Six cutting-edge vending machines

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 | 2 a.m.

Cash no longer king in vending machines’ future

The latest innovations in vending machine technology were on display Tuesday when the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s Gratitude Tour stopped by the UNLV campus.

Whether it’s touch-screen panels or built-in text messaging, technology is bringing vending machines into the 21st century.

Novel food products — including cotton candy, ice cream and organic trail mixes — are also finding their way into new vending machines.

Here’s a look at six unique vending machines on display Tuesday:

Sam Morris

Dentyne Ice Experience

Giant touch-screens dominate three sides of this machine, giving consumers the opportunity to play a game, watch a video or buy a pack of gum. “We’re in a digital age,” said Kraft Foods representative Frank Guzzone. “We’re using that technology to provide a better customer experience.”
Sam Morris

Pepsi Social Vending Machine

Buy a Pepsi for yourself at this vending machine, and while you’re at it, send one to a friend. The Pepsi Social Vending Machine is focused on bringing people together and gives customers the opportunity to buy a soda for a friend, even if they’re in a different locale. The machine allows users to text a coupon code to a friend. The coupon then can be redeemed at a nearby Pepsi machine.
Sam Morris

The Dream Machine

While most vending machines dispense cans and bottles, the Dream Machine does the opposite. This vending machine, developed by PepsiCo, allows consumers to recycle their used cans or bottles and accumulate points, which can be redeemed online for prizes and coupons.
Sam Morris

2bU

For those looking for healthier snack options, the 2bU vending machine offers a range of organic, gluten-free and vegan foods. The machine also has touch-screen displays that show the nutritional information for the different products it carries. “More and more now, consumers are demanding to see the label,” said Laura Rengel, a representative for Canteen, which manufacturers 2bU. “We’re trying to promote choice. Sometimes, instead of a candy bar you want a nutrient-dense energy bar for a mid-afternoon snack.”
Sam Morris

Eco-Vendor

Built from environmentally friendly materials and using low-power lighting, the Eco-Vendor takes environmental friendliness to a new level by incorporating power management software that will put the machine into a power-saving mode when traffic is slow. The machine also utilizes carbon dioxide gas in its refrigeration unit to reduce its greenhouse footprint, and near-field communication technology allows customers to buy a drink simply by swiping their phones near the Eco-Vendor.
Sam Morris

Fresh Cotton Candy Factory

Press a button, wait 60 seconds, and the Fresh Cotton Candy Factory will dispense a serving of this fluffy, sugary treat. Manufactured by Henderson VendEver, the machine offers a variety of flavors, from green apple to blue raspberry. “You’re paying probably the same amount for bagged cotton candy that’s already cold,” said VendEver CEO Rick Leffke. “This comes out fresh and hot.”