The challenge: managing retail equipments in a fragmented environment
A complex machine mix
The network runs machines from multiple manufacturers, including Hiron, Hisense, HCK, and Songyo. Each brings different systems and protocols. Managing them as one fleet and collecting consistent data across all units is a real operational problem.
Connectivity at scale
Tens of thousands of devices are spread across the country. Every unit needs a stable connection and real-time data flow. Any downtime or sync failure could disrupt the consumer experience and damage the brand.
Product loss and customer disputes
The risk of loss is higher in an unattended environment. Consumers may block cameras, take items without being charged, or dispute a transaction. The operation needs reliable detection and a fast path to resolution.
The solution: a unified IoT platform for equipment and retail operations
We built a unified IoT platform for Master Kong to support the scale of its smart retail network. The platform integrates device management, payment risk control, and retail operations into a single system, covering everything from device onboarding to daily sales.
Integrating multi-brand devices under unified management
Our platform standardizes onboarding through a direct control APK and a device SDK. Units from Hiron, Hisense, HCK, and other manufacturers all connect to the same management system.
The platform monitors device connectivity and operational status in real time, keeping tens of thousands of units running reliably.
Strengthening payment risk control
To reduce product loss, the platform combines credit-based access with AI behavior recognition. Consumers are screened through WeChat Pay Score and Alipay Sesame Credit before they can open a cooler. AI detects abnormal behavior like blocking cameras, and can automatically suspend an order or restrict an account.
Improving dispute resolution and consumer trust
The platform keeps a complete shopping video record for every transaction. When disputes occur, such as incorrect charges, operators can quickly retrieve the order video for verification.
Connecting supply chains for digital operations
The platform connects sales, inventory, and supply chain data, enabling automated replenishment that improves efficiency by nearly 50%. It also supports remote distribution of image and video advertisements, turning each unit into both a point of sale and a media channel for the brand.
The results: enabling large-scale AI retail operations
50,000+ smart coolers running reliably
Over 50,000 AI vending machines are deployed on the platform and fully connected via 4G, enabling stable retail network for Master Kong.
Real-time operations instead of delayed reporting
With unified platform management and visualized device assets, operators can monitor equipment status and sales data in real time, improving operational efficiency and reducing device loss.
From point of sale to brand touchpoints
AI Smart Vending Machines reach hundreds of thousands of consumers every day, with increasing VPO. The network has become an important channel for new product testing and brand marketing.
A proven and replicable operating model
We developed credit-based access control and buy-now-pay-later risk management, while validating the platform’s concurrency and system stability across large-scale device networks.
When smart retail devices connect through a unified operations platform, they form a network that links consumers, data, and brand. As that network scales, the platform becomes essential infrastructure for smart retail operations.
