Vendtek Brings SandStar AI Smart Coolers to Operators Building the Future of Vending
Vendtek Wholesale Equipment announces the availability of SandStar AI smart coolers, giving operators a computer-vision vending format that lets customers tap, grab and go while expanding product flexibility in offices, gyms, hotels, campuses and other unattended locations.
Wixom, MI, September 23, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Vendtek Wholesale Equipment, a vending equipment distributor and service center operating since 1989, today announced the availability of SandStar AI smart coolers for vending operators, entrepreneurs, business owners and facility managers across the United States. The SandStar SRK and flagship VRK turn a traditional vending footprint into an open-shelf, grab-and-go retail experience powered by computer vision, connected operations tools and cashless payment.
Customers tap a credit card or mobile wallet to unlock the cooler, browse products freely, take what they want and close the door. SandStar’s computer-vision system identifies the items removed, updates the shopping cart and charges the customer for what they keep—without product scanning, fixed coil selections or a staffed checkout line.
“Over the past five years, we have researched and field-tested a wide range of AI-powered unattended retail solutions before ultimately selecting SandStar. As a global pioneer in AI retail technology, SandStar stood out for its product quality, proven performance, competitive pricing, and superior U.S.-based service and support,” said Tom St. Germain, President of Vendtek Wholesale Equipment.
The SandStar SRK is designed for everyday grab-and-go service in offices, fitness centers, hotels and university common areas. It includes four AI cameras, proprietary 4G connectivity, a real-time editable shopping cart display, self-learning recognition and U.S.-based support. The SandStar VRK adds features intended for high-volume or higher-security locations, including FIFO shelving, a built-in digital advertising display, an interactive LED handle and active theft deterrence with voice alerts. The SRK carries a three-year warranty; the VRK carries a five-year warranty.
For operators, the shift is more than a new payment method. Open shelving supports a broader mix of beverages, snacks and other compatible products, while cloud dashboards, mobile operations tools and automated restock alerts can help teams monitor sales, inventory and machine status between service visits. For businesses and facility managers, AI smart coolers provide an option for convenient retail access where a staffed counter or full micro-market may not fit.
“AI retail solutions are the future of unattended retail, helping operators significantly reduce the costs associated with traditional vending and the profit-sharing models common with micro markets. At the same time, consumers prefer the modern, intuitive shopping experience AI retail provides, driving higher sales per square foot. With lower upfront investment, reduced ongoing maintenance, and greater revenue potential, AI retail creates a win-win-win for operators, locations, and consumers. Operators who do not embrace this shift risk being left behind,” said Tom St. Germain, President of Vendtek Wholesale Equipment.
Vendtek selected SandStar after evaluating AI smart cooler platforms from manufacturers around the world. The company says SandStar’s platform combines true computer-vision recognition, connected fleet management and U.S.-based support. SandStar says its vision AI recognizes more than 1.5 million SKUs with 99%+ accuracy.
SandStar AI smart coolers are available now through Vendtek. To explore the technology, compare the SRK and VRK, or discuss a location, visit https://vendtek.com/ai-vending-machines/ or contact contact@vendtek.com and (248) 669-2646.
About Vendtek Wholesale Equipment
Vendtek Wholesale Equipment, Inc. is a wholesale distributor and service center for vending equipment. The company has served the vending industry since 1989 and helps operators and businesses select, purchase, finance and support equipment for their locations. For more information, visit https://vendtek.com/.
Media contact:
Tom St. Germain
Vendtek Wholesale Equipment
contact@vendtek.com
(248) 669-2646
Customers tap a credit card or mobile wallet to unlock the cooler, browse products freely, take what they want and close the door. SandStar’s computer-vision system identifies the items removed, updates the shopping cart and charges the customer for what they keep—without product scanning, fixed coil selections or a staffed checkout line.
“Over the past five years, we have researched and field-tested a wide range of AI-powered unattended retail solutions before ultimately selecting SandStar. As a global pioneer in AI retail technology, SandStar stood out for its product quality, proven performance, competitive pricing, and superior U.S.-based service and support,” said Tom St. Germain, President of Vendtek Wholesale Equipment.
The SandStar SRK is designed for everyday grab-and-go service in offices, fitness centers, hotels and university common areas. It includes four AI cameras, proprietary 4G connectivity, a real-time editable shopping cart display, self-learning recognition and U.S.-based support. The SandStar VRK adds features intended for high-volume or higher-security locations, including FIFO shelving, a built-in digital advertising display, an interactive LED handle and active theft deterrence with voice alerts. The SRK carries a three-year warranty; the VRK carries a five-year warranty.
For operators, the shift is more than a new payment method. Open shelving supports a broader mix of beverages, snacks and other compatible products, while cloud dashboards, mobile operations tools and automated restock alerts can help teams monitor sales, inventory and machine status between service visits. For businesses and facility managers, AI smart coolers provide an option for convenient retail access where a staffed counter or full micro-market may not fit.
“AI retail solutions are the future of unattended retail, helping operators significantly reduce the costs associated with traditional vending and the profit-sharing models common with micro markets. At the same time, consumers prefer the modern, intuitive shopping experience AI retail provides, driving higher sales per square foot. With lower upfront investment, reduced ongoing maintenance, and greater revenue potential, AI retail creates a win-win-win for operators, locations, and consumers. Operators who do not embrace this shift risk being left behind,” said Tom St. Germain, President of Vendtek Wholesale Equipment.
Vendtek selected SandStar after evaluating AI smart cooler platforms from manufacturers around the world. The company says SandStar’s platform combines true computer-vision recognition, connected fleet management and U.S.-based support. SandStar says its vision AI recognizes more than 1.5 million SKUs with 99%+ accuracy.
SandStar AI smart coolers are available now through Vendtek. To explore the technology, compare the SRK and VRK, or discuss a location, visit https://vendtek.com/ai-vending-machines/ or contact contact@vendtek.com and (248) 669-2646.
About Vendtek Wholesale Equipment
Vendtek Wholesale Equipment, Inc. is a wholesale distributor and service center for vending equipment. The company has served the vending industry since 1989 and helps operators and businesses select, purchase, finance and support equipment for their locations. For more information, visit https://vendtek.com/.
Media contact:
Tom St. Germain
Vendtek Wholesale Equipment
contact@vendtek.com
(248) 669-2646
Contact
Vendtek Wholesale Equipment, Inc.
Tom St. Germain
248-669-2646
https://vendtek.com
Tom St. Germain
248-669-2646
https://vendtek.com
Contact
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