Vending system boasts a bevy of beverage choices

A SMART beverage vending machine is offering thirsty consumers in Klang Valley and Penang up to 180 types of drinks.

First launched in June in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, the vending machine called Tao Bin can produce protein shakes, fruity carbonated drinks, smoothies, coffee and tea, among others.

Tao Bin chief technology and operations officer Moti Uttam said the machines allowed consumers to customise drinks.

This includes adding extra toppings such as crushed Oreos and espresso shots.

Customers can also adjust the sweetness level to suit their taste.

To ensure the ingredients are always fresh, Uttam said the machines were equipped with a real-time monitoring system.

“Each machine is equipped with a SIM card to send data about the level of ingredients to our headquarters.

“Once a machine runs low, our team will be dispatched to the location to refill the ingredients,” he said.

To address hygiene concerns, Tao Bin chief executive officer Johnson Fung said the vending machines were equipped with an automatic flushing system to ensure cleanliness.

Tao Bin vending machine installed at KL Eco City Bridge earlier this year. — Courtesy pic

“Our engineers will inspect the machines at least every four days to ensure they are in a good condition,” he added.

Based on the data gathered from 100 vending machines so far, Uttam said carbonated drinks and smoothies made up a huge portion of Tao Bin’s sales, while coffee and tea made up only about one-fifth of total sales.

Among the various coffee drinks available via the machine are latte, cappuccino, caramel cafe latte, Taiwanese tea cafe and Lychee Americano.

For tea, there’s ginger tea, ginger lime tea, Thai milk tea, Taiwanese milk tea and Matcha Latte, just to name a few.

Prices range from RM2 for carbonated drinks to RM13 for protein shakes.

The machines accept payments via QR codes and DuitNow.

Tao Bin has also introduced a reward programme for customers. For each RM3 spent at the machine, customers collect one point.

After 30 points, customers will receive an eight-digit coupon on their mobile phone, valid for a month, that can be used to redeem any drink.

Uttam said Tao Bin had plans to expand its operations nationwide.

So far, the machines have been installed at universities and colleges, residential buildings, private offices and malls.

For details, visit taobinmalaysia.com