With the advent of modern technology, the vending machine has taken on ever increasing functionality. Over the past decade, nationwide vending sales have risen some 40%, to $24.3 Billion. Recently a machine carrying 130 items was introduced with the following features. If the coin dispenser runs low or a product runs low email is sent to the home office to initiate necessary action. However, since we are members of a history fraternity, I thought it would be fun to talk about the innovative history of vending machines.
In 215 B.C., the Greek mathematician Hero described what some consider the first vending machine—a coin-operated device that dispensed holy water in Egyptian tables. In 1076 the Chinese produced a coin-operated pencil vendor. In the 1700s, coin-operated tobacco appeared in English taverns.
In 1886 the U.S. grants several patents for coin-operated dispensers. In 1888 Thomas Adams Company installed Tutti Frutti gum machines on New York train platforms. In 1902 Horn & Hardat Baking Co. opens Automat restaurant in Philadelphia. In 1905, the U.S. Post office begins to use stamp vendors.
In the 1930s ice-cooked machines vending bottled soft drinks appeared, and in the 1950s came the first refrigerated sandwiches. In 1960 dollar-bill changers were added. In1 985 vending machines first began to accept credit and debit cards.
Another big step was the first remote wireless transmission of data from machines to warehouse. This innovation led to dramatic lowering of labor costs.
New novel applications for vending machines seem to be fast emerging. There are more than 3000 machines that sell minnows, night crawlers, and mealworms. A 24-hour prescription –drub vending machine was recently introduced. A doctor prescribes medication on a handheld electronic device; the patent gets a voucher with a security code to insert into the machine, and even handles the necessary insurance information.
While we have come along way since the Egyptians, it is nice to know our ancestors could get holy water with a coin!
