Vending machines are a big part of the Japanese culture and everything from bananas, diapers to live crabs can be found in them.
Now there is a beverage vending machine that recommends drinks to customers, using facial recognition technology based on the customer’s age and gender.
Developed by JR East Water Business Co, a subsidiary of the railway firm, JR East Co, these machines use large touch-panel screens with sensors that permit the determination of the characteristics of an approaching customer.
The machine will then suggest a “recommended” choicer on specific beverage and this changes as by the time of day and the outdoor temperature.
If the customer is a man, the machine is will most likely recommend a canned coffee drink, since men tend to like these best.
A woman in her 20s may be recommended a tea drink or slightly sweeter product, since market research has shown that they prefer these.
We thought it would make it a lot more fun for the customers to have this kind of interaction with our machines…,” said a company spokeswoman.
If you doubt this type of machine has influence over potential customers, think again.
Sales have tripled over those from regular vending machines.
Results are based on only one machine that has been installed at one Tokyo train station, but it is expected that by early 2011, five more will be added at central Tokyo Station and nearby suburban areas. By March of 2012, some 500 machines are slated for installation all around Tokyo and its environs.
Is it just us, or does it look like a pair of white shoes, under the talking vending machine?
