# Smart Vending Vending retail becomes more sophisticated for consumer allure. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Dec 10, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smart-vending ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Smart Vending trend? **Smart Vending:** Though simple in concept, vending retail is becoming more capable and sophisticated through advances in technology. Through smart features such as data collection or heightened customization, new forms of vended retail are able to delight consumers while remaining efficient. This shift demonstrates a consumer willingness to entrust more complex tasks to technology, and the associated brands. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 16, 2015 to Dec 16, 2017 - Published: Dec 10, 2015 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Smart Vending trend ### Smart Vending Advancing technologies are making vending machines more capable and sophisticated through smart features like data collection and customization. ### On-Demand Services More and more vending machines are incorporating cloud-based technologies and mobile apps to deliver fresh and customized food and drink on demand. ### Intelligent Machines Companies are exploring the application of artificial intelligence in vending machines to create emotional connections with consumers and pioneer a new generation of intelligent technology. ## What the Smart Vending trend means for industry ### For Retail Advancements in vending machine technologies are changing the retail industry by making it easier to provide customized and on-demand services. ### For Food Services New plant-based vending machines and on-demand coffee coolers are providing quick and healthy grab-and-go food options for busy consumers. ### For Automotive Car vending machines are being introduced in various markets, providing smart storage solutions and simplified car buying experiences. ## Workshop question How can your brand provide a tech-focused aspect of convenience to your consumers? ## Trend signals for Smart Vending Trend score 4.1 out of 10, from popularity 62%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 62% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Smart Vending trend 6 featured examples from Jun 16, 2015 to Dec 16, 2017. - [Intelligent Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacolas-ai-vending-machine): Coca-Cola's AI Vending Machine Brings Joy to Purchasing a Drink (Category: Marketing) Implication: Intelligent vending machines present the beverage industry with the opportunity to enhance customer experiences and explore new avenues for advertising and customer engagement. - [Vegan Meal Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vending-machine-for-food): leCupboard Offers a Healthy, Plant-Based Vending Machine for Food (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Advancements in food technology, like leCupboard's vegan vending machines, are disrupting the traditional food industry by offering convenient and healthy options. - [On-Demand Coffee Coolers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-coolers): 'Apex Anywhere' is a Vending Machine That Produces Custom Coffee Orders (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for the vending machine industry to expand its offerings to include temperature-regulated machines. - [Customizable Pizza Kiosks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-kiosk): NXT Pizza's Food Kiosk Lets Foodies Personalize Their Order (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Customizable food kiosks offer a disruptive innovation opportunity in the fast food industry, allowing for personalized and convenient on-the-go meal solutions. - [Luxury Vehicle Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-vehicle-vending-machine): Singapore Has Designed a 15 Story Vehicle 'Vending Machine' (Category: Autos) Implication: The luxury vehicle vending machine showcases a disruptive innovation opportunity for the automotive industry to revolutionize retail and make car buying more convenient and experi… - [Cat-Shaped Car Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-test-drive): Tmall's Super Test-Drive Involves a Car-Dispensing Machine (Category: Autos) Implication: Innovative car vending machines can be a disruptive addition to traditional automobile sales. ## Recent trend clusters - [Occasion Candy](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-candy) (Lifestyle) - [Protein Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/protein-personalization) (Lifestyle) - [Countertop Craft](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/countertop-craft) (Lifestyle) - [Ready Regimens](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ready-regimens) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Weighted Overhead Sleep Pillows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sleep-crown-classic-trends) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)