Vending machines haven’t received a technological revamp in quite a while. We’ve seen interesting mods that require you either tackle, hug, or tweet to get a drink dispensed, but none of those integrations were revised from the root of the hardware. Intel is changing this up by introducing a next-generation of vending machines that will come with Intel Core i7 processors — making those tall machines typically found in gyms, school cafeterias, and airports run on the same chips that are supporting your average PC laptop.
Intel unveiled these next-gen vending machines yesterday at Intel Developer Forum 2012 in San Francisco, which completely changes the way these machines formerly looked. No more bulky buttons that display the drink options — everything will now be within a 46-inch touchscreen via a gallery style interface.
The new Coca-Cola machines also have a 1080p camera to snap pictures of the buyer so it can collect information about who is purchasing products from these vending machines and what they are buying. On the buyer’s side of interactivity, the built-in camera becomes a photo booth that allows customers to take pictures with their newly purchased product and send them off to friends. Can’t update anything these days without a social integration.
In addition to these specs, the next-gen vending machines also sport Wi-Fi connectivity, QR code reader, microphone, NFC, and a money slot. The option for NFC is great for those who are embracing mobile payment applications, and the QR Code reader is useful for the coupon clippers coming to claim their free or discounted drinks.
The integration of large screen display is not only great for video interactiveness but also turns the average vending machine into an advertising space. We’re not sure if Coca-Cola plans to do anything with the information collected from the machine (other than the demographics market research) but you can be on a lookout for these next-gen Coke machines in the near future. The machines have reportedly started popping up in eight countries across South America so they should make their way up north shortly.
Image Credits: IT Pro Portal
So when you New Coke machine gets broken into or missing altogether now you will know why?
I wonder if an i7 is really overkill for this machine and Intel’s just putting it in there as a PR stunt.
On a separate note: has anyone tried those Coke touchscreen machines that are currently out there and which offer like 30+ flavors of soda? I think they are the greatest thing invented since the light bulb haha. Vanilla, Rasberry coke anyone?
“Just one of many great ways that YOU, yes, YOU can help the DHS and the FBI to track your every step, every day! First 1,000 participants get a FREE RFID chip implanted into their hands or forehead (subject to participant’s preference of location)! Sign up today, before it’s too late (please not that this will soon be mandatory and without requiring participation in this program, as eventually everyone who is living will be forced to accept the RFID tags or have their life contract terminated)!”
“machines also have a 1080p camera to snap pictures of the buyer so it can collect information about who is purchasing products” – Why would Coke need my face to do that? It can’t track the amount of drinks that are being offered? Bah. Companies need to start paying me for my ‘services’ to them with my personal information. How is it fair for them to make money off my personal information and I don’t get a kick back?
You can also get schoolgirls’ panties lol
It’s only a matter of time before someone offers up their privates for sharing.
It’s only a matter of time before someone offers up their privates for sharing.
What are they going to call it the Buttt machine? A buttt slides down the chute that you can use for 2-5 minutes? A hooker machine I guess?
A Far cry from a Snack Vending Machine?
awww dang it. i drink pepsi
Nice
I remember the ‘good old days’ when you put a few coins into a slot, made a selection and out came a bottle or can. You drank the contents, and went on about your day. That was it, and it was all we ever needed. Everything more is overkill.
“Just one of many great ways that YOU, yes, YOU can help the DHS and the FBI to track your every step, every day! First 1,000 participants get a FREE RFID chip implanted into their hands or forehead (subject to participant’s preference of location)! Sign up today, before it’s too late (please not that this will soon be mandatory and without requiring participation in this program, as eventually everyone who is living will be forced to accept the RFID tags or have their life contract terminated)!”
iHighFrutoseCornsyurp chip
If you look at Japan, vending machines are everywhere. You can buy beer and weird random things in them and not just perishables like food and drinks, I mean like cameras, ipods, guns, and all sorts.
America should do the same
A GUN MACHINE OUT FRONT OF A 7-11 or LIQUOR STORE ON A SATURDAY NIGHT, WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG WITH THIS?