While most vending machines offer pre-selected snacks already packaged and ready to eat, Finns researchers from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd are developing a snack machine that leverages 3D-printing to create custom treats upon order. This will ensure both freshness and personalization to the snacking ritual, allowing consumers to select what they would like to have and have it made by a robot before their eyes.
The vending machine will offer customized snack options for consumers to choose from, that will then be made in real-time using 3D-printing technology. The interior mechanism will be able to produce popular snack textures that are sweet or savory such as chocolates, wafers, soft gels and more. The printing will use dairy and plant-based ingredients to replicate the taste and texture of several popular snacks.
3D-Printed Snack Machines
Researchers Are Working on Vending Machines That Can Print Custom Treats
Trend Themes
1. Customized Snack Options - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing a platform that allows consumers to create and personalize their own snacks using 3D-printing technology.
2. Real-time 3d-printing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating vending machines that can produce customized snacks in real-time, offering a unique and interactive snacking experience.
3. Replicating Popular Snack Textures - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing 3D-printing technology to replicate the taste and texture of popular snacks using dairy and plant-based ingredients.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating 3D-printing technology into the food and beverage industry to revolutionize snacking options and consumer experiences.
2. Technology and Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating 3D-printing technology into the manufacturing process of vending machines, enabling the production of customized snacks on demand.
3. Hospitality and Entertainment - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing 3D-printed snack machines in hotels, cinemas, and other entertainment venues to offer unique, personalized snacking experiences for guests.