After the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last year, the entire country was shut down due to catastrophic damage to its electrical grid. Among other things, this meant that all of the 5.5 million vending machines, which have become a very convenient commodity for Japanese people, were out of service. Access to vending machines plethora of convenience items were cut off. (No more drinks, hot food, fruit, clothes, etc)
To combat this issue, companies like Coca-Cola have fitted some of their machines with solar panels, but this has proved ineffective when building block sunlight. The company Sanden is trying an age-old solution to the power-less vending machine that will simply require muscle power; the crank powered vending machine surfaces.
Turns out that about 20 seconds after 70 cranks, the machine will turn on and be ready to dispense 2 to 3 items. It will surely make those who wish to indulge re-think their excesses, but the machine is surely to work after any power outage. Sanden made no announcement of added cost each machine will need other than the sore bicep.
Cabe
