Technology
Touch once, enjoy everything.
Vision-powered Grab and Go retail. Shoppers take what they want and leave, and the machine does the rest. This page covers how it works, what makes SandStar different and the evidence behind the category.
How it works
1
Tap to open
One tap authorises payment and unlocks the door.
2
Take as many items as you like
Jupiter identifies everything that leaves the shelf.
3
Close and go
Checkout completes automatically once the door closes.
No product codes. No spiral mechanisms. No traditional checkout.
Why SandStar
Vision is only useful if the whole machine is smarter.
See
Jupiter identifies what shoppers take.
Secure
Camera coverage, smart locking and sensor-based protection help protect every transaction.
Operate
Monitor inventory, sales and machine activity remotely.
Scale
Deploy a consistent retail experience from one site to an entire network.
Computer-vision recognition
Cameras identify the products a customer removes from the cabinet and build the transaction automatically.
Edge processing
Recognition runs on the machine, reducing dependence on continuous cloud availability.
Remote operations
Connected machines report status, stock movement and operational events to the configured platforms.
No separate product-recognition fee
Product recognition is included in the AMENI Platform charge and is not billed separately.
Product and inventory intelligence
Sales and stock data support replenishment planning and range decisions.
VRK four-camera protection
Available on VRK systems where approved for the configuration.
Recognition performance depends on product range, presentation, lighting, installation and configuration. Ameni does not publish accuracy figures that have not been verified for Australian deployments.
Category validation
Smart retail is replacing traditional vending
Major global operators are moving from traditional vending to smart coolers. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has reported approximately 30-50% growth and 30% lower operating costs from its Coke&Go deployment in Australia.
Ameni brings this next generation of retail to Australian workplaces and venues, with a broader, locally curated range of drinks, snacks, meals and everyday essentials.
Source: Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Capital Markets Day 2025. Figures are reported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners for its own deployment and are not Ameni performance results.
Category momentum
Following a successful trial, Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners announced the rollout of several hundred Coke&Go smart coolers across New Zealand during 2025-2026.
Source: Coca-Cola New Zealand media centre (opens in a new tab).
Manufacturer-reported global footprint
- 30,000+
- smart retail systems deployed
- 30+
- Countries
- 24/7
- Unattended retail
- Jupiter
- Computer vision recognition
In conversation
Mike Kiser on what makes SandStar different.
Mike Kiser, SandStar, on the technology, the investment behind it and a walk-through of the VRK, SRK, SRK2 and forthcoming EXE2 systems. Jump to any chapter.
Jump to a chapter
The interview plays here on the Ameni site. Chapter times are indicative.
Designed to stay in service.
Serviceability matters when your machine is a revenue-producing asset. SandStar is designed to reduce the complexity of key refrigeration maintenance.
- Cassette compressor architecture
- Approx. 10-minute compressor replacement
- Self-cleaning condenser
Applies to VRK Pro and SRK where confirmed by Ameni in writing.
Backed for business.
- 5 YEARS
- Compressor
- 3 YEARS
- Jupiter vision, cameras and lock
- 1 YEAR
- Payment device
- 3 YEARS
- Compressor
- 3 YEARS
- Jupiter vision, cameras and lock
- 1 YEAR
- Payment device
- 3 YEARS
- Compressor
- 3 YEARS
- Jupiter vision, cameras and lock
- 1 YEAR
- Payment device
VRK Pro
SRK
SRK2
Component-specific warranty. Commencement dates, labour coverage, freight responsibilities, exclusions, claim procedures and other conditions apply. Australian Consumer Law rights are unaffected.