Connecting vending machines to computers and the Internet (as computer science students have been doing in their dorms and labs for years) seems to be the logical next step in their commercial evolution.  These technologies will allow operators to refill empty machines more quickly, as well as to obtain real-time information on which products are selling and which are not.  Other ideas under development include machines that allow consumers to buy products using a cell phone rather than dropping coins in a slot and networked machines linked to web sites through which one can pay with a credit card.  Interestingly, as vending machines start to go high tech, old-fashioned "vintage" machines (such as the Coke machine pictured at the top of the page) are enjoying a renaissance.  A number of dealers offer soda, gumball, and other machines, that, along with old juke boxes, pinball, and slot machines are destined for the basement recreation rooms of the world's nostalgia junkies.

Links:
= highly recommended

JRD's Classic Soda Machines and Accessories, where you can buy vintage Coke machines like the one pictured at the top of the page, as well as old gas pumps, neon signs, and other nostalgia items.

A page on how automatic vending machines work--created "just for fun" by Complete Computer Solutions, which says it doesn't sell vending machines or know anyone who does.

"Things That Have Been Sold in Vending Machines," by Raphael Carter (with documented examples).

"Vending machines dispense factory tools, parts," by Michael Weiss, in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Oct. 13, 2000.  (Note:  Raphael Carter needs to add this to his list.)

The SACM Coke Club at the University of Wisconsin.  A computerized Coke machine that does not accept money directly but debits an account whenever a user logs into a computer terminal next to the machine and buys a coke.

National Automatic Merchandising Association.  Trade group for the vending machine industry, proving once again that there is an association for anything you can possibly think of.  Learn who got the "Golden Coin" Vending Machine Operator of the Year Award, read about cell-phone activated vending machines, and more.

"Vending machines get smart," by Julie Landry in Red Herring, Jan. 7, 2000.  Interesting article, focusing mainly on e-Vend., a start-up firm offering "wireless online vending solutions."

Game Room Antiques--vintage gumball, peanut, and other vending machines, as well as a page on the history of vending machines.

Campbell's Soup "Full Meal Vending Machine" -- a business opportunity from Sovereign Management Group, Inc.

Chris Rasmussen, assistant professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, teaches a course called "Automatic Age: Coin Machines, Coin Men, and Consumer Culture," a history of gambling machines, vending machines, pinball games, and jukeboxes.

Dippin Dots vending machines.  Robotic technology serving "the ice cream of the future."  Includes a handy list of machine locations.

Frequently Asked Questions about vending machines, from 007vending.com, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

"Vending machines offer literary snacks on London's tube," by Jill Lawless, in the Detroit News, February 24, 2001.  Vending machines that sell prose and poetry in the subway for one Pound Sterling.

The History of Vending Machines, on the inventors section of About.com.