Japan takes vending machines to their logical, 47-inch touchscreen extreme
By Vlad Savov 
posted August 11th 2010 3:22AM
posted August 11th 2010 3:22AM
[Thanks, Kyle]
posted August 11th 2010 3:22AM
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Ahh japan, the world adds cash as payment, you add tabs to vending machines! We add credit cards, you add a freaking futuristic touch screen machine.!
Wear a mask to foil the recognition system! "My, but Guy Fawkes buys a lot of Yoohoo..."
They have these in Malls in Florida, not these exactly. They're 42 inch screens in portrait mode but it's not that different.
ITT this kind of thing will only work in Japan. Firstly if you want to make profit (I also don't think this machine is cheap. You will need alot of folks to get profit out of this). Secondly, Japanese people are polite enhough for not destroying the machine.
@MAIcrosoft I've seen vending machines with small screens (15"?) here in the Bay Area. They're mostly in decent/upscale malls with surveillance cameras everywhere so there's no danger of vandalism. You're right though, it wouldn't be safe in 99% of American subway stations. Perhaps also the fancy machine will draw more customers than a less hi-tech one and will recoup the expense. I could see most vending machines in "safe" places going this way in 5 years.
In Europe I'd be looking forward to vandalized machines...
(Just look at the ones for public transport tickets in Europe - enough idiots around)
And to be honest - I don't think this can work without a privacy issue in Europe - but then I don't use vending machines anyway - another reason to steer clear of them if they ever appear a bit hi-tech.
I hate advertisements - they are just an eyesore - targeted ads would be even worse - although they might despair - "normal stuff" I'm not interested in, and the things I am interested in - well, I can't buy them regularly (camera lenses, e.g. Canon Ls, laptops - I might get one or two pieces of expensive equipment in 1 year)
Man, I love seeing this technology. A swipe of a credit card or cellphone, and you've got yourself a drink. That screen is a beauty.
...but the question is.. is it capacitive?
Ok, a vending machine has a larger screen than my tv.
Sound's money effecient.
Will it blend?
Expect cost to be offset by beverage price increase and net volume reduction. But hey, at least we'll have those cool large screens! That's all that matters, right? ;)
Well, obviously it can't fit in a blender that exists today (let's hope blendtech creates one?) but seriously... How can this possibly be profitable? That sucker must cost $40,000 at the very least.
It better vend me some panties, and worn ones at that for the increase in markup.
Hmph... Next time I'll wear a moustache
What age/gender combo do you have to be to get the whale option?
damn, touchscreen panels are like toilet papers in japan
Hey Japanese Convenience stores... wanna make even less money?
Here's a 50 inch touchscreen... you know..for that 'computer' that only has one 'program'... INNOVATION
Great idea, yet I see one tiny problem.. In a high density city such as Tokyo, wouldn't there be problems with facial recognition? I mean... all those people moving around you.
Look at the photo with a female holding a bottle of Aqua. I'm quite sure at that point the machine says "**ck you!" and it's only a bit later that it changes into "Thank you!". I wouldn't drink that water.
Well, at least here (in the US) we already have those Coca-Cola machines that have a big touch screen, just add a camera and you're set.
This is dumb, how many sodas would they have to sell to just to break even when some ass cracks the screen?
Is there anything the Japanese can't do with vending machines? (Answer: No)
I'm totally going to check this out next time I go to Japan.
What, no Calpis Water or Pocari Sweat!
@jmyers8888
I see both of the on the picture on the main article. Its right there, top right corner and mid-left.
Japan. Where extremely awesome meets extremely messed up.
I just had a vision of all those bottles sprouting cartoon arms & legs and doing "idle" animations: twiddling their thumbs, tapping their feet, etc. Then, as soon as someone turns to look straight-on at the machine, they all go back to normal.
Eventually, rather than just sitting around idle, the bottles start playing various games to pass the time, and eventually start their own fight club.
@CityZen Dude, you just broke the first rule of Vending Machine Fight Club.
Kinda freaks me out. I thought it was cool with the touchscreen and that was it.
Sad that they have these yet most vending machines in the US are not only cash only but won't take your $1 most of the time.
Sweet! I'll be at Shinogawa Station on Monday. I'll be sure to look for it and check it out. Maybe I can get some nice, live vid shots of it in action! :-)
This is just yesterday's news for me. I've xovered the concept in my blog. I knew sooner or later someone would do it. Heres my link:
http://joey1058.wordpress.com/2007/07/10/robots-dreams-is-a-vending-machine-a-robot-video/