An automatic dispenser is a machine that delivers products / services at the user's request, subject to payment. Usually it is installed at workplaces and communities. More recently, it can be found in public places such as railway stations, fuel distributors or dedicated sites.
It is thought that the first automatic dispenser was invented by Erone of Alexandria, who in 219 BC Set up a water dispensing machine for ceremonial ceremonies in temples, operated by means of coins that, falling on a lever, opened a valve, dispensing a certain amount of water.
Automatic vending machines generally provide:
Snacks and drinks;
Newspapers and cigarettes;
Tickets, prepaid cards, coupons;
Fresh milk and dairy products;
fuels;
Washing and cleaning vehicles;
Condoms and similar articles;
Hotel and motel rooms.
Columns to pay different rates (parking, tolls and so on) are not properly regarded as vending machines rather than automatic payment machines (cash or POS) even though they "distribute" intangible products or services from a certain point of view.
The products sold vary greatly from country to country. For example, some countries sell alcoholic beverages, while in other countries this is prohibited by law (in Italy it is forbidden).
Coca Cola brings the first automated vending machines from America to Italy in 1953. For many years, these machines only sell soft drinks.
#vending_machine
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