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  • Crepes Vending Machine

    SAKURAI, Nara — A vending machine that sells handmade crepes in west Japan’s Nara Prefecture has created a social media buzz, prompted by popular YouTubers introducing it in their videos.

    The owner, Kato came up with the idea of a machine selling food that would attract people’s attention in order to cover a revenue drop during winter, when some restaurants tend to see fewer customers. Kato thought about selling crepes because they are liked by a wide range of generations even though he had never made one before. He learned how to make them from a chef friend.

    Since installing the vending machine, popular social media influencers have posted videos on YouTube introducing it. The location has become widely known primarily among young people, and has become a notable spot where tourists from in and outside the prefecture visit.

    “I’m truly happy that the vending machine has prompted people to visit Nara for sightseeing. I’d like to make efforts to keep offering delicious crepes.”

    “I’m truly happy that the vending machine has prompted people to visit Nara for sightseeing. I’d like to make efforts to keep offering delicious crepes.”

    Kato
    “Somen” noodle restaurant owner Hideyuki Kato shows off his crepe vending machine in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture. (Mainichi)

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  • Eyelashes Vending Machine

    A Vending Machine set up in Midtown Common Mall in Saskatoon by entrepreneur and businesswoman Christina Vlahos.

    Vlahos has been doing her makeup since she was 12 and always knew she wanted to create her own business involving beauty, she just did not know exactly what it would be.

    After a quick Google search, she realized Vending Machine for lashes had never been done before and decided to start the process.

    I am always the type of person, when I get my mind to it, I’m gonna do it.

    Christina Vlahos

    Lashes by Sophia, named after her daughter, came to life in a matter of only eight months.

    There are currently 15 different styles of mink fur eyelashes priced at $10 a pair and four styles of luxury human hair lashes priced of $15 a pair.

    Source


    Other Vending Machine Applications

  • Squid Vending Machine

    The Kelong Seafood vending machine promises to uphold the freshness and quality of the Bintan Kelong Brand, with all the seafood dispensed in the vending machine being freshly wild caught at the Kelong and frozen for maximum freshness. 

    Interesting fact on Squid:

    An interesting fact about squid is that they possess the ability to change color and pattern almost instantaneously, thanks to cells in their skin called chromatophores. These specialized cells contain pigments and are surrounded by muscles that can be controlled by the squid’s nervous system. By expanding or contracting these cells, squids can change their coloration to communicate with other squids, camouflage themselves against predators or prey, or express internal states such as stress or mating readiness.

    Another fascinating aspect of squid biology is their intelligence. Squids have relatively large brains for invertebrates and show complex behaviors indicative of problem-solving abilities. Some species have been observed using tools, such as coconut shells for shelter, and engaging in playful activities. Their nervous systems are also highly developed, featuring a brain that is distributed partly into their arms, allowing for some autonomous movement and decision-making at the limb level.

    Moreover, squids produce ink as a defense mechanism to evade predators. When threatened, they release a cloud of dark ink, which can obscure the predator’s view and give the squid time to escape. Interestingly, this ink, known as sepia, was historically used as a writing and drawing pigment.


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  • Turnstiles

    Vanyu-Fuji provide turnstiles with payment systems around Hong Kong for more than 45 years in ferry pier, swimming pool, library and stadium etc.

    History of Turnstiles

    Turnstiles have a history that dates back to the late 19th century. The first patent for a turnstile was registered in 1889 in England by John Gamgee, initially designed for regulating entry into amusement parks and other venues.

    Over time, their use has expanded significantly to include public transportation systems, stadiums, office buildings, and many other places where controlled access is necessary.

    One of the more intriguing uses of turnstiles comes from their ability to not only restrict and permit access but also to gather data. Modern turnstiles, especially those used in subway stations or large venues, can be equipped with electronic readers and sensors. These can track the number of entries and exits, peak times, and even the types of tickets or passes being used. This information is invaluable for improving crowd management strategies, optimizing facility operations, and enhancing security measures. Furthermore, it enables operators to adjust staffing levels and manage maintenance schedules based on actual usage patterns.

