AoFrio has launched Ask iQ, an artificial intelligence feature in its cooler fleet software platform that lets beverage companies query connected cooler data in plain language.

The New Zealand-listed refrigeration technology company said the feature sits within its AoFrio iQ software and draws on data from more than 3.7 million connected coolers across customer fleets.

Beverage brands use connected cold-drink equipment to track cooler locations, check whether units are operating correctly and monitor field performance. Ask iQ is intended to help fleet managers find answers without building reports or navigating multiple dashboards.

The launch comes as beverage companies show growing interest in using artificial intelligence in cooler fleet management. In a 2026 survey of 152 original equipment manufacturers and beverage brands conducted by AoFrio, 77 per cent of respondents said they were interested in trialling AI-driven predictive maintenance within the next six to 12 months, while 66 per cent said they were interested in trialling or adopting always-on connectivity.

According to AoFrio, Ask iQ is designed specifically for commercial refrigeration rather than general-purpose use. It analyses a customer's own fleet data and returns responses tied to that customer's assets and operations.

The software is aimed at asset protection, maintenance, commercial performance and energy use. Users can create custom reports, identify underperforming assets, investigate faults and monitor energy consumption, the company said.

AoFrio links the software to its SCS 800 controller, a device installed inside coolers that captures telemetry from equipment in the field. The data is fed into the AoFrio iQ platform, allowing customers to monitor temperature, location, operating status and usage.

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