Change is being made to vending machines. Big data, IoT, AI, and facial recognition will be added. Vending machine aesthetics have improved to the point where they can no longer be recognised. Future vending machine purchases of snacks will be different.
Starting off, vending machines will provide some healthier food options, particularly those for drinks and snacks. The modern consumer is aware of the negative effects of fast food on general health and is demanding healthier meal options. They are more inclined to consume beverages and foods from vending machines that sell nutritious snacks since they provide them an energy boost without endangering their health. In reality, a few of vending machines are already upfront about the number of calories in each food item they sell.
The global vending machine market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2021 to 2027, reaching $25.25 billion, according to Allied Market Research. The market has grown due to technical advancements including speech recognition and interactive display systems as well as the introduction of Internet of Things (IoT)-based vending machines for real-time data collection.
Artificial intelligence (AI) integration in the vending machine sector
The adoption of AI, IoT, and machine learning in the food and beverage sector was only a matter of time. The fields of music, finance, manufacturing, and healthcare have already been transformed by AI. But now, it has completely overtaken the food and beverage sector. Perfect examples are the newest vending machines. New technological innovations in the bespoke vending machines that various businesses have introduced promote energy efficiency and boost sales. Vending machines have undergone a significant transformation, all for the better, with alternatives like cashless purchases and facial recognition technology. Additionally, the next-generation vending machines would anticipate consumers’ needs and wants before they even approach the machine, in addition to providing food items on demand.
By integrating clients’ cellphones through AI-powered applications for payment transactions, tech-savvy vending machines have advanced technology. The vending machines will function similarly to how we shop online: we will scan through the inventory, add products to our basket, and then have them delivered. Vending machines will use the same technology and procedure, and users will just use a connected smartphone to choose and pay for their purchases. For instance, Coca-Cola, a significant player in the food and beverage business, has announced the development of mobile apps based on AI for vending machine operations in New Zealand, Australia, and the US.
Payment technologies are the second aspect of vending machines. Everyday purchases are increasingly made digitally, and vending machines will soon embrace online payment methods to satisfy consumer demand. In order to allow cashless payments, Apple Pay and Google Wallet have already entered the vending machine sector. Customers wanted that they be able to pay for their food with just a tap, thus some vending machine operators have already implemented this technology.
Vending machine future
In the upcoming years, vending machine operations will undergo a significant transformation, and AI integration is just the start. While some businesses have been attempting to integrate AI and IoT into vending machines, certain industry participants have gone one step further by adding facial recognition to change transaction characteristics. Although facial recognition technology for vending machines had been developed for some time, it took some time for a sophisticated, user-friendly vending machine to be created.
Vending machines of the future will feature a dynamic user interface, facial recognition technology, interactive web services, and a touchscreen monitor that detects users as they pass by using a motion sensor. The vending machine will also contain a top-of-the-line camera to identify regular clients and big data at the back end to track their typical purchases. Additionally, the device will present a tailored menu depending on a customer’s preferences and purchasing history.
In addition, due to its advantages, remote management will be a part of vending machine technology in the future. Businesses can remotely run diagnostics on their vending machine and arrange repairs. Additionally, businesses have the option to remotely turn off their equipment to save energy. Customers will have a much richer experience once the vending machine offers interactive web services.
Overall, the goal of vending machines is to draw in customers by providing them with unique goods. Vending machines will have a variety of goods to sell in light of global health consciousness and the popularity of vegan meals. Vending machines have long been stigmatised as a last resort and an unhealthy lunchtime option. The future will undoubtedly bring a change to this perception as technology takes centre stage.
