The launch of new vending equipment supply company, Smart Vend Solutions, is heralding the UK arrival of the world’s first vending machines enabled for facial recognition.
Part of the Stanco Services Group, which has been established for 24 years with a UK-wide presence, headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, Smart Vend Solutions will offer a new nationwide one-stop shop for vending equipment sales, maintenance and technical field support.
A member of the Automatic Vending Association (AVA), Smart Vend Solutions is the exclusive UK distribution partner of Rheavendors, one of the most established names in the European vending machines manufacturing industry.
The partnership has been formed to establish the Luce X2 Touch TV machine as the new standard of cutting-edge automatic consumer service, providing an unprecedented personal experience for users in a broad range of retail, office, health and education environments.
When linked with an existing database of self-registered subscribers (in accordance with the Data Protection Act), Rheavendors machines are capable of identifying, personally greeting and servicing the user with tailor-made options based upon historical purchases, preferences and favourite recipes.
By using software developed over the last two years by Rheavendors, the advanced facial mapping system even enables the equipment to allow or disallow products based upon users’ age, gender or dietary requirements. This represents a ground-breaking tool that could have huge implications for catering, particularly in hospitals and schools. If, for example, the machine is programmed to identify that a recognised individual has lactose intolerance or diabetes, it can refuse to serve the user, a potentially life-saving advancement.
Smart Vend Solution MD Malcolm Standage commented: “The launch of Smart Vend Solutions in the UK represents an exciting event which we believe will redefine the future of the automatic retailing industry.
“For the last 24 years Stanco Services’ core business has been providing nationwide technical support on a wide range of traditional espresso machines as well as bean to cup, free standing vending and hot and cold beverage equipment. Now touch screen technology, cashless payment systems and Smartphone integration, automatic dispensing is shaping the future of the industry and we want Smart Vend Solutions to be positioned as a specialist in this marketplace.
“Through our exclusive partnership with Rheavendors, we are determined to explore unprecedented avenues and endless possibilities in vending. Launching the very first full production facial recognition technology represents an advancement which will bring unlimited benefits to businesses and consumers across the UK.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024