Vending machines are evolving. Contact-less ones drew attention amid the spread of the coronavirus, and new types of vending machines using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and information communications are appearing one after another. Ideas that help achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and solve social issues are being incorporated into these ubiquitous machines as well.
The machine is easy to use. Via an app, customers answer questions about their tastes and preferences such as aroma and degree of bitterness, and then set the time for the coffee to be made. Users tap the app to notify the machine when they are in front of it, and a case containing a freshly made cup of coffee is unlocked.
Asahi Soft Drinks Co. in June will start installing vending machines that the company claims “eat carbon dioxide.” According to the company, the machines contain a CO2 absorbent and absorb CO2 from the intake air to keep drinks cool or warm. Each machine can absorb an annual amount of CO2 equivalent to about 20 cedar trees, the company said.
Salad Stand is a vending machine installed at places such as the Keio Inokashira Line at Shibuya Station that has become popular for selling fresh salads at reasonable prices. Tokyo-based startup Kompeito operates the machines and plans to add a new function to help reduce food waste and loss around this summer.
Kyocera Communication Systems Co. is using self-driving technology to develop a mobile vending machine that serves as an unmanned mobile shop selling foods and drinks. The company has been experimenting with operations on public roads in Chiba and other places since last summer. After legal restrictions on self-driving vehicles are eased, the company is considering deploying such vehicles to areas where the elderly live to give them greater opportunities to shop.
While the number of newly installed vending machines is on a downward trend, products sold in vending machines were diversified due to the coronavirus pandemic, and needs and room for development are expanding. If advanced tech such as AI is well-incorporated, it might be possible to realize ideas that will help solve social issues.
Sources: https://asianews.network/vending-machines-in-japan-evolving-with-advanced-tech/
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