Volkswagen and DDB Russia created a new kind of eco-currency. To make it easier for locals to recycle, they installed a Battery Recycling vending machine in different parts of Russia that only accepts batteries as payment.
“Think Blue” program embodies Volkswagen’s commitment to create a whole new standard of technologically progressive and environmentally friendly products to shape a more sustainable future. The aim was to encourage consumers to recycle their old batteries and VW made it easier to do so with incentives offered as well.
Battery recycling is a problem in Russia, where over 15 million batteries and accumulators are thrown away every year in big cities like Moscow. One battery can pollute more than 20 square meters of the ground and many young people aren’t concerned about the problem, so Volkswagen and DDB Russia tried to motivate them.
The Vending Machine was installed in popular locations around Moscow. Two batteries would get them an anti-stress ball, four batteries would buy them a bottle of water, and six batteries could purchase an eco t-shirt.
One single machine collected over 8,000 batteries during the first month of installation. In comparison, a regular collection point in Russia usually gathers less than a thousand a month. The Think Machine successfully encouraged more people to recycle their batteries and gave them a little something in return.
The Biblio-Mat is the world’s first random used book vending machine. Installed in 2012 at The Monkey’s Paw bookstore in Toronto, it dispenses mystery vintage books for a small fee—offering readers the thrill of serendipitous discovery.
“A new old book. Every time.”
Unlike digital e-books or algorithm-driven recommendations, the Biblio-Mat celebrates analog surprise, tactile joy, and literary randomness.
🖌️ Design & Aesthetic
Designed by artist and illustrator Craig Small, the Biblio-Mat looks like a retro-futuristic cabinet:
1950s-inspired styling with rounded corners and pastel green enamel paint
Custom typography and hand-drawn illustrations
Glowing “BIBLIO-MAT” sign on top
A small window showing a stack of books inside
It’s as much a sculptural art piece as it is a functional machine.
Random Book Vending Machine
📖 How It Works
Insert $2 CAD (as of recent updates; originally $1).
Turn the chrome knob.
A random used book drops into the tray below.
No titles, no genres, no previews—just pure literary surprise.
Books are carefully curated from The Monkey’s Paw’s inventory and include:
Vintage paperbacks (1940s–1980s)
Obscure nonfiction (e.g., How to Train Your Parakeet, 1967)
Out-of-print novels
Quirky mid-century guides and manuals
Each book is unique, often with underlined passages, old library stamps, or handwritten notes—adding to its charm.
🌍 Cultural Impact & Popularity
The Biblio-Mat has become a Toronto landmark, drawing locals, tourists, and book lovers from around the world.
It’s been featured in The New York Times, BBC, Atlas Obscura, and National Geographic.
It embodies the anti-algorithm ethos: in an age of data-driven recommendations, it offers joyful randomness.
Inspired similar projects globally, though none match its originality and craftsmanship.
🏛️ Where to Find It
📍 The Monkey’s Paw Bookshop 1142 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON, Canada (The Biblio-Mat sits right near the entrance)
💡 Tip: The shop also hosts “book relic” exhibits and rare oddities—like a taxidermied two-headed calf named “Brenda.”
❌ Not “Biblioat Mat” or a Global Chain
There is no known “Biblioat Mat” brand or international network. The Biblio-Mat is a singular, artist-made installation—not mass-produced. While other book vending machines exist (e.g., in Germany, Japan, or public libraries), the Biblio-Mat remains unique in concept, design, and cultural resonance.
In Summary
The Biblio-Mat is more than a vending machine—it’s a celebration of analog curiosity, literary serendipity, and the beauty of the unexpected. For just a couple of dollars, you don’t just buy a book—you receive a time capsule, a mystery, and a conversation starter.
📚 “The right book finds you… even if it comes out of a machine.”
If you ever find yourself in Toronto, don’t miss it—and be ready to fall in love with a book you never knew you needed.
There’s a reason New York City is dubbed “the city that never sleeps” — because it’s true. Anywhere at any time you can find anything you want. It’s truly a city of opportunity in that way.
This means that at all hours of the day, people are out and about doing their thing. The streets of New York are the veins for how people do things, and the bike community within NYC is like no other in the country. Brooklyn specifically has a tight-knit group that is always looking out for each other.
So it only makes sense that Brooklyn is the hub of Bikestock, New York City’s 24-hour bike repair service that operates out of vending machines.
With four machines throughout Brooklyn and another two in Boston, Bikestock has won over the bike community of NYC thanks to its dedication to being there for bikers at all hours, but also because Bikestock is part of the community as well.
Launched by cofounders Joseph Huba and Matthew Von Ohlen, both are longtime bicyclists.
We try and keep ourselves really present and active within the bike community. It’s the grassroots level of us getting the word out that’s invaluable. A lot of people give us honest feedback and suggestions of what they could need or how the stuff we have works for them or doesn’t.
Joseph huba
The machines themselves offer a wide array of bike necessities, as well as free air pumps and tool kits to use for almost any repair imaginable.
I’ve been a victim to that, ‘Oh shit, I guess I have to walk home or take a car or the subway. Or lock my bike up and come deal with it when I can.’
Joseph Huba
Running the operations out of his own apartment, Huba notes that they like to work closely with small bike companies to specialize their offerings. “We’ve had a lot of success with local bike companies that make awesome stuff. Road Runner, those are good friends of ours and they’re based in LA and people here really like it. Another company Mer, they’re right down the street. They make stuff that all cyclists use.”
“We definitely see there is a demand for it. It’s been nothing but a positive reception from the bike community. A lot of
Can we get this in my city? Can we get more in New York?
Why you need a Bike Repair Vending Machine? It’s happened to every biker. A flat tire in an inconvenient place on your commute, and the nearest bike shop is a long walk away. Most casual bikers don’t carry extra tubes or tools with them, and so any repair work on the road can mean an end to a bike ride, and potentially leaving your bike locked up somewