Students at Guangzhou's South China University of Technology can now enjoy a new type of food vending machine, ones that will quickly serve up a steaming bowl of rice. The machines are capable of producing rice about every 2.5 seconds, which makes it like a super efficient lunch lady.
In order to get rice from the machines, students are required to swipe their student cards in order to get at the rice. There have been other vending machines introduced that release dry bags of rice in the past, but what makes this one unique is that the bowls of steamed rice are hot and ready to eat. Since rice is a staple part of so many Asian meals, it wouldn't be surprising to see these machines popping up in more locations.
Rice-Dispensing Machines
This Food Vending Machine Produces Steaming Rice for Chinese Students
Trend Themes
1. Steaming Rice Vending Machines - Opportunity for businesses to disrupt the food vending industry by introducing steaming rice vending machines that serve hot and ready-to-eat rice bowls.
2. Efficient Rice Production - Innovative solutions for rice production that can produce rice in seconds, providing a quick and convenient option for consumers.
3. Campus Food Automation - Potential for automated food vending machines on university campuses, providing students with easy access to a variety of hot meals, including steamed rice bowls.
Industry Implications
1. Food Vending - Disruptive innovation opportunity for the food vending industry to introduce steaming rice vending machines as a popular and convenient meal option.
2. Rice Production - Opportunity for disruption in the rice production industry through the development of efficient rice manufacturing technologies that can cater to high demand.
3. Higher Education - Automation of food services in universities can create a disruptive innovation opportunity for the higher education industry, improving convenience and meal options for students.