The history of vending machines

Vending machines have become a ubiquitous sight in modern society. From dispensing snacks and drinks to providing access to everyday necessities such as phone chargers and toiletries, vending machines have been an integral part of our daily lives. But how did these machines come to be? Let’s take a look at the fascinating history of vending machines.

The first vending machine was invented in ancient Greece in the 1st century AD. The machine dispensed holy water in exchange for a coin. However, vending machines as we know them today were not invented until the late 19th century. In 1883, the first vending machine in the US was introduced by Percival Everett in New York City. This machine dispensed gum in exchange for a penny. The first soda vending machine was introduced by the Glascock Brothers in 1937. As vending machines grew in popularity, so did the number of products available through them. Today, vending machines can be found dispensing everything from hot food to electronics.

Over the years, several companies have made significant contributions to the development of vending machines. In 1888, the Thomas Adams Gum Company purchased the rights to the first vending machine and began producing them for commercial use. In 1926, the Automatic Canteen Company (later renamed the Automatic Products Company) was founded and became one of the largest vending machine manufacturers in the world. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Frito-Lay are just a few of the companies that have also made significant contributions to the development of vending machines.

According to a spokesperson for Coca-Cola, “The evolution of vending machines has been driven by consumer needs and technological advances.” Indeed, vending machines have come a long way since their invention in the late 19th century. Today, vending machines are equipped with touch screens, cashless payment options, and even facial recognition technology. Companies such as Amazon have even begun experimenting with vending machines that allow customers to pick up their online orders without having to interact with a human.

Vending machines have a long and fascinating history that spans centuries. From the ancient Greeks to modern technology, vending machines have evolved to meet the needs of consumers. With the continued advancement of technology, it will be interesting to see how vending machines continue to develop in the future.

Summary

• The first vending machine was invented in ancient Greece in the 1st century AD
• The first vending machine in the US was introduced in 1883 by Percival Everett
• The first soda vending machine was introduced in 1937 by the Glascock Brothers
• The Thomas Adams Gum Company was the first company to produce vending machines for commercial use
• The Automatic Products Company became one of the largest vending machine manufacturers in the world
• Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Frito-Lay have also made significant contributions to the development of vending machines
• Vending machines have evolved to meet the needs of consumers and are equipped with touch screens, cashless payment options, and facial recognition technology
• Amazon has even begun experimenting with vending machines that allow customers to pick up their online orders without interacting with a human.