Japanese company Asashi Soft Drinks is preparing to change the vending machine game with its new Wi-Fi vending machine. The Wi-Fi vending machine will debut in Japan in 2013 and will offer 30 minutes of Wi-Fi free of charge.
The Wi-Fi vending machine has a range of 164 feet and is designed to get people to camp out near Asashi's machines in the hopes that they'll purchase something. One thousand of the machines will be rolled out in 2013 and Asashi has a target of 10,000 machines across Japan within the next five years. Japan has the most tech-savvy vending machines on the planet, so a vending machine that offers Wi-Fi shouldn't come as a shock to anyone. Here's hoping that American companies adapt the idea sometime soon.
Internet-Enabled Soda Dispensers
The Wi-Fi Vending Machine by Asashi Offers Free Web Access
Trend Themes
1. Internet-enabled Vending Machines - The use of Wi-Fi in vending machines to provide free internet access presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the vending industry.
2. Mobile Connectivity in Vending Machines - Integrating Wi-Fi technology into vending machines allows for remote management and personalized experiences, opening up new possibilities for innovation in the vending sector.
3. Combining Technology and Convenience - The integration of Wi-Fi capabilities in vending machines demonstrates the trend of leveraging technology to enhance convenience in consumer experiences, paving the way for disruptive advancements.
Industry Implications
1. Vending Machine Industry - The introduction of Wi-Fi-enabled vending machines presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to revolutionize the vending industry by providing additional value-added services to customers.
2. Technology Industry - The integration of Wi-Fi in vending machines creates potential disruptive opportunities for technology companies to develop innovative solutions in connectivity, data analytics, and remote management.
3. Retail Industry - The adoption of Wi-Fi vending machines can disrupt the retail landscape by merging physical retail with digital connectivity, enabling personalized interactions and new revenue streams.