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2010: A Vending Odyssey – Automated Vending

Some say that new breeds of vending machines are popping up across the globe, championing the advent of new technology, and a new face to vending. While that may be true, vending machines have always been known as technology innovators. We at least know they've come a long way since the vending machines of 1947.

At the core of the vending machine, is its ability to offer convenience to a customer. And many vending machine innovators have laid claim to newer technology that focuses on a more personal experience.

Some of these innovations are highlighted by the introduction of a touch screen LCD. These replace the almost antiquated elements of the older vending machine: the analog style buttons.

Others say that newer touch screen vending machines are flashy, futuristic, and a bit sci-fi. Well, what this speaks to in a larger sense, is the ability of the vending machine to transform and utilize technology to its advantage.

Other advents of vending machine technology include the almost recognizable credit card acceptor. I say almost, because the technology is becoming a fast adaptation to the market. While many consumers are happy with these credit card acceptors, the technology has introduced some frustration in the buying process.

Industry Analysis: Sapient Corporation

Sapient Corporation is a technology firm centered on delivering new age solutions to existing platforms, or developing completely new designs. What are they doing with vending machines? Well, the Sapient Corporation has revamped the traditional vending machine and turned it into something more technologically inclined.

They are working on the “future vending machine” and their future goals are more than just selling soda. The Coke machine in the front lobby of one of their offices looks more like a standalone computer interface than a vending machine: it features a large LCD flat-panel touch screen that interacts with the movement of your fingers; large swirling digital graphics are displayed on the screen itself.

Chris Davey, the manager of Sapient’s Boston office commented on the new futuristic vending machines, “We are already using these machines as a digital network.”

What Sapient hopes to do is create a large network of these digital vending machines: a global network of them, including billboards as well. Sapient has earned a spot on this year’s Global 100, for a top services company.