SENVEND: Smart age verification for vending machines

In many European countries, the sale of energy drinks to minors is increasingly regulated. Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania, for example, have already introduced age limits of 18 years. The reason: Medical professionals worldwide warn of health risks due to high caffeine and sugar content. In Germany, consumer advocates and doctors have also been calling for age restrictions for years. But how can age be reliably verified at vending machines? Conventional ID card readers reach their limits here. The Dortmund-based company SENVEND has developed a solution that not only simplifies age verification but also comprehensively digitalizes vending machines.

The number of vending machines in Germany has steadily increased in recent years, according to the 2024 Vending Market Study. New segments such as fully automated canteens, 24/7 vending stores, and direct sales by farmers in so-called farm stores are currently driving further growth. However, operators often face several challenges: Depending on the product, they require reliable age verification, desire more flexible payment options, and want to check stock online. Traditional vending technology reaches its limits here. 

SENVEND has developed a compact payment terminal that combines all functions in one device: payment, telemetry, and age verification. The terminal fits into the standard slot of all common vending machine models and can be installed as a plug-and-play solution in just a few minutes. For internet connectivity, the company uses Telekom’s IoT mobile network. A router with an M2M SIM card provides 4G/5G connectivity, making it easy to retrofit existing machines (see info box).

The biggest weakness of conventional systems appears when buyers need to prove their age. Scratches, dust, moisture, or intentional damage impair the sensors and mechanics of traditional DCM5 readers. Incorrect use often leads to purchase cancellation. “With these ID card readers, only every third person manages to complete age verification,” says SENVEND CEO Jannis Rosendahl. Most devices currently in use are also limited to a few countries for verification and cannot be flexibly set for different age limits. 

The SENVEND terminal offers four age verification methods: customers can use their NFC-enabled Girocard (which already contains age information) or scan their ID via smartphone and QR code on the terminal display. The terminal accepts almost all European ID documents – important for international locations like airports. The QR method can also be used with PayPal for age verification. The fourth option: an AI-powered camera scan analyzes the person’s face and estimates their age. “The technology has only made four mistakes in a million scans,” says Rosendahl.

Flexible payment is also a major issue for vending machine operators. The SENVEND terminal accepts all common European payment cards, which is especially crucial at locations with international audiences. “At trade shows in Germany, conventional cigarette machines, for example, only work with German Girocards – which means operators only achieve 20 percent of possible revenue,” explains Rosendahl. The numbers speak for themselves: SENVEND reports at least a ten percent increase in sales compared to comparable systems. The reason is clear: improved age verification and acceptance of all relevant payment methods mean purchases are completed more often. Where previously every third customer failed age verification, the process now runs smoothly.

Through telemetry via IoT mobile connectivity, operators can also monitor and control their machines remotely. In the SENVEND app, they can see in real time which products are selling well, which stocks are running low, and whether there are technical problems. The system automatically creates packing lists and warns when items fall below critical stock levels. Legally compliant monthly statements simplify accounting.  

The integrated screen also enables direct communication with customers. Advertising can be displayed before product selection. During the purchase process, buyers receive instructions and information via the display. If problems occur, the terminal offers assistance – the operator can remotely dispense the product or refund the money. Telemetry also reduces unnecessary service trips – saving time, fuel, and personnel costs. 

SENVEND terminals have been in use in Germany and other European countries since March 2025. Thanks to Telekom’s numerous roaming agreements, the solution works seamlessly throughout the EU, the UK, and Switzerland. “Our philosophy is to work as openly as possible,” says Rosendahl. “We not only use open-source software ourselves and participate in its development, but our retrofit model is also technically open to as many vending machine models as possible.”  

The combination of reliable mobile connectivity and maximum flexibility in age verification and payment opens up exciting future markets for SENVEND: In Austria, for example, selling alcohol via vending machines is currently not possible. With the SENVEND terminal, that changes: the technology can compare the photo on the ID with the live image from the camera. This extra layer of security meets legal requirements.  

The UK is also interesting: the country plans an age restriction for high-caffeine energy drinks under 16 years. The problem: old readers can’t be set for an age under 18. The SENVEND terminal, however, can be configured flexibly: “If we expand, it will only be with a solution tailored to the country,” says Rosendahl. Thanks to Telekom’s global coverage, SENVEND can easily install its devices in the UK as well.  

Starting in 2026, the company plans terminals with integrated radio modules and eSIMs, making installation even easier. In the future, customers should also be able to pay via smartphone app, customer cards, PayPal, or even facial recognition. This would further accelerate the purchase process and improve the customer experience. SENVEND is also considering integrating an alarm function to protect against vandalism. In the event of shocks or tampering attempts, the system could, for example, trigger a siren and send push notifications to the operator.