American Rounds, a vending machine company, allows their customers to buy bullets through their vending machines that are available across nine states, Gizmodo reports.
Yes, buying ammunition in America is really as simple buying a Coke. Luckily, the company equipped their vending machines with artificial intelligence and facial recognition technology to verify that the buyer is old enough to buy bullets legally.
Vending machines just don’t fail to surprise us, and these cash cows have undergone transformation making them better than ever before.
What Is A Smart Vending Machine?
Vending machines first became popular in 1883, when Percival Everett made a modernised, coin-operated vending machine that dispensed postcards. His machines were installed railway stations and post offices and were a massive hit.
Today, vending machines dispense all sorts of goods, from snacks and essentials like lip balm and nappies, to sneakers, caviar and bullets, made possible with smart vending machines.
These smart vending machines are equipped with tech that offers customers a more convenient vending experience, and allows operators to better manage them. This includes technology such as:
Internet connection: An internet connection allows vending machines to communicate with remote servers and receive updates, send data, and accept payments.
Software: Software solutions can perform tasks such as managing inventory and tracking sales. This could also include a user interface and back-end system.
Artificial Intelligence: Some vending machines are equipped with AI predict demands and alert operators of shortages.
Sensors: Cameras, weight sensors, and RFID readers can be used to monitor usage and collect data on customer behaviour.
Payment systems: Smart vending machines are also often equipped to accept different payment methods, including cash, credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and e-wallet payments.
Data analysis: Smart vending machines may also collect and analyse data from customers and the machine’s performance, which is used to improve the vending experience and optimise operations.
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Smart Vending Machine Startups
These smart vending machine startups are transforming the shopping experience, providing users unmatched convenience and ease of use.
TeaBot
The TeaBot allows customers to create and order their own custom tea blend, with over 18 different ingredients to choose from.
The TeaBot machines are equipped with touchscreens and internet connectivity, and can dispense only the tea leaf blends or brew the perfect cup to-go.
Boost Inc
Boost Inc provides tech-driven services, including machines such as smart vending machines, smart fridges, coffee bars and more to businesses of all sizes in Switzerland.
They are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge concepts and solutions that empower operators, equipment manufacturers, and brands, so that they can boost their customer’s businesses through integrated cloud software and connected hardware.
Bevi
Bevi offers water dispensers for offices and commercial spaces, with a twist. Their dispensers provide still, sparkling, flavoured and enriched water through the simple push of a button.
Bevi machines save 50,000+ bottles and cans per year and their ingredients are natural and of high quality to keep you hydrated without compromise.
Wendor
Wendor provides vending machines that meet the standards of many businesses, and they provide vending management solutions so that users can control their vending machines remotely.
Their machines are equipped with touchscreens, software and accept a variety of payment options.
The Automat
The Automat is on a mission to make artisan quality meals an accessible, convenient, and socially conscious dining option for people everywhere.
They make elegant vending machines serve hot meals through a glass door compartment as soon as the customer has paid. Their machines connect dining rooms to kitchens, allowing for timely refills when stock is low.
