SuicaVending machines that have evolved with the times, such as those that can be paid at the touch panel type, etc., but this time, the cutting edge vending machines that go beyond that are JR East'sekinakaAppeared in. It should be noted that the smartphone app "acure passNew services linked with "If you paySuicaBut it is useful enough, and there is no need to use the app on purpose? This time, it is a story that I want them to read. By using the app, you can now have a "new experience" that has not been possible with conventional vending machines. Actually, what is the "new experience"? We talked with Mr. Iijima and Mr. Komuro of the project team (PT) involved in the development.

This cutting-edge vending machine, which suddenly appeared in March 2017, is positioned as a "vending machine that offers unprecedented new experiences,"Innovation vending machineIt was named. If you pre-purchase drinks with the app, you can receive a quick drink simply by holding the QR code over the vending machine. Of course, not only that, it is said that you can have various experiences.

Komuro"The reception system using the QR code has made it possible to provide new services. For example," Bulk buying "This is a system that purchases drinks of the same type together in an application and receives them one by one at a vending machine In addition, because you want to enjoy a variety of drinks, you can experience a new way of buying that was not available in conventional vending machines, such as a set of standard drinks of water and tea, and a set of drinks compared to sweets-based drinks. "

Like a refrigerator at home,ekinakaThe time is coming when you can stock drinks on your vending machine! Moreover, not only will it be useful, but buying in bulk will also benefit you a bit.

Another thing I can not miss is the “present function” that sends the QR code to someone else. In this way, it is possible to give drinks and drinks purchased in advance to friends and colleagues. "I think that until now," If I was thirsty = I bought for myself "would be a new value for the vending machine if someone else raised me up for it." Iijima-san talks about how the gift function was added.

By linking with the app, you can enjoy more convenient and profitable shopping and use it as a new communication toolekinakaIt is a vending machine, but what kind of thoughts did PT try to develop?

Iijima"Early this project was launched under the concept of" Development of a completely new vending machine, which has never been done before. "When I thought about that, the first thing I decided was" A completely new vending machine is "It is not a problem-solving type vending machine." In the act of "standing in front of the vending machine and buying a drink", active emotions such as "surprise" and "excitement" that could never be aroused I thought it would be an unprecedented vending machine if there were new ways to buy and experience driving

The goal is to develop a vending machine that proposes a new experience, not a problem-solving type. PT members seemed to be bothered by the unseen attempts they had never had before. It is said that the concept work that started from zero base took time of one year.

Komuro"When I thought about" How can I change the way of using vending machines, "you can not buy the current vending machines" if you don't go in front of you ", how do you change that? One of the ways we arrived was to use smartphone apps. "

It is said that as a joint development member, two companies participated in the project to develop new services linked with apps.

"Team Lab" was in charge of the part of software that connects vending machines and apps. It is an ultra technologist group consisting of specialists in digital society manufacturing.

The company responsible for the development of the fuselage parts is Fuji Electric, which has a reputation for track record and technical capabilities.Next Generation machineHe has been selected as a co-development member because he has developed touch panel displays.

Komuro"We want to do something interesting, we have TeamLab who made it into shape, and Fuji Electric who made it with vending machines. There is an impression that the three companies have become a well-matched team."

It takes a year for the concept, and another year for the development. I spent a couple of years, and finallyInnovation vending machineWhenacure passSeems to have been completed.

Since the product line-up is known in advance by the app, it is possible to carefully select the product when you have time.

Iijima"I can see from the app what products are being sold, but I can get not only the product lineup, but also detailed information such as product descriptions, ingredients, calories, etc. that I can not know only with vending machines. "

Komuro“The app also has a review feature that lets you see reviews from other users, so it would be nice if you could easily get a drink for your first drink.”

The time to worry about in front of the vending machine is also likely to be reduced.

Iijima"There was a point of contact with customers only in front of vending machines until now, but now it is possible to always have a point of contact by using a smartphone. So is the present function too. Depending on how to use, from HokkaidoTokyoYou can even give a present to your friends in. This is a demand that has never been born of an existing business that has been deployed just in front of vending machines. "

Mobile work and telework, etc. nowadays are changing in many ways. Just send a drink with the present function, and communication with coworkers working in remote places will proceed smoothly. It was not surprising that the era of vending machines becoming a communication tool would come.

Well, when I asked what kind of thoughts I would like to use this service, such an answer came back.

Iijima"I have a desire to have many customers enjoy new value experiences, but nowadays, there is a great deal of element that those who use the service make a brand of that service. This service Also, I'm glad that I can create the image of “people who use it = smart customers”. Those who use that vending machine, those who use that application, have a sense of future, and something is cool Nah, I like that (laughs) "

However, Mr. Iijima who says that it is a difficult road until it can be accepted. I hope that this purchase style will become the "standard of vending machines" someday, and I am working on development daily with such feelings in mind.

Currently we are developing "present" function and "bulk buying", but in the future, the service seems to be evolving rapidly.

Iijima"I think there are a lot of mistakes when I try new things, but I personally think that I have to do more and more. If I stop it, it just keeps stagnating. Someday, It may be the time when you can buy a drink just by standing in front of the vending machine without holding your smartphone! "

Innovation vending machineIs limited production, so at this point in time the service coverage area is limited, but by March 2018acure pass"I plan to release a popular machine corresponding to the app. It may not be long before it will be available at the station near you. The thought of an unknown developer is fullInnovation vending machine. Please use it if you see it!

Next time, we will have a team developer who is a co-development member and a representative of Fuji Electric to talk about the inside story of the new service development.

※ "Innovation vending machineStarting withacureDrinks that can be purchased from your vending machine will differ depending on the station and time of year.
※ "Innovation vending machineStarting withacureThe location of the vending machine is updated from time to time.

◆ Contact
Advertiser name: JR East Japan Water Business Co., Ltd.
Advertiser Contact:TokyoShibuyaDistrictEbisuMinami 1-5-5 JREbisuBuilding the ninth floor Phone number: 03-6853-6001
Media Name:acureLounge