Buzz
Most of us are accustomed to vending machines that offer beverages, snacks, or hot coffee, whether at work or in public spaces. However, with the help of cutting-edge technology and a flood of innovative ideas, vending has evolved into an entirely new realm. Businesses are discovering that nearly anything can be sold via machines, cutting down on labor and operating costs. Meanwhile, inventors are seizing the opportunity to transform this once-limited sector into a vast landscape of possibilities for products and even services.
Some of these newly designed vending machines are borderline genius, while others are simply downright odd.
10. A Dog Wash
Thanks to French inventor Romain Jarry and his creation, the Dog-O-Matic, washing your dog is no longer a messy, hands-on task. This innovative machine provides a complete dog wash, featuring shampoo and gentle water jets, followed by a warm air drying session. For just 25 Euros (about $35 USD), you can slide open the door, place your dog inside, and let the machine take care of the rest. The whole process lasts around 30 minutes—five minutes for washing and 25 minutes for drying.
Worried your dog might get too stressed out during the wash? According to Jarry, most dogs calm down after a few minutes. However, if things get too out of hand, you can always open the door and remove your pet.
9. A Lightning-Fast Wedding
Ever dreamed of a wedding without the legal hassle, just for fun? Concept Shed has created the perfect machine for you and your partner. The AutoWed offers a quick simulated wedding, complete with audio prompts, rings, and even a printed certificate. Simply step up, type in your names on the steel keyboard, and voilà—you’re off to marital bliss.
The first version of this machine was displayed in a Michigan museum, and businesses offering the AutoWed have the added perk of having their flyer or business card printed alongside the wedding 'certificate.'
This machine offers a fun and harmless alternative to the real thing, which often comes with its own set of challenges, like depression, alimony, and homelessness.
8. Fresh Lobster
Looking for a new twist on the classic claw vending machine? Me too! I’m still waiting for one stocked with Rolex watches and Lamborghini keys, but at least we’re getting closer with... live lobster?
Introducing The Lobster Zone, a twist on the classic claw machines you know. Instead of a stuffed toy, the prize here is a live saltwater lobster. The machine is equipped with a thermally insulated marine tank, sealed in double-paned glass, and uses a pneumatic claw that can dip into water. Aimed primarily at restaurants and sports bars, it lets users pull out a live lobster, which they can either have cooked or cook themselves. With inexpensive cleaning chemicals, it costs around $10 per lobster to keep it stocked with live prizes.
Oh—and The Lobster Zone’s claw is, unsurprisingly, designed to resemble a lobster’s claw. How fitting, right?
7. Bicycle Components
Imagine this: You and your friend Moe are on a midnight bike ride to burn off some burger calories. Moe’s bike breaks down, but luckily, you spot a Bike Fixtation vending machine nearby. Moe’s good to go, so you decide to keep riding ahead.
The Bike Fixtation doesn’t just offer snacks; it also provides spare parts for cyclists in need. Stocked with inner tubes, patch kits, U-locks, and all the essential tools, it’s perfect for those in a jam. Moe will be back on his bike in no time (unless, of course, he forgot his credit card).
And really, leaving Moe behind? Not cool. What kind of friend are you?
6. Fresh Hot Pizza
Ordering a pizza can take forever, but with Let’s Pizza, you can enjoy fresh ingredients made to order right in front of you. According to the company’s product info:
“Let’s Pizza is the only vending machine capable of making pizza from scratch, kneading the dough right on the spot, mixing the freshest ingredients, and adding your choice of toppings. Whether you opt for Margherita, Pepperoni, Ham, or Bacon (with or without tomato), our pizzas are both healthy and delicious.”
This machine can make up to 100 pizzas before needing a refill of flour and tomato. It includes a built-in oven for cooking and even features a CCTV camera to deter vandalism.
5. A Quick Hair Fix
For the ladies who leave home with a perfect hairdo only to have it ruined by the weather, Beautiful Vending offers a quirky solution. This machine provides access to a straightening iron to tame your unruly hair, all for a few quarters. Plus, the ceramic plates are kept at a constant heat, ensuring they remain sterile—no need to worry about the last customer’s lice.
If the company has its way, these machines will soon be appearing in ladies’ restrooms at clubs, bars, gyms, and shopping centers everywhere. Great! Just what we need—another reason for women to crowd the restroom in groups of 20.
4. Solid Gold Bars
If you ever find yourself in a foreign country where gold is the main currency, don’t even think about trying to grab a rapper’s 24-karat grill—just head to Gold To Go. With a simple swipe of your credit card, the vending machine will dispense the equivalent in gold, with most customers spending around 400 Euros or more.
Two of these machines are already up and running in the US—one in New York and another in Las Vegas. And if you’re visiting Dubai, Lisbon, or even Abu Dhabi, you won’t have trouble finding gold either. Ideal for when I need to treat diplomats to dinner in Berlin... which, let’s face it, never happens.
3. Exchange Items
The Swap-O-Matic is a clever invention that not only showcases human creativity but also highlights the potential of using technology for good.
Here’s how it works: You bring your gently used, unwanted items to the machine to donate. In return, the machine credits you with points based on what you’ve donated. You can later redeem those points to ‘purchase’ something donated by someone else. It’s a sustainable idea that encourages recycling, with a fun twist of giving back.
The company explains: “By combining design and technology, we’ve taken the simple, timeless concept of swapping and turned it into an exciting, fun, and thought-provoking experience. Our goal is to get people using the machine, remembering the experience, and rethinking their consumption habits.”
Kudos to Swap-O-Matic for an innovative idea. Although, there’s no telling what strange items might find their way into the machine as donations.
2. On-Demand Books
The Espresso Book Machine operates like a jukebox (minus the fact that books are tangible), letting you select a title from its broad catalog and instantly print a high-quality hardcover. Aspiring authors can even upload a PDF and get a bound copy of their manuscript ready to share.
With over seven million titles available, this machine can print a book in just minutes—an excellent way to maintain interest in physical books while the digital world thrives. Around 70 of these machines are available in the U.S., placed in libraries, universities, and bookstores for easy access.
1. Baby Goods
Happy Baby Vending has launched a practical line of machines designed for parents of young children. Did you forget the diapers at home? No worries. Just swipe your card and you're all set. Need wipes, formula, or baby powder too? This machine has it all. It also stocks snacks, toys, and other essential baby items.
Left the baby at home? Unfortunately, this machine won’t help with that. But if you're in need of applesauce, a pacifier, or teething biscuits, this handy mommy-machine has got you covered.
