Face-Reading Vending Machines Hit Japan

Contraptions offer drinks based on market research
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 22, 2010 3:02 PM CST

Vending machines have officially entered the 21st century: A Japanese firm has developed a vending machine that determines your age and gender using facial-recognition software then recommends drinks based on your demographic, the Week reports. A man, for example, might get offered a “canned coffee drink” because men “tend to prefer these,” says a company rep. So far, six such machines have been installed; the maker wants 500 in use by 2012. Click here for more.
(More vending machine stories.)

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