A vending machine in Japan is recommending drinks to customers based on facial recognition data. Two vending machines in JR Shinagawa with the recognition technology are believed to be responsible for a vast increase in sales in comparison to traditional machines.
Beverage recommendations are made by the machine after physical attributes of customers are picked up by sensors which allow the machines determine age, sex and other attributes. It's funny to think about how a customer may react to being recommended three diet beverages based on the vending machine’s judgment. The article states, "As the technology becomes more commonplace we can expect to see plenty more chubby commuters crying into their skinny lattes while waiting for a train, too afraid or unable to argue with the machine's decision." A catty machine could be interesting, but I am not sure if I am ready for a vending machine to judge me in such a way yet!
