Bandai Tries Remote Bulk Vending In Japan

REMOTE VENDING:Toy giant Bandai will soon begin testing a remote bulk vender in Japan. Consumers will be able to select the machine and view their product purchases online. This screenshot captures the proposed interface.

The concept is not as far-fetched as it may sound. A few years ago, Netch rolled out a similar concept for skill cranes that enabled users to remotely operate the devices online. Players controlled the claw from their phones; prizes were shipped to the patrons' homes.

Applying the concept to bulk vending could open up a niche for vendable products. It could also spur development of technology that would allow consumers to interact with vending machines in new ways -- even when they are closer than a remote warehouse.