In some regions of the globe, vending machines are still relatively scarce, yet there are countries (Japan being one of the most notable) that have integrated them into everyday life. But where is the limit? What can actually be sold from a vending machine? After browsing this gallery, I believe the correct answer is: “anything”. Have a look!
A couple of years ago we talked about a vending machine dedicated to selling luxury cars. In reality, what its creators did was turn an entire building, with enough space for 60 vehicles, into a vending machine. The world found the idea irresistible even though those cars are only within reach of a privileged few, but it mainly confirmed the extreme versatility of the vending machine as a point of sale.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ev93FNJy7WsJapan is known as the number one country in the use of vending machines. The short documentary from BEGIN Japanology reveals that at the time of filming there were nearly six million machines in operation. And they sell just about anything, from bananas to umbrellas, including books and hot ready-to-eat lunches. Obviously, the rest of the world couldn't lag behind, and gave rise to designs like these:
A Gallery of Unusual Vending Machines
Source: Izismile
Source: Interesting Engineering
