Want to see the future of technology? Look no further than…vending machines?!

I’m always searching for new, innovative uses of technology.  Right now I’m fascinated with how augmented reality is finding its way into every day life, in relevant (not just cool) ways.

Case in point, check out this vending machine that senses your mood and rewards people that show a big enough smile.

And how about this vending machine in Tokyo that uses augmented reality to determine your age and gender to then recommend products that you are most likely to enjoy.  Are you kidding me?  The pretentious delightful person behind the counter at Starbucks can’t even do that!

So then I started poking around and found this dude that spoke at TED (most innovative conference on the planet).  He created a VENDING MACHINE FOR CROWS.  No joke.  For crows.  Check it out:

So maybe I’ve been going to the wrong conferences to find out what’s new in innovation.  Maybe I’ll be going to the NAMA Conference that serves the vending, coffee and food-service management industries later this year.  Wonder if Plancast has that one on the list ;)