# Vending 3.0 Hi-tech features turn vending machines into interactive buying experiences. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Oct 27, 2012 | Category: [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/unique-and-bizarre) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/vending-30 ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Vending 3.0 trend? **Vending 3.0:** Non-traditional vending machines have become more prevalent in the retail landscape, dispensing everything from movies to underwear. The breadth of offerings from these machines has grown, and so too has the technology behind them. Now, these portable and convenient dispensers do everything from provide you with Wi-Fi and social media connectivity to item suggestions based on facial and demographic recognition software, thereby increasing the level of convenience and interactivity available to busy shoppers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 21, 2011 to Oct 3, 2012 - Published: Oct 27, 2012 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Themes within the Vending 3.0 trend ### Interactive Vending Machines Technological advancements in vending machines have led to new interactive experiences, including facial recognition and customized product suggestions. ### Wi-Fi Enabled Vending Machines Vending machines that also provide Wi-Fi access have become increasingly popular, allowing for greater convenience and marketing opportunities. ### Social Media Integration in Vending Machines Vending machines that encourage interaction through social media have provided a new way for brands to engage with customers. ## What the Vending 3.0 trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry The retail industry can take advantage of interactive vending machines to provide a unique customer experience and increase convenience. ### For Technology Industry Developing technology for vending machines can provide disruptive innovations for the industry. ### For Marketing Industry Wi-Fi and social media-enabled vending machines provide new marketing opportunities for brands to reach customers. ## Trend signals for Vending 3.0 Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 47%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 47% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Vending 3.0 trend 6 featured examples from Dec 21, 2011 to Oct 3, 2012. - [Tweet-Enabled Treat Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bev-twitter-vending-machine): The BEV Twitter Vending Machine Trades Hash Tags for Iced Tea (Category: Unique) Implication: Innovative vending machine companies can incorporate the use of social media and location-based services to offer customers new and engaging experiences. - [Dancing Soda Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coke-dance-vending-machine): The Coke Dance Vending Machine Rewards Participants for Dancing in Public (Category: Marketing) Implication: Opportunity for the beverage industry to enhance customer experiences through innovative vending machine designs and interactive campaigns like the Coke dance vending machine. - [Facial Recognition Product Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanden-vending-machine): Sanden Vending Machine Provides Extreme Customization (Category: Business) Implication: Facial recognition vending machines have the potential to revolutionize product marketing in the retail industry. - [Wi-Fi Drink Dispensers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asahi-beverages): Asahi Beverages Rolls Out Vending Machines That Provide Internet Access (Category: World) Implication: Innovative vending machine technologies and value-added services can disrupt the traditional vending industry, providing new opportunities for players in the space. - [Bartering Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swap-o-matic): The Swap-O-Matic Trades Products for Recyclable Materials (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity to develop and market vending machines that encourage recycling and promote sustainability. - [Internet Access Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/happiness-refill): The Coca Cola Happiness Refill Fountain Lets You Log On (Category: Marketing) Implication: Retail companies can offer vending machines with internet access to enhance in-store customer experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Unique - [Pickle-Flavored Iced Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dill-pickle-iced-coffee) - [K Beauty-Inspired Hydrogel Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogel-face-masks1) All articles: [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique)