Stora Enso develops range of smartphone-operated vending machines

From: FoodBev

Stora Enso has launched a new line of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)-enabled vending machines which are operated through smartphone transactions.

The New Retail by Stora Enso e-kiosks offer an automated retail solution capable of stocking a wide range of food and drink products, and the machines can be unlocked from a smartphone via any compatible payment app such as WeChat and MobilePay.

Each item inside the machine includes a tamper-proof, sustainable paper-based ECO RFID tag, which is automatically detected by the cabinet. When a product is removed and the cabinet door is closed, the consumer is charged via the app for the items which they have taken out.

In addition to the RFID-based ECO tag technology and cabinets, the machines include a back-end solution for retailers to keep track of transactions, replenishment and other management needs.

Stora Enso claims that solutions like these are becoming more necessary as consumers are increasingly demanding more convenient shopping solutions to avoid queuing in busy shops.

The e-kiosks are targeted towards traditionally popular vending locations such as train stations, airports, offices, schools and hotels, and Stora Enso claims that an offering of 10-15 kiosks with a diverse product offering can create an unmanned retail location, reducing costs for operators.

Martin Ros, senior vice-president, Stora Enso Intelligent Packaging said: “After successfully launching sustainable ECOTM RFID tags it was a natural step to enter the automated retail market, where our technology can make a difference today.

“Based on our research and pilot deployments we see tremendous potential and scaling opportunities, especially in early adaptor markets for consumer convenience.”

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