Kraft has invented a vending machine that analyses your face to predict what you want to eat.
It combines facial recognition with a fuzzy logic algorithm that suggests meal solutions via recipes, shopping instructions and even provides food samples. While you operate the touchscreen on Kraft’s “Meal Planning Solution”, a camera analyses your face to determine your age and gender, the better to anticipate what you want to eat.
The screen advisor will also suggest recipes based on the shopper’s meal-time intentions: a weeknight dinner, for example, or a weekend dinner party, or game day potluck–using Kraft dressings, CoolWhip, or Ritz crackers.
If shoppers are willing to assist the effort by swiping their local market’s loyalty card or their mobile phone, the kiosk can make recommendations based on past purchasing history. The kiosk syncs with Kraft’s iFood Assistant, which allows shoppers to add recipes, shopping lists, etc. to their smartphones via a barcode scanner.
Best of all, it will dispense a sample, so you can continue your trip down the aisles fueled by Oreos or Triscuits.
If the experience of using these vending machines is engaging, I would expect these machines to start appearing across retail outlets over the next 24 months.
See also this emerging technology for Addidas which is part of Intel’s Virtual Footwear wall
