Not sure about you, but change and singles are non-existent in my plastic laden wallet. This proves to be a problem when I want to purchase a drink or snack from a vending machine. The company ShelfX is proposing applying new RFID technology to allow for quick and easy purchasing at the vending machine electronically.
A customer purchasing from a "Vending Fridge" can do so by scanning a QR code using the ShelfX Mobile App which links to their bank account. Another option is to use an RFID-enabled XCard, which active users can receive through the mail.
Once the Vending Fridge recognizes a registered user is attempting to buy something, it simply unlocks the door and the customer is allowed to take whatever they want. Once the purchase is made, the ShelfX technology recognizes what the person took and automatically charges their account. The payment is processed through ShelfX, who takes a small percentage of each purchase. It does not account for items taken out during the decision process, but there is no word as to whether there are weight sensors to make sure the item is not returned empty.
ShelfX is also releasing the Vending Fridge Kit which allows do-it-yourself retrofitting of your own fridge. As with the Vending Fridge, this kit allows you to keep track of all the different items in the fridge and alerts you when any needs to be restocked. Office mico-managers are rejoicing.
The Vending Fridge is available for $600 and the do-it-yourself kit can be yours for $300 and can be purchased from ShelfX.
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