each product in real time. When the door closes, the system finalizes the transaction—charging only for what was taken, automatically and securely.

Worried about theft? Go ahead and try—but the AI-powered smart cooler will catch you every time. Our advanced computer vision technology tracks what’s taken in real time, and if someone tries to block the camera or move too fast, the system still knows. It performs an automatic audit, comparing inventory before and after each door closure. If any discrepancy is detected, the software instantly flags the transaction and charges the missing item to the customer’s account. Operators can also receive alerts and manually review or charge the cardholder, ensuring complete theft prevention and accountability.

Typical end-to-end product recognition accuracy for most AI smart coolers ranges from about 95–99%, with real-world performance closer to 95% due to challenges like similar packaging, mixed planograms, and less-than-ideal lighting. ReyVend’s AI computer vision system consistently achieves over 99% accuracy, even under difficult conditions—such as inconsistent product facings, poor lighting, and look-alike items, including identical products in different sizes (for example, a 12 oz Coke and a 20 oz Coke). This unmatched precision ensures reliable automated retail transactions and eliminates costly recognition errors.

Many machines out there are vision-only — cameras without sensors or weight measures. That fact alone doesn’t matter; it’s the results in the field that count. A well-oiled system like ReyVend performs at over 99% accuracy, using field data from mixed lighting, similar packaging, and even real-life theft attempts or child-like shenanigans. Hybrid models and new gadgets often claim improved performance, but that’s one of the biggest myths in the industry. What truly matters is how the machine makes inferences to detect what was taken — different technologies can achieve the same outcome. It’s how the AI learns and behaves on the software platform that ultimately drives results.

Traditional pre-authorization systems were designed to secure funds before a transaction is finalized, but they create major challenges in unattended retail environments like AI Smart Coolers. A pre-authorization places a temporary hold—often higher than the actual purchase amount—to guarantee payment. This can confuse customers when they see unexpected pending charges or delayed refunds. For operators, it can lead to declined transactions, customer complaints, and revenue loss if holds expire before capture.

ReyVend fixes this with Incremental Pre-Authorization and Instant Settlement. Instead of large upfront holds, our technology authorizes a small entry amount (like $5) and adjusts it dynamically as products are removed. Once the door closes, only the actual total is captured, and if no purchase occurs, the authorization expires automatically based on the issuer’s policy. The result: faster transactions, no lingering holds, and a smoother experience for both customers and operators.

Powered by Nayax VPOS Touch and Castles S1U2 technology, ReyVend’s approach provides real-time accuracy, instant settlements, and unmatched transparency—setting a new standard for payment trust in autonomous retail.