    In essence, while they started as simple revolving gates to control access, turnstiles have evolved into sophisticated tools that play a critical role in managing and understanding human traffic flow in various settings.


    Other Products and Solutions

  • Payment Kiosk

    Vanyu-Fuji can custom make payment kiosk according to our clients’ requirement for their customers to pay and select where they wish to play.

    Below is a project we proudly provide to Ocean Park, Hong Kong. It is a joy to see that many parents and children enjoy our service!

    Ocean Park Payment Kiosk

    Other Products and Solutions

  • M&M’s Vending Machine

    Spotted! M&M’S Vending Machine in Netherland. Our favorite chocolate!

    History of M&M

    M&M originated in the United States in 1941, inspired by a method used to allow soldiers in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) to carry chocolate in warm climates. The company’s longest-lasting slogan reflects this: “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” 

    Fun Facts about M&M’s

    • The two ‘M’s represent the names of Forrest E. Mars Sr., the founder of Newark Company, and Bruce Murrie, son of Hershey Chocolate’s president William F. R. Murrie, who had a 20 percent share in the product. The arrangement allowed the candies to be made with Hershey chocolate, as Hershey had control of the rationed chocolate at the time.
    • M&M’s had become so popular by 1950 that an ingenious solution for consumers to distinguish the real M&M’s from inferior imitators was to stamp each candy with the now famous “m”.
    • The letter “M” was printed on the candy in black ink until 1954; now it’s printed in white.
    • In 1972, the colorful characters first appeared on packaging, helping with M&Ms brand awareness. 
    • Green’s shoe-wear, her Go-Go boots, was chosen due to early drawings of the character showing her with less than flattering ankles.
    • She joined the M&Ms pack as a character in 1997, while Red, Blue, and Yellow had been introduced back in 1995.
    • M&M’s Chocolate Candies are made in New Jersey and Tennessee, and became internationally available in the 1980s
    • Over 400 million M&Ms are produced each day.
    • MEGA M&Ms in both milk chocolate and peanut varieties were introduced in 2014
    • The Crispy variety, a limited edition from 1998, was brought back by popular demand and is now a part of the regular line up
    • Pretzel M&Ms were released in 2010, with Orange becoming its spokescandy.
    • Blue M&Ms weren’t always a thing. In 1995 a marketing event asked Americans to vote on a new color to appear in the traditional M&M’s Chocolate Candies mix.

    Source

    • spoonuniversity.com

    Other Vending Machine Applications

  • Moet Vending Machine

    Now you can get your favorite champagne from Moet Vending Machine!

    Moet Vending Machine

    History of Moët :

    Moët et Chandon began as Moët et Cie (meaning “Moët & Co.”), established by Épernay wine trader Claude Moët in 1743, and began shipping his wine from Champagne to Paris. The reign of King Louis XV coincided with increased demand for sparkling wine. Soon after its foundation, and after son Claude-Louis joined Moët et Cie, the winery’s clientele included nobles and aristocrats.

    Following the introduction of the concept of a vintage champagne in 1840, Moët marketed its first vintage in 1842. Their best-selling brand, Brut Imperial, was introduced in the 1860s. Their best known label, Dom Perignon, is named for the Benedictine monk remembered in legend as the “Father of Champagne”.

    Moët & Chandon merged with Hennessy Cognac in 1971 and with Louis Vuitton in 1987 to become LVMH (Louis-Vuitton-Moët-Hennessy), the largest luxury group in the world. Moët & Chandon holds a royal warrant as supplier of champagne to Queen Elizabeth II.

    In 2006, Moët et Chandon Brut Impérial issued an extremely limited bottling of its champagne named “Be Fabulous”, a special release of its original bottle with decorative Swarovski crystals, marking the elegance of Moët et Chandon.

    Fun facts about Champagne:

    • There are about 49 million bubbles in a 7500ml bottle of Champagne.
    • A standard-sized glass emits 30 bubbles every second.
    • France has the largest Champagne market (of course). The French consume 162.5 million bottles every year, or about 52 percent of the entire world production of Champagne.
    • When popped, a Champagne cork can reach a velocity of 24.8 miles per hour.
    • The longest recorded cork flight was 177 feet and 9 inches.
    •  Marilyn Monroe famously took a bath in Champagne. More than 350 bottles were needed to fill up the tub.
    • About 28,000 bottles of champagne are served at Wimbledon every year.

