AB-InBev to trial beer vending machines

New generation beer vending machines, that have overcome the issues which plagued earlier models, will be trialled by AB-InBev. The new ones accept all types of cash-less payments and sell cans that are opened inside the machine prior to discharging.

As to age control (in the US buyers of alcohol must be over 21 years of age), they will only be in operation in places like sports and concert venues which have already ensured that punters meet the legal age requirements.

It was AB-InBev’s ZX Ventures that partnered with Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS), a global product design and development firm, to develop an Internet connected beer vending machine. It is called BeerBox and will basically act like a staff-less bar at concert and sports venues, cutting down the long waiting lines in front of regular bars.

ZX Ventures says that the BeerBox is the first beer vending machine to dispense opened cans of chilled beer. The prototypes were trialled last year at three music festivals with great success. The improved version will be rolled out this summer.