Vending machine s that sell products are believed to have been invented in the 18th century to sell tobacco. They became increasingly popular in the early 20th century for the purpose of selling canned drinks and cigarettes. In Japan, this "squeezing machine" began to be popular around the 1970s when it could now offer food and hot drinks to customers. The next innovation in vending machine technology was the use of hydrogen power sources.
Hydrogen cell powered vending machines were developed by Fuji Electric and do not require connection to an electrical outlet like conventional machines. There is a hydrogen cell cartridge that will supply the necessary electrical power. With this, the machine can be placed anywhere without needing to be connected to a power source. In addition, the use of hydrogen fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 60% by the machine when operating.
Fuji Electric has collaborated with Coca Cola to produce this machine and it will be shown to the public during the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 event that will take place starting next month. This expo will be a place where various new technologies will be showcased, such as the human washing machine and the electric bulldozer operating underwater, which we reported on previously.