Commentary

How fast will technology change snack vending?

The future technologies of snack vending machines aren’t just going to impact the consumer side of the experience, they’re also likely to impact the way machines are designed, built and operated.

Image: Adobe Stock.

September 18, 2023 by Sam Roberts — Digital Marketing Manager, Connect Vending

The snack vending machine has come a long way, evolving from simple machines dispensing chips, nuts and confectionery items to modern smart vending solutions that can vend a range of products. As technology continues to advance, emerging technologies like robotics, voice recognition and augmented reality are poised to revolutionize the vending industry.

In this article, we will explore how these technological advancements could shape the future of snack vending machines, whilst enhancing customer experience and redefining convenience.

Robotics

Imagine a vending machine that not only dispenses snacks but also interacts with customers in a human-like manner. Robotics in vending machines could bring this vision to life.

With robotic arms and sensors, these machines could handle more delicate items, provide customized order options and even offer real-time assistance.

Additionally, robots can be used for inventory management, restocking and maintenance, reducing human intervention and improving operational efficiency. That said, as with most future applications of robotics and AI, there will continue to be a need for human involvement to maintain service levels and ensure smooth and regular operation of technology.

The exciting potential is the synergy for snack vending machines of humans and robotics working efficiently and effectively together.

Voice recognition for seamless interaction

Voice recognition technology has made significant strides, with Siri and Google Assistant both now boasting impressive capabilities, and future integration into snack vending machines could transform the user experience.

By leveraging voice commands, customers could browse through a wide range of snack options, make selections and complete transactions effortlessly and quicker than ever before.

Voice recognition could also provide a more personalized experience, remembering past preferences and recommending snacks based on individual tastes and dietary restrictions. It could also provide a much less frustrating, accessible approach to snack vending for those with visionary or physical disabilities who aren't able to interact with existing machine interfaces.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality has the potential to revolutionize the way customers interact with snack vending machines. By overlaying digital information onto the real world, AR can offer an immersive experience.

For instance, customers could use their smartphones to scan a vending machine and instantly see detailed nutritional information, ingredient lists and customer reviews, as well as showcasing the appearance or modelled deconstruction of food items before purchasing.

AR could also be used to gamify the vending experience, introducing interactive elements and rewards for customer engagement — something which may prove hard to resist for younger audiences looking to purchase food and drinks.

Predictive analytics

As snack vending machines embrace emerging technologies, they will gather a wealth of data on customer preferences, purchasing patterns and machine performance. This technology is already utilized in most snack vending machines, but will soon be able to be layered with richer insight through the use of AI.

With advanced data analysis and predictive analytics, vending operators can better optimize inventory management, predict demand more accurately and customise offerings based on location-specific preferences.

This data-driven approach will lead to more efficient operations, reduced waste and improved profitability, and is likely to be one of the technological innovations we see implemented sooner rather than later.

Improved environmental impact

The future technologies of snack vending machines aren't just going to impact the consumer side of the experience, they're also likely to positively impact the way that snack vending machines are designed, built and operated. AI and more powerful computing are already revolutionizing the worlds of motorsport, architecture and manufacturing, delivering significant savings from smarter designs that require less materials.

Being able to reduce material usage during the production process means a potential decrease in lead times, as well as a lower bill of materials that can be passed on to those buying snack vending machines.

Most importantly, the environmental impact with much reduced material outlay is significant, both from a carbon emission viewpoint but also the usage of metals, plastics and glass in the manufacturing process.

These advancements will not only enhance convenience and customization but also pave the way for more sustainable and socially responsible vending solutions.

As we embark on this exciting journey, snack vending machines will become smarter, more interactive and seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, providing a delightful snacking experience for all. We can't wait for the future to arrive.

Vending