Based on the users’ need, problems in traditional vending machines it is highly recommended to adapt to the “Smart vending machine” design. A smart vending machine would consist of five fundamental characteristics:
(1) Sophisticated automated system : A two-axis robot which would help to pick and place the selected snack in the dispense chute. The robotic arm will eliminate the possibility of snack getting stuck in the machine and snack inducing damage due to the free fall in the dispense chute.
(2) Interactive displays : Instead of having traditional glass displays, large digital LED touchscreen displays would help to attract users’ attention. This large display will help to keep users engaged by presenting users with additional product information (like ingredients and calorie content), news feeds, gaming, and social networking updates.
(3) Integrated sensors : Sensors would enable use of various payment technologies like credit/debit cards, mobile payments, QR code billing etc. These payment options will not constraint the users from using the vending machine if they do not have cash on hand. Additional sensors would also help to track user behavior and recommend rotation of snacks based on demographics.
(4) Connectivity : Connectivity will be at the core of the smart vending machines empowering users to easily locate the nearest vending machine and provide them with information on the type and quantity of snack available in the machine. This connectivity would also help distributors and retailers to keep track on the inventory levels and update delivery time to ensure no particular snack runs out of stock.
(5) Aesthetics and Ergonomics : Mechanically smart vending machines would be designed in a way to make them aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically friendly. All the machine inputs and outputs will be designed and structured such that users do not experience physical strain while paying, selecting, and collecting the snack.