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Innovative Vending Machines Gain Popularity

$7 Billion Vending Industry Goes Beyond Snacks And Sodas
By 

Associate Editor, HuffPost Small Business

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With over 29,000 vending-related businesses in the U.S., the industry is experiencing a revival, thanks to new, fun technology that makes vending an interactive and satisfying experience.

As that creativity opens new opportunities, many entrepreneurs and innovators have turned to the $7 billion vending retail industry for a fresh share of the market. Expanding beyond snacks and sodas, vending machines can now dispense bikes, baby formula or a spare pair of shoes. Vending machines are so hot, they've caught the attention of more than just small businesses -- even commercial retailers like Macy's are turning to automated machines to help consolidate shelf space while boosting sales of less traditional department store products such as personal tech gadgets.

Check out some of the most innovative vending machines we've found to date.

Fresh-Spun Cotton Candy(01 of12)
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This machine, from Vendever, spins fresh, warm cotton candy on command. The machine, which uses no water in production, uses common granulated white sugar for 100 percent natural cotton candy without fake colors or additives. (credit:Vendever)
Gold On The Run(02 of12)
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The Gold To Go vending machine is here in case you ever find yourself needing a gold bar or two. The ATM-style, glowing yellow machine will dispense gold coins emblazoned with different logos and gold bars of various weights. High security measures and a real-time pricing system have earned this vending machine top real estate in some of the world's wealthiest cities.
Cannabis To-Go(03 of12)
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This bank vault-looking machine dispenses controlled doses of medical marijuana 24/7 to card-carrying patients. Designed and patented by dispensary owner Vincent Mehdizadeh, several similar machines can be found around California. (credit:Damian Dovarganes/AP)
Auto-Library(04 of12)
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This novel vending machine from Brodart allows the late-night library goer to indulge in a selection of books with a swipe of his or her library card 24/7. (credit:www.books.brodart.com)
Baby Gear Dispenser(05 of12)
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This machine from WeGoBabies dispenses all the common, necessary items you need to keep your kid a happy camper. Stuffed with diapers, toys, sunblock and even formula, this dual climate dispenser is ideal for airports, amusement parks and shopping malls. (credit:wegobabies.com)
Auto-Scripts(06 of12)
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The InstyMed prescription medication dispenser fills scrips right at the doctor's office, hospital or urgent care facility without the hassle of having to travel to a pharmacy. The fully automated machine doles out secure amounts of the prescribed drug, and patients can swipe their credit or debit card to cover the cost or co-pay. (credit:instymeds.com)
Healthy Snacks To-Go(07 of12)
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The 2bU healthy vending machines offer smart, socially responsible snacks in an eco-friendly and convenient space. The machines, which stock vegan, gluten-free and kosher snacks, have an LCD screen that allows patrons to view nutritional information before they make a purchase. (credit:2buhealthyvending.com)
Fresh Pizza In 3 Minutes(08 of12)
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The Let's Pizza vending machine is no joke. Invented by native Italian Claudio Torghele, the machine mixes and kneads dough, spreads fresh toppings and bakes a pie -- all in under 3 minutes. Launched in 2009 in Europe, the machine has generally received rave reviews despite challenging the centuries old art form of making pizza. (credit:letspizza.co.uk)
Fresh Ground Coffee(09 of12)
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In a move that has some Starbucks faithfuls crying foul, the company has begun issuing coffee vending machines into the corporate arena. Seattle's Best, a brand of Starbucks, offers a fresh-brew machine that grinds the coffee beans after a purchase is made. Cafe au lait and hot cocoa is available, too. (credit:Starbucks Corporation)
Bike Rental(10 of12)
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The creators behind BikeDispenser.com are bringing the convenience of vending machines together with the growing green commuter trend. The dispensers, which are fully automated storage compartments, roll out a spiffy rental bicycle for just a few euros. Simply roll the bike back up the ramp for a quick and easy return. (credit:bikedispenser.com)
Retail Vending(11 of12)
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Retail all-stars Zoom Systems have teamed up with some of the biggest brands to make their products available outside of the store. Vending machines stocked with Best Buy gadgets, Apple iPods, beauty products and even Proactiv acne treatments can be found posted in airports and shopping malls. Retailers like Macy's have taken their tech products off the shelves and put them inside Zoom's vending machines. (credit:Zoom Systems)
Auto-Flats For Sore Feet(12 of12)
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Rollasole's are the answer to every woman's aching feet. The flexible ballet flats have gone mobile with Rollasole vending machines in various nightclubs and entertainment centers throughout the U.S., Australia and UK. The shoes are dispensed with a handy high-heel carrying bag to tote away the night's troubles. (credit:Rollasole)

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