Coca-Cola's 100-Flavor Interactive Freestyle Soda Fountain in Action [video]

Thanks Fast Company for this post on where drink vending machines may be going.

Looking at this device and it’s RFID/web connection alongside the 'interactive vending machine' Coke unveiled at Cannes (video at bottom of post), i can’t help but wonder how long before they combine both systems into a 'vending event' unit. A system that entertains people while giving them the opportunity to personalise their product, but then adds layers of engagement by petting people do things like share their own blend with the next person using the machine, or the world online; vote / ranking other people blends, display most popular from places around the world etc… Either way it’s a great first step towards adding something more to the FMCG experience


BY Zachary WilsonTue Jul 21, 2009 at 10:19 AM

Ever had one of those moments where all you wanted was a Diet Black Cherry Vanilla Coke, but all the fountain could offer you was regular old diet? Coca-Cola is doing away with that problem by introducing a new beverage dispenser. Heralded as the "fountain of the future" by Coke PR flaks, the "Freestyle"--which was first unveiled under the code name "Jet" back in April--offers more than 100 flavor options. There are traditional sodas, flavored waters, carbonated or noncarbonated beverages, energy drinks and so on. Even flavors not currently available in the United States.

This video is the first look at the Freestyle's touch screen interface, which is designed by Bsquare Corporation. Select a Coca-Cola product, such as Fanta, and the screen offers several flavor options. Choose the one you want (Grape, please!) and the machine mixes the drink right then--it can even mix flavors in ways that are not traditionally offered.

The machine is more technologically complex than you'd imagine. The "PurePour" technology was originally developed to measure extremely precise amounts of dialysis and cancer drugs. Beyond that, RFID scanners are used to match cartridges to dispensers, and the onboard computer confirms everything is in place. Existing soda fountains use five-gallon concentrate bags and lots of backroom labor. Now all that is required is a highly concentrated 46-ounce cartridge inside a self-contained machine.

Another perk is the business data the dispenser sends back to Coke's headquarters in Atlanta. The machines upload data about beverage consumption, peak times, and popular locations. Coke can also talk back to the machine, letting it know if a particular flavor needs to be discontinued or recalled and causing it to stop serving the drink immediately.

Freestyle machines are currently being tested in Georgia, California, and Utah. Coca-Cola has said it plans to place 60 test dispensers around the country by the end of the summer.

Coke's 'other' future vending machine:

Uniqlo to Stage Giveaway With a Human Vending Machine

Thanks - PSFK by Dave Pinter

If you were beginning to think that Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo was settling in to business as usual with their US retail presence, November 18 might prove that wrong. Remember back two years ago back two years ago when prior to opening the flagship store in Soho, the company setup a number of shipping containers transformed into popup shops around NYC.

Next month’s event in Times Square will promote the Heat Tech innerwear line. Uniqlo is giving away free Heat Tech items that will be distributed by a ‘Giant Human Vending Machine’ Yes, you read that correctly. Amy Odell of NYMag spoke to a representative at Uniqlo who described what is going to take place.

Basically we’re going to have two mimes. A male and a female mime inside the machine. And the public can see them through glass. When you get there, we’re going to have Uniqlo reps dressed in the silver bodysuits. And they’re going to hold a thermograph scanner — think of an airport security machine. The thermographer identifies cold spots in your body. After you go through that, you go to the vending machine and push a button and the mimes are going to do a synchronized choreographed routine and then your outfit comes out.

[ via NYMag ]

Movie Bracelet

E-paper isn’t new but this is a cool way of wearing it.
Like a slap band, its a bracelet you can wear around your wrist then unfurl to watch a movie etc. the best bit is that its eco-friendly since it is powered from the kinetic energy created by the person wearing it.

[Thanks to GlueLondon] Full article found at:
http://www.gluelondon.com/newsletter_show_content.php?content_id=399

Interactive window

Motion sensors on windows enable customers to try on clothing even when the store is closed. Simple reflections in windows coupled with still shots of outfits create an engaging user experience.

cool interfaces - oh yeah, this is cool shit with holograms and interactive interfaces

Window shopping

A new spin on the UK's 'Argos' shopping concept. This is an idea where customers can browse a catalogue from an interactive store window display and go inside to purchase it from in-store screens. Products are chosen and payment is made by swiping your credit card, purchases are then collected from the back of the store.
Not a new business model but interesting to replace in-store catalogue browsing with touchscreens.