Vending machines have come a long way from merely dispensing snacks, beverages, newspapers, tickets and similar. Today, vending machines offer the possibility to serve as multi-dimensional retail platforms, offering a convenient, quick, and unattended shopping experience across various markets.
Take, for instance, intelligent vending company Selfly Store’s creative partnership with Verkkokauppa.com at Assembly Summer 2023, one of the Nordic countries’ largest gaming and digital art events.
As Aslak de Silva, chief executive of Selfly Store, strongly states: “New intelligent vending technology isn’t just about delivering food items. Intelligent vending machines can house anything that fits into the cabinet, from frozen food to high-end gaming equipment. We are opening new avenues of retail, making it a comprehensive ecosystem.”
During the gaming event, Selfly Store machines, usually offering a variety of frozen, refrigerated and ambient food items, seamlessly integrated gaming and computer equipment. And it wasn’t just about selling products, but about enhancing the entire gaming experience. The machines gained attention not just for their content but also for their modern electronics, dynamic displays, and seamless user experience.
One of the most captivating features of this new generation of vending machines is their potential to streamline the shopping process. Transactions are simplified to a tap of a card or mobile wallet on a payment terminal, followed by the unique opportunity to physically engage with the product before selecting. This efficiency adds a new dimension to ‘quick shopping’ suitable for a variety of environments —all in less than 10 seconds.
The versatility of intelligent vending machines also stretches into other sectors. Imagine a vending machine in an industrial setting, equipped with essential tools and machine parts, or at a healthcare facility stocked with vital medical supplies. Real-time tracking systems monitor when items are picked out, by whom, and what remains in stock, thus optimising inventory levels and reducing waste.
“We’re only scratching the surface,” concludes Aslak de Silva. “Whether it’s food, electronics, gym equipment, or even critical medical supplies, we aim to redefine what vending can be in our modern world. And that’s an exciting future for all of us.”
