Two new “next generation” vending machines, with the ability to recognize and respond to customer age and sex, were put into use at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, Japan on August 10th.
The vending machines are being deployed by JR East Water Business Co., with hopes of increasing sales among general customers through better targeted advertising. Rather than use a tradition pushbutton system, the machines use a 47-inch touch panel display with several distinct automatic modes, the company stated
When a customer nears the machine, only images of the available drinks will be displayed. The machines come equipped with sensors that can recognize age and sex with a 75% accuracy, and make recommendations based on the situation, Nikkei reported. Customers can also zoom in on a particular selection to get more detailed product information if desired.
When people are not in its near vicinity, the machine switches to an advertising mode that will display imagery based on factors such as season, time of day, and temperature. In one instance, the machine popped up a big set of eyes, along with words that read “I’m thirsty!”
The machines are controlled through a centralized server, allowing for easy monitoring by the vending company. Besides cash, drinks can be bought through a number of Japanese instant payment systems, such as JR East’s SUICA point system.
JR East Water Business Co. hopes to have 500 units in use within the next two years.
Read more news from Japan by the Japan Headlines Examiner
Comments
"I'm thirty" vs "I'm thirsty" ?
Thank you to James for pointing out a small typing error. It has been fixed.
I'll take one Pocari Sweat please.
Pocari Sweat is awesome.
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