It’s been getting more and more creepy in Japan as time goes by.
First they introduced robot dogs, then cyber-humans that react during a conversation with you, and now it’s vending machines that read your face and recommend drinks.
A railway firm – JR East Company – gave it some serious thought and through its subsidiary (JR East Water Business Company), developed vending machines that use large screens with sensors.
The machines scan your characteristics as you approach, using facial recognition software to determine your gender and approximate age. Then, depending on the temperature and time of day, it will suggest a beverage for you to purchase.For example, it generally offers a coffee drink to males, unless you’re in your 50s. In that case, the recommendation is more likely to be green tea. Younger women will be offered a tea drink or a sweetened drink.
One machine tested at a Tokyo train station produced triple the sales of a regular vending machine. By early 2011, more will be added (including five more at Central Tokyo Station). By spring 2012, about 500 of these vending machines will be in service at major Tokyo stations.
I kid you not!
Creepy … a can of coffee for you, sir? How ‘bout a lovely can of iced tea for you, ma’am?
This is what I love about Japan - cutting edge and weird all at once. I think it's kind of fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI wonder what they'd recommend to a very tall, not-very-Japanese girl. I'm guessing a Diet Coke.