A COFFEE VENDING MACHINE THAT KNOWS WHEN YOU YAWN?

Vending machine manufacturers are always coming up with clever ways to market their products, and we’ve certainly just seen one of the most unique marketing campaigns yet. Everyone loves coffee vending machines as it is, but could you imagine one that knows when you’re tired and need some java most? According to Eater, Coffee brand Douwe Egberts decided to try the concept out, and put the results up for public viewing on YouTube.

In order to attract sleepy coffee addicts, Douwe Egberts planted a special vending machine in a Johannesburg airport that dispensed free coffee upon “seeing” a customer yawn. This was done via facial recognition technology, and the customers in the YouTube video are pleasantly surprised when their sleep-deprived state earns them a complimentary cup of Java. This isn’t the first example of facial recognition technology being used in vending units, as manufacturers are experimenting with the concept to deliver more personalized customer service. We’re not sure if yawn-detectors will become a staple of the vending industry, but they’re certainly an innovative move from a marketing standpoint.

Whether you want to be on the front lines of the vending industry or would prefer to sell the classics to your customers, visit eVending today and learn more about new vending machine technology and how to become a part of this exciting business!