Introducing BevTM — The Modern Alternative to Traditional Vending with Pre-Authorization, AI Detection, and Auto-Checkout

What Is a Smart Fridge?

A smart fridge or AI Cooler is like a vending machine, but nothing is actually “vended.” Instead, a customer is granted access based on pre-authorization of a credit card. If funds are sufficient (meeting your minimum), the customer can open the door and take whatever they like. The machine uses AI visual detection to instantly calculate what was taken and charges them as they leave. Traditional smart coolers rely on pre-auth holds that linger until issuers release them—hurting the customer experience and repeat business. We replace holds with a quick balance/validity check, then charge instantly at exit so statements stay clean and checkout feels seamless.

Why BevTM Outperforms Other Smart Vending

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

1. Customer approaches and uses their phone (e.g., Apple Pay) or taps/inserts their card to pre-authorize payment.
2. Unlock: if valid & above minimum, door unlocks and a prompt plays.
3. Shop: customer opens the door and takes what they like—no scanning.
4. Close: the hinged door re-latches automatically.
5. Detect: AI cameras + weight sensors analyze what was taken.
6. Price: software totals items.
7. Settle: BevTM closes the transaction immediately at door close—no lingering holds.

Core Features

Why BevTM AI Fridges Outperform Other AI Technology

There is a lot of hype at NAMA and HAHA Vending about the new smart cooler or AI-based vending machine. I get it—it’s cool (no pun intended). But so what? If you own 100 vending machines that are already paid for, why re-invest in new equipment and go through the hassle of learning new technology?

Because you will make more money—period. AI Smart Coolers increase your average ticket by at least 30%. When someone taps their card to unlock the cooler (pre-authorization), they are free to grab as many items as they want—fast. The end result: people buy more. For example, if you do $2000 per month on average, it’s safe to say your revenue will increase by at least $600.

The Unique Differentiators: Why BevTM versus Other Smart Vending Solutions?

1. Instant Settlement. Zero Holds. No lingering pre-auth charges—unlike HAHA Vending. Guests pay as they exit, receipts land instantly. If you want repeat business, you need this. Learn more about pre-authorization problems
2. Anti-Theft + Audit Control — Redundant sensors + tamper detection cut shrink. Switch to audit mode and charge manually with confidence.
3. AI That Actually Learns — Models learn from sensor data to identify what was taken and keep inventory accurate—automatically.

Which Vending Machines Should I Upgrade?

A lot of people say this is a personal business decision—but that’s usually because they don’t know the math! To know if it’s worth upgrading to a smart cooler, input your numbers in the Smart Cooler Calculator and we’ll provide the answer.

Developed by VTM Vending (VapeTM.com)

BevTM is proudly developed and founded by VTM Vending (VapeTM.com), an industry leader in automated retail. With years of vending innovation, the team behind VapeTM brings the same expertise to BevTM.

Explore more vending equipment and accessories in our VTM equipment collection

Why This Is Real AI

Our machine uses learned models and makes inferences on what was took. In short: it’s AI because the machine learns from data and infers what happened using computer vision + sensor fusion, rather than relying on static, brittle rules.

Learned Models

• Computer vision detects and classifies products from shelf images (before/after the door opens).
• OCR can read labels/UPC/expiry text when visible.
• Time-series models learn typical weight patterns per SKU and shelf.

Sensor Fusion & Inference

• Combines change in weight, door-open/close events, and image changes to estimate the most likely SKU(s) and quantities.
• Uses probabilistic reasoning (argmax over P(items | Δweight, Δimage, events)).

Learning Over Time

• Continuously improves SKU recognition and weight expectations from real usage (lighting, placement, packaging variations).

Q: What is stopping people from stealing or blocking the cameras and taking stuff?

A: We prevent both theft and camera blocking with layered controls:

• Pre-authorized access: The door only unlocks after a valid payment method (EMV/NFC/app) and a configurable pre-auth hold. This creates accountability before anyone can reach products.
• Redundant sensing (not just cameras): Shelf weight deltas + door events + images are fused. If someone blocks a camera, weight changes still reveal removals and trigger a review.
• Occlusion/tamper detection: The system detects covered/obstructed lenses, sudden darkness, or camera disconnects. On detection it can warn on-screen, relock the door, and flag the session.
• Tamper-resistant hardware: Recessed/dome-covered lenses, shatter-resistant covers, anti-tamper fasteners, internal cabling, and secure mounts make blocking or moving cameras difficult.
• Real-time responses: Audible/visual alerts, automatic session lockout, and operator notifications when behavior looks suspicious or sensors disagree.
• Post-event audit trail: Encrypted logs with before/after frames, weight traces, and timestamps support charge decisions and store follow-up; low-confidence sessions route to manual review.
• Operational deterrents: Clear signage, bright placement, and door-open timeouts reduce opportunity; risky patterns can trigger stricter rules (e.g., higher pre-auth or staff approval).

No system is theft-proof, but combining pre-auth access, sensor fusion, tamper detection, and operational policies materially reduces shrink and blocks simple “cover the camera” attacks.