New Pepsi ‘Social Vending System' Lets You Buy Drinks for Friends

PepsiCo announced yesterday the launch of a new vending machine that lets people buy drinks for friends or strangers using a social media-inspired system.

The so-called “Social Vending System” uses digital technology to allow any user to gift a friend a PepsiCo beverage by entering the recipient's name, mobile number and a personalized text message. Users also have an option to send a short video recorded right at the machine, PepsiCo said in a statement.

The gift will then be delivered with a system code and instructions to redeem it at any of the new vending machines.

The machine also allows users to give away drinks to strangers as a “symbol of encouragement”, PepsiCo said.

“Our vision is to use innovative technology to empower consumers and create new ways for them to engage with our brands, their social networks and each other at the point of purchase,” PepsiCo chief innovation officer Mikel Durham said.

A prototype of the Social Vending System has been installed in Chicago until 29 April, and PepsiCo is looking to testing its concept with partners later this year.

“The platform holds potential to extend PepsiCo's digital and social programs for its food and beverage brands,” the company said.

Via Design TAXI News.

DesignTAXI is a daily news and editorial site interested in the overlap between design and technology.