For students at Dalian University of Technology (DUT), getting a snack shouldn't be a project. Between back-to-back labs and marathon library sessions, the goal is simple: grab a drink and get back to work.

The problem with traditional vending machines—the ones with the spinning metal coils—is that they are often a headache. They jam, they’re slow, and in that 10-minute window between classes, they are a major bottleneck. To fix this, DUT rolled out a fleet of WEIMI AI smart fridges in the library, teaching buildings, and dorm hubs.

1. It’s just like using your own fridge

The biggest shift here isn't the "tech"—it’s the lack of friction. Instead of mashing buttons and waiting for a mechanical arm to move, the process is now:

• Scan to open rightarrow
• Take what you want
• rightarrow
• Close the door.

You’re done in 20 seconds. For a student rushing to a 1:00 PM lecture, that "no-wait" experience is the real win. It turns a transaction into a simple habit that doesn't disrupt their day.

2. Cameras that actually "see"

The secret to making this work is a set of high-def cameras tucked inside the fridge. Unlike old-school sensors, these cameras track exactly what moves from the shelf to your hand.

On a busy campus, people often pick up a bottle, read the label, and put it back. A basic machine might get confused, but this AI is trained for that. Even when the fridge is packed tight or multiple people are using it in a rush, it stays accurate. It’s a "hands-on" experience that traditional vending just can’t offer.

3. What happens if it makes a mistake?

Let’s be honest: no technology is 100% perfect. Sometimes a label gets covered or a door closes too fast.

The smart part of this system is that it’s built to be fair. If the algorithm isn't sure what you took, it doesn't just guess and charge your card. It flags the transaction for a quick review. Since every "buy" is backed by a video log, the system can spot an error and handle the refund automatically. On a campus full of skeptical engineering students, building that kind of trust is more important than the AI itself.

4. Managing the "Campus Brain"

For the staff running these machines, the days of driving around to check stock are over. Everything is synced to a dashboard. They know exactly when the Coke is running low or if a sandwich is nearing its expiration date.

They also went with R290 refrigerant—a small detail, but it matters. It’s a much more eco-friendly way to keep things cold, which aligns with the university's push for a greener campus.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, good technology should be invisible. The AI fridges at Dalian University of Technology aren't trying to look futuristic—they’re just trying to be the easiest way to get a snack. By ditching the "clunky machine" vibe for a "open-and-grab" experience, the university has turned campus retail into a service that actually fits how students live.