# Smarty Pants Vending Tech The Intelligent Vending Machine Puts Knowledge to Good Use By Vittoria Natarelli | Published 2010-08-13 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intelligent-vending-machine References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2010/08/intelligent-vending-machine-suggests-drink-selections.html) & [jreast.co.jp](http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/) The JR EAST railway company of Japan has placed an intelligent vending machine in one of its Tokyo stations that detects a customer's sex and age. With that information the machine recommends drinks suitable for the customer. All the buyer has to do is choose from the suggested options. With a 47-inch touch panel and a camera for detection, this vending machine is technologically advanced. **Implications** - [Vending machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merchandise-vending-machine) are an essential technological innovation in every work place, school and industry, but these age-old machines are evolving with technology and becoming smarter while incorporating a broader range of products from [makeup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-express) to cigarettes and even swimwear. Some of these machines have even evolved to include [touch screen capacities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multicurrency-vending-machine) and sell a wide range of products from one dispenser. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Intelligent Vending Machines:** Companies can develop intelligent vending machines that use customer information to suggest personalized product options and increase customer satisfaction. - **Evolution of Vending Machines:** Entrepreneurs can invest in developing advanced vending machines with touch screens and selling a wider range of products to cater to customers' needs. - **Smart Technology in Retail:** Retail businesses can integrate smart technology into their operations, such as using cameras and AI to gather customer data and make personalized product recommendations. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies can invest in developing intelligent vending machines that cater to a wider range of products and add value to their products for customers. - **Retail:** The retail industry can utilize smart vending machines to create a personalized shopping experience for customers and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. - **Transportation:** Transportation companies can incorporate intelligent vending machines in their stations to enhance passenger experience and increase revenue. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Enabled Salad Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salad-stand-vending-machine.md) - [Smart Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-vending-machines.md) - [Heat-Sensitive Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heat-sensitive-vending-machine.md) - [Smart Fridge Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-fridge-vending-machines.md) - [Refrigerated Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redyref-smart-food-fridge.md) - [AI-Powered Fresh Food Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aipowered-fresh-food-vending-machines.md) - [Robot Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tortoise-smart-stores.md) - [Novel Robotic Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-robotic-vending-machine.md) - [Makeup Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-express.md)