TobaccoShop24 – Digital Sales Robotics for Tobacconists, Gas Stations & Retail (24/7)
Automated 24/7 availability close to the customer: self-service relieves staff, reduces costs, and increases customer satisfaction.
Individually integrated into your storefront, rear loading from inside, flexible assortment changes without rebuilds, and fast ROI; API-based data exchange with ERP/inventory and POS.
Benefits & Use Cases
24/7 direct sales & pickup—closer to the customer.
Staff relief and cost efficiency through self-service.
Tailored to assortment, capacity, and available space.
Heat-not-burn and alternative products require more flexible packs and processes (exchange, returns, maintenance, replacements).
Classic machines are tuned to uniform 20-pack formats; TB24 handles diverse shapes and sizes.
Not restricted by opening hours; ideal for HORECA and retail demand for automation plus analytics.
Company & Evolution
About 15 years ago, a group of innovators set out to bring traditional vending online. Today, we are one of the few European manufacturers (hardware & software) of large-scale retail robotics.
POS automation, digitalization, and self-service have reached mainstream retail. Our customers sell their own products 24/7 under their brand directly to consumers (B2C)—both at existing locations and alternative sites to increase presence and visibility.
Market & Growth
According to Polaris Market Research, the global cigarette vending machine market is expected to grow at a 5.2% CAGR.
Merchandise Handling & Systems
Continuously adjustable lift-shelf system.
Flexibly configurable, serially arranged chutes.
A hybrid of both systems—depending on the assortment.
Software & Data
All solutions are powered by software: a front end (web-shop UI on screen) and a portal. This generates analytics-grade data not available from conventional machines, while consumers benefit from a modern digital UX and its possibilities.
Installation Advantages
24/7 operation—no opening-hour limits.
Low vandalism risk (no direct access to goods/cash).
Small portal width required.
Cart function enables multi-item purchases.
Built-in or free-standing setups—even away from the main site.
Low operating costs and rapid return on investment (ROI).
What does ChatGPT say about tobacco retail in 2030 and the role of vending machines?
ChatGPT is an AI system designed to provide in-depth answers through dialogue. We wanted to take a closer look.
On Monday, 24 February, we asked ChatGPT about the future of tobacco retail. Below are excerpts focused on tobacco vending machines — edited and summarized.
AI-driven trends in retail.
How will tobacco be purchased in Europe by 2030?
By 2030, purchasing patterns for tobacco and alternatives in Europe will change significantly — shaped by regulation, technology, and evolving habits. Traditional cigarette purchases will become more difficult and expensive, while alternatives like vapes and nicotine pouches will be more common. Sales will increasingly shift to digital channels and specialized stores.
“Automated points of sale (e.g., smart vending with age verification via app or facial recognition) could complement traditional kiosks.”
Age checks via app, ID scan, or biometrics.
How important could smart tobacco vending become?
By 2030, smart vending could account for 10–30% of sales in more liberal markets, particularly for alternatives like vapes or nicotine pouches. Adoption will depend on regulation, technology, and competition from online channels.
“Age verification (e.g., facial recognition, ID scan, biometrics), contactless payments, and app integration (e.g., accounts with repeat purchases) will raise convenience.”
What do customers value about smart vending?
24/7 availability
Speed and simplicity
Age verification and safety
Contactless, convenient payments
Discretion and privacy
Broader range of new or specialized products
Where do customers expect to find these machines?
Transport hubs
Fuel stations and motorway rest stops
Retail and hospitality locations
Leisure and event venues
Residential neighborhoods
High footfall, long opening hours.Spontaneous purchases in retail.
What challenges lie ahead for tobacco vending?
Smart vending has strong potential — particularly in the tobacco and nicotine market. Early movers can benefit, but success depends on robust compliance, privacy protection, and effective age control.
Anti-tampering and fraud prevention (e.g., forged IDs), theft protection
Telemetry and real-time insights.
What potential does this create?
For alternative nicotine products (e.g., vapes, heat-not-burn, nicotine pouches), vending could become an important sales channel by 2030.
In five years at the latest, we’ll see whether ChatGPT’s outlook proves accurate. Until then, we’re building the future of tobacco retail with the TobaccoButler24 product line.
