Introducing 'VH Connect': A Retrofit All-in-One Terminal for Cashless Payments and Inventory Management on Existing Vending Machines

600 Inc. (Headquarters: Koto City, Tokyo; CEO: Kei Kubo) has officially launched 'VH Connect,' an all-in-one payment and inventory verification terminal for vending machines that can be retrofitted to existing units to enable multiple QR code payment options and real-time inventory management (online verification) in a single device.

The company operates its vending machine DX support business under the brand name 'Vending Hero.' Through this initiative, we offer 'VH AI,' an AI-powered vending machine route optimization service, and 'VH Connect,' a retrofit payment and online inventory terminal with related services, providing end-to-end support from data collection to operational optimization for vending machine operators.

What is VH Connect?

VH Connect is an all-in-one vending machine terminal that enables multiple cashless payment methods centered on QR code payments, as well as remote inventory and sales management—all in a single device that can be retrofitted to existing vending machines.

With this product, we support easy vending machine DX by leveraging existing vending machine assets without requiring large-scale equipment investments.

View the VH Connect product website

Background and Challenges Addressed

Current vending machine operations face significant challenges, including the cost of replacing machines for new banknote compatibility, severe labor shortages, and rising labor and fuel costs associated with route deliveries. Additionally, while consumer demand for cashless payments is increasing, traditional payment terminals often require high initial and monthly fees.

'VH Connect' simultaneously addresses these challenges of 'increasing sales (via cashless payments)' and 'improving operational efficiency (through online management)' with a single, retrofit-compatible terminal.

Because it supports deployment in small quantities, vending machine DX can be initiated without large-scale capital investment.

Key Features of 'VH Connect'

### Support for Multiple QR Payments in a Single Device

Supports PayPay, AEON Pay, d-payment, Rakuten Pay, au PAY, Merpay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay (as of June 2026). Enhances payment convenience for customers, contributing to increased foot traffic and higher sales at vending machines.

### Inventory Management via Online Verification

Adopts online verification compliant with the communication standards defined by the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association (JVMA). Enables remote monitoring of sales trends and accurate inventory levels for each vending machine, reducing unnecessary route deliveries and enabling efficient restocking planning.

### Retrofit Installation Without Construction on Existing Machines from Major Domestic Manufacturers

Compatible with vending machines from leading domestic manufacturers including Fuji Electric, Sanden, and Panasonic. Can be installed on the same day without major machine replacements or construction work. By utilizing existing equipment as-is, initial investment costs can be minimized.

Contact for Inquiries

slml@600.jp

Vending Machine Division: Ikeda

About 600 Inc.

600 Inc. was founded in June 2017 as a vending machine DX company. Our mission is to 'bring people and products closer together,' focusing on enhancing the shopping experience within a '50-meter商圈'—a walking distance of about one minute.

Currently, we operate the 'Vending Hero' business to support vending machine DX, offering 'VH AI,' an AI-powered vending machine route optimization service, and 'VH Connect,' a retrofit payment and online inventory terminal with related services. Since its founding, the company has implemented a three-day weekend system, actively working to build an organization that balances productivity with employee well-being.

Company Overview

Company Name: 600 Inc. Representative: CEO Kei Kubo Headquarters: 2F, Iizumi Building, 3-17-4 Morishita, Koto City, Tokyo Founded: June 2017 Business Activities: Operation of the 'Vending Hero' business to support vending machine DX Provision of 'VH AI,' an AI-powered vending machine route optimization service, and 'VH Connect,' a payment and online inventory terminal for vending machines Corporate Website: http://www.600.jp/

Product Website: https://static.vhqr.jp/static/connect

Vending Hero AI: https://vendinghero.ai/

Image of terminal payment screen, QR code for payment scanning, and user instruction sticker