Older ones yes, newer ones are wireless, often appear to be cell phone based.
It is still an internet connnection, yes, probably.
What is the purpose of hard wiring it? So someone cannot unplug it? Think about the bazillion Coke machines out there that are plugged in without an issue.
I agree it requires a GFCI.
Hardwiring is possibly an attempt to not require use of GFCI.
That is acceptable if machine is designed to be hard wired.
Also means qualified person should be connecting it, unlike cord connected machine that just gets plugged in when it arrives, maybe to an extension cord that is tied up to a ceiling and runs over 50 to 100 feet where there is a receptacle, or even through a hole in the wall to a receptacle inside. (it happens)
but i hard wire them with a square d qo style disco (with the look alike breaker but serves no ocp) and that suits him
A simple snap switch is also a suitable disconnect - I doubt these things have any large enough motors to require a HP rated switch.
If it meets requirements or 422.31 the branch circuit overcurrent device can be the disconnect.