Facts of the Matter: Vending Machines

HOLY WATER may have been the first item dispensed from a vending machine. A Greek mathematician reportedly designed the first machine in 215 B.C. Since then, vending machine products have diversified.

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IN , cigarette vending machines were invented in the United States. More than 80 years later, a U.S. law banned them, except in adult-only establishments and in places where minors must be accompanied by an adult. That put thousands of machines out of commission. A study showed that Germany had 726,000 cigarette vending machines, or one for every 113 residents &#; likely the most per capita in the world that year.

SOME VENDING MACHINES accept currency other than money. Coca-Cola installed one at the National University of Singapore emblazoned with a &#;Hug me&#; logo &#; it gave out free drinks when people embraced the machine. In Korea, another Coke machine dispensed free beverages based on dancing ability &#; sensors detected how well a person&#;s dance moves matched choreography displayed on a screen. At the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, a Coke machine installed at Christmastime gave out beverages when people sang holiday carols.

FROM to , the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reported 37 deaths and 113 injuries due to people shaking vending machines, trying to get free items or money. Manufacturers agreed to add warning labels, such as &#;Never rock or tilt. Machine can fall over and cause serious injury or death.&#;

U.S. VENDING MACHINES are expected to generate about $7.4 billion in income this year, and nearly $2 billion will come from schools. By late , U.S. schools won&#;t be allowed to sell candy, cookies, or soda in vending machines.

THREE VENDING MACHINES around Los Angeles &#; including one in Hollywood &#; sell caviar. These &#;automated boutiques,&#; as the company calls them, dispense several kinds of caviar, including a 400-gram tin of beluga for about $1,600. In the Middle East, Europe, and the United States, a few vending machines dispense gold bars, based on gold prices that are updated every minute.

IN ITALY, vending machines can make a pizza from scratch in about three minutes. According to the Brussels-based European Vending Association, Italy had the most vending machines in Europe in &#; more than 614,000.

TODAY, Europe has about 3.7 million vending machines. The United States has about five million. So does Japan, the spiritual home of vending machines. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the country has one machine for every 23 people, including some that dispense cans of whiskey (using a smart ID card to prove drinking age), live horned beetles (1,500 were sold in one month), and tomatoes (intended for Tokyo marathon runners to reenergize). Some Japanese vending machines use technology to guess customers&#; gender and age &#; and then recommend beverages for them. &#; S.A. Swanson

From therotarianmagazine.com

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The Evolution of Vending Machines: A Look Back at Their History

The evolution of vending machines is a fascinating journey that spans centuries. From their humble beginnings to the high-tech, versatile machines we see today, vending machines have continually adapted to meet the changing needs of consumers. Let&#;s take a look back at the history and transformation of vending machines over the years.

Ancient Beginnings

The concept of vending machines dates back to ancient times. Greek engineer Hero of Alexandria invented the first known vending machine in the first century AD. This early device dispensed holy water in exchange for a coin. Although rudimentary, Hero&#;s invention laid the groundwork for automated dispensing systems.

The 19th Century: The Birth of Modern Vending Machines

During the s in England, the modern vending machine era began with machines dispensing postcards and books. In , the Thomas Adams Gum Company introduced the first commercial coin-operated vending machines in the United States, dispensing chewing gum on New York City train platforms. These machines quickly became popular, marking the beginning of widespread commercial use.

The Early 20th Century: Expansion and Innovation

The early 20th century witnessed rapid growth and innovation in the vending machine industry. By the s, vending machines offered a variety of products, including candy, cigarettes, and drinks. The invention of the automatic vending machine, which could provide multiple products, revolutionized the industry. Consequently, soda vending machines became popular in the s, and coffee vending machines were introduced in the s, further expanding the range of available products.

The Mid-20th Century: Technological Advancements

The s and s brought significant technological advancements in vending machines. The introduction of refrigeration technology allowed the sale of perishable items like cold drinks and sandwiches. During this period, machines became more reliable and efficient, incorporating features such as coin changers and bill acceptors. Additionally, snack vending machines emerged, becoming a staple in offices and public places.

The Digital Revolution

During the late 20th century, the digital revolution transformed vending machines into sophisticated automated systems. In the s and s, electronic displays, credit card readers, and computerized inventory management systems improved the user experience and operational efficiency. The rise of the internet paved the way for connected vending machines, enabling remote monitoring and management.

The 21st Century: Smart Vending Machines

Today, vending machines are smarter and more versatile than ever before. Modern machines are equipped with touch screens, cashless payment options, and even artificial intelligence to personalize user experiences. They can dispense a wide range of products, from snacks and drinks to electronics and personal care items. Additionally, eco-friendly vending machines, which focus on energy efficiency and sustainable practices, are becoming increasingly popular.

The Future of Vending Machines

The future of vending machines looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology and consumer preferences. Innovations such as biometric scanners, mobile app integrations, and real-time data analytics are expected to further enhance the capabilities of vending machines. The industry is also exploring the potential of vending machines to provide fresh meals, pharmaceuticals, and other specialized products, making them even more integral to our daily lives.

The evolution of vending machines from ancient times to the present day reflects broader trends in technology and consumer behavior. From dispensing holy water in ancient Greece to offering a wide array of products through smart, connected devices, vending machines have come a long way. As technology continues to advance, we can expect vending machines to become even more innovative and versatile, continuing to adapt to the ever-changing needs of consumers.

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