Vending

Ramen vending machine opens at Penn State

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April 3, 2026

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An autonomous ramen vending machine offering hot meals on demand has opened at the University of Pennsylvania, offering a new late-night dining option for students, according to a report in the Daily Pennsylvanian.

The "Noodle Nook" was spearheaded by sophomore and Undergraduate Assembly representative Ishika Narsingani in partnership with Penn Dining and Business Services. The machine serves a range of noodle dishes priced between $7.99 and $12.99, addressing what Narsingani identified as a lack of affordable, late-night food options near student housing.

The unit, powered by Yo-Kai Express technology, prepares flash-frozen, chef-designed meals in about 90 seconds using an automated cooking system that also self-sanitizes between orders. Menu items include tonkotsu ramen, shrimp tempura udon and pesto pasta with shrimp, with plans to adjust offerings based on student feedback and dietary needs. Narsingani said the project evolved over several months from an initial idea into a fully installed service through coordination with university administrators and student input.