WASHINGTON – Consumers who find themselves in an endless debate at the vending machine are in for real frustration. Vending machines are offering far more than salty and sweet treats, according to SmarterTravel.
In China, people in the mood for seafood can grab their live dinner from a vending machine. Live crabs are stocked in vending machines in metropolitan subways meant for commuters headed home to make dinner.
Those always short on cash might appreciate the gold-dispensing machine in Dubai. Called “Gold to Go,” the machine not only vends gold but it is coated with a layer of gold itself. Consumers can buy gold bars and coins with the assurance the price of gold is current, as the machine updates every ten minutes.
The Bikedispenser in the Netherlands does exactly what travelers expect. Unlike bike rental systems which use racks, this machine pops out a bicycle for cash.
Perhaps the most surprising vending option, the machine that gives pets a good wash. Called the Dog-O-Matic, the automatic pet washer in France claims that animals don’t mind the machine. The washer is also marketed to cat owners.
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