# Touchscreen Vending Machines The aCure Vending Machine Debuts in Japan By Meghan Young | Published 2010-08-12 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchscreen-vending-machines References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2010/08/japan-gets-craz.php) & [core77](http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/touchscreens_go_mainstream_for_tokyo_vending_machines_17119.asp) The aCure [touchscreen vending machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microtouch-products) debuted at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to the joy of Japanese residents. When I was traveling in Japan, I couldn't help but notice not only their [love for technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venhub) and also for vending machines (there's a machine for almost anything!), so it was only a matter of time before they introduced these touchscreen devices! Check out the gallery above to see just how high-tech this contraption is--all to quench your thirst. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smart Vending Machines:** The trend of creating vending machines with advanced digital and IoT technologies to enhance user experiences and improve operational efficiency is rapidly catching on. - **Contactless Payment Vending Machines:** With the increasing demand for contactless payment methods, vending machine companies are realizing the need to upgrade their devices to ensure they are equipped with digital payment technologies. - **Personalized Vending Machine Experiences:** As vending machines become more like digital interfaces, with up-close product visualization and tailored recommendations, companies are seeking ways to offer personalized experiences to their customers. ### Who This Affects Most - **Vending Machine Manufacturing:** Vending machine manufacturers will need to adapt and innovate, taking advantage of IoT technologies to stay competitive in producing smart vending machines. - **Retail and Hospitality:** Retail and hospitality businesses can benefit by implementing smart vending machines in their stores, increasing customer engagement and generating additional revenue streams. - **Digital Payment Solutions:** As vending machines continue to move towards digital payment solutions, digital payment companies can focus on offering services to accommodate the shift towards contactless payments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Enabled Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vending-tracker.md) - [AI-Enabled Salad Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salad-stand-vending-machine.md) - [Porcelain-Clad Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automatica-project.md) - [Contactless Self-Checkout Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holographic-consoles.md) - [Heat-Sensitive Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heat-sensitive-vending-machine.md) - [Novel Robotic Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-robotic-vending-machine.md) - [Off-Beat Shellfish Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farm-suzuki.md) - [Robot Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tortoise-smart-stores.md) - [Gourmet Meal Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-chef-chulchul-box.md)