Here is some of the latest vending machine technology. From cashless payments to other cool stuff. It seems as if soon even more vending machine technology is going to come out. From technology that is added to vending machines to make the transaction process better. To vending machines that sell a whole world of different stuff, possibly making person to person contact less and less, as oppose to a retail store.

1. Green Machine

As environmental concerns increase, the vending industry has adapted well. Most vending machines these days feature energy-saving technology. The newer vending machines these days will turn off the lights of the vending machine when the machine is not in use. Also they will turn off the compressors inside the vending machine to save energy and monitor the temperature of products to make sure they stay at the required temperature, while saving energy.

Also Coca- Cola revealed a vending machine they have in Japan that uses airtight doors and vacuum insulated materials to ensure beverages stay cold during the day-time without the need for refrigeration, which consumes more energy, reducing energy bills.

2. Cashless Payments

Nowadays vending machines are accepting credit cards, debit cards, apple pay, google pay, Samsung pay etc.. It is said that you will sell 40% more in a vending machine if it accepts credit cards. Many people do not have cash on them all the time. Being able to pay with a credit card or your phone makes it so much more convenient. Also these credit card machines are able to take inventory of everything that’s in the vending machine. So the vending machine servicer knows exactly what’s in stock all the time and what needs to be replaced.

3. Smartphone Interaction with artificial intelligence

Coca-Cola recently announced that they will debut a new app that will let you order drinks from a vending machine ahead of time. It will gather information via Artificial about customer tastes and preferences. Crazy, so if you have a limited amount of time you could have a soda waiting for you and don’t have to wait for the soda to be vended.

4. Facial Recognition

The Luce x2 vending machine includes a motion sensor that knows when users are approaching and a camera that can recognize the consumer. The machine then offers a personalized menu based on the purchase history of the customer and prevents them from purchasing restricted products (such as underage consumer trying to buy cigarettes).

5. Self Inventory

Sensors that are built into intelligent vending machines collect a vast amount of data, including the vending machine inventory. These machines are capable of making smart inventory decisions for themselves. For instance, they will know to stop ordering ice cream if the temperature drops, thus protecting the product inventory and reducing waste as well.

So that is the latest vending machine technology as far as features added to vending machines. But there is a-lot of vending machines that sell a bunch of crazy stuff out there, things you probably couldn’t imagine. Stay tuned for one of our next articles on the different types of vending machines out there. It’s crazy what is out there.