StarThing Vending Machine System Solution
Turn any compatible vending cabinet into a smart, unmanned retail terminal. One system connects hardware, payments, inventory, and revenue analytics — ready for global deployment.
What is the StarThing Vending Solution?
StarThing provides an end-to-end solution for Android-screen, spring-shelf vending cabinets in unmanned retail scenarios such as shopping malls, offices, schools, factories, hospitals, and more. The solution connects:
Front-end · Android Retail Cabinet
Customers browse products directly on the Android screen, choose items, and complete payment via cash, QR wallets, or POS terminals. The cabinet then dispenses automatically.
Back-end · StarThing Merchant App
Merchants manage devices, vending slots, products, replenishment tasks, and retail revenue from a single mobile app — anytime and anywhere.
Cloud & Payment Infrastructure
StarThing enables vending operators to quickly activate local payment acceptance in each target market. With built-in support for multi-country QR wallets and POS channels, operators can launch and scale deployments faster without handling individual payment integrations.
Control the Full Vending Lifecycle in One App
The StarThing Merchant App gives vending operators practical, day-to-day control over cabinets, stock, and revenue — turning complex field operations into a few clear actions on your phone.
Fast Cabinet Onboarding
Add new vending cabinets in minutes instead of weeks — no on-site engineers required.
- Bind devices via QR code directly from the mobile app.
- Standardized onboarding flow for different cabinet models.
Remote Products & Pricing
Launch new products and promotions without visiting each machine.
- Update assortment, prices, and product photos remotely.
- Keep cabinets aligned with campaigns and seasons in real time.
Slot-Level Stock Visibility
See exactly what is left in each slot so you can refill before customers face empty spirals.
- Accurate, slot-based inventory insight instead of rough estimates.
- Low-stock alerts help plan refill routes proactively.
Efficient Replenishment Work
Turn replenishment into clear, trackable tasks for your field team.
- “Fill to full” quick refill across multiple slots.
- Clearance & off-shelf actions logged for audits and accountability.
Transparent Orders & Refunds
Every vend is traceable — including failed dispenses and refund status.
- Order details include payment channel, slot, quantity, and amount.
- Automatic refunds for fully failed dispenses where channels support it.
Revenue Insights by Site & Device
Quickly see which locations and cabinets perform best to guide smarter expansion.
- Revenue breakdown by date range, store, and individual device.
- Support for data-driven placement, pricing, and campaign decisions.
Flexible Mainboard Choices for Any Vending Form Factor
StarThing supports operators and manufacturers who want to keep their existing controller board, as well as those who prefer an all-in-one solution based on the StarThing mainboard. In both cases, our Android software and payment stack help you quickly adapt to different vending machine models and layouts.
| Integration model | Mainboard choice | Software & payments | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option A · StarThing Controller |
Use the Android all-in-one board together with the StarThing mainboard inside the vending cabinet. Wiring only — no protocol work needed. |
Back-end: StarThing Merchant App Front-end: Android vending UI (APK) Unified payment routing for cash, QR wallets, and future POS/NFC support. |
Manufacturers or operators who want the fastest path to market using a proven StarThing hardware stack with minimum engineering effort. |
| Option B · Your Existing Mainboard |
Keep your own controller board in the cabinet and add an Android screen running StarThing software. We integrate with your control protocol. |
Back-end: StarThing Merchant App Front-end: Android vending UI (APK) Same software and payment experience across different hardware generations. |
Factories and operators with mature control boards who want to upgrade to StarThing payments, management, and reporting on top of existing hardware. |
In both options, StarThing focuses on fast adaptation across different vending form factors (spring-shelf, snack & drink combos, lockers, and more) while letting you choose the controller strategy that best fits your roadmap and cost structure.
Where StarThing Vending Fits Best
The solution is designed for high-traffic spaces where unmanned retail can capture impulse purchases and extend service hours without additional staff.
Shopping Malls & Cinemas
Place Android vending cabinets at entrances, corridors, and waiting areas to sell drinks and snacks around the clock with no cashier on duty.
Offices & Campuses
Provide employees and students with convenient access to beverages and light food. Use device-level revenue reports to compare performance across buildings or campuses.
Factories, Hospitals & Transit Hubs
Cover night-shift and off-hour demand at industrial parks, hospitals, bus stations, and metro or train stations with unattended retail cabinets using multi-payment support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Supported Payment Channels & Methods