    Source:


    Other Vending Machine Applications

  • Georgia Coffee Vending Machine

    Georgia Coffee Vending Machine spotted in Hong Kong!

    The history of Georgia coffee and its connection with Coca-Cola is an interesting blend of cultural adaptation and corporate strategy. Georgia Coffee is a brand of canned coffee that was introduced by The Coca-Cola Company specifically for the Japanese market, marking one of the company’s first ventures into the ready-to-drink coffee sector.

    Introduction of Georgia Coffee

    • 1975: Coca-Cola launched Georgia Coffee in Japan. This marked a significant step as it was one of the earliest attempts by a major soft drink company to enter the coffee beverage market. The product was named “Georgia” after the American state where Coca-Cola was founded, symbolizing quality and heritage.

    Market Adaptation

    • The introduction of Georgia Coffee was a strategic move to cater to the unique tastes and preferences of the Japanese consumers, who have a strong coffee drinking culture, especially for canned and bottled coffee served in vending machines.

    Evolution and Expansion

    • Over the decades, Georgia Coffee has expanded its offerings to include a variety of flavors and types, such as black coffee, café au lait, and low-sugar options, appealing to a wide range of consumer tastes.
    • Its success in Japan led to expansions in other Asian markets where there is a demand for ready-to-drink coffee beverages.

    Significance

    • Georgia Coffee represents Coca-Cola’s broader strategy to diversify its portfolio beyond traditional carbonated soft drinks. It also highlights the company’s ability to adapt its products to suit local tastes and preferences, which has been crucial for its global expansion.

    Coca-Cola’s venture into the coffee sector with Georgia not only helped the company tap into a new market but also set a precedent for future innovations and acquisitions, like the later acquisition of Costa Coffee in 2018, further cementing Coca-Cola’s position in the global coffee market.


    Other Vending Machine Applications

  • Masks Vending Machine (HK)

    Below is masks vending machine selling drinks and masks to prevent COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

    Mask vending machines have become a common sight in Hong Kong, reflecting the city’s ongoing measures to ensure public health and safety, especially following the experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. These vending machines were increasingly deployed across various locations in Hong Kong, including MTR stations, shopping malls, office buildings, and other public areas to provide easy access to masks for residents and visitors.

    The initiative to install mask vending machines was part of a broader strategy to promote hygiene and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These machines offer a range of mask types, including surgical masks, N95 respirators, and reusable cloth masks, catering to different needs and preferences.

    Local manufacturers and international brands alike have participated in this venture, ensuring that high-quality, certified masks are readily available through these automated points of sale. This widespread availability underscores the continued importance placed on personal protective equipment (PPE) in daily life and public health practices in Hong Kong.


    Other Vending Machine Applications

  • Hong Kong library books vending machine

    A very meaningful project. We are glad to co-operate with Tai Kok Tsui Catholic Primary School and help to encourage their students to read more books and bring them knowledge and joy with this Library Books Vending Machine!

    The idea of Book Vending Machine is popular around the world. In US, the principal of Centre Hall Elementary School has started a fundraising program to purchase the book vending machine as well as a supply of books for the 2023-24 school year.

    The book vending machine, given as a loan from Random Acts of Reading (RoAR), was only supposed to stay until the end of the school year, but it was such a massive hit with the students that the school wants the installation to be permanent!

    Students can earn golden tokens by adhering to the school rules – being ready, respectful and responsible.

    Teachers bring their classes down weekly and allow students who have earned tokens to pick a book from the machine.

    Some of the books also contain special tickets where students can win an ice cream treat, use of the principal’s chair for the day, “stinky feet day” (the class gets to be in their socks and slippers for the day), show-and-tell and more.

    The school already received numerous and generous donations and reached 65% of fund required shortly after the start of the program!

    Story from The Express

    Instruction to use Library Books Vending Machine. (Credit @ Bishop Ford Memorial School)

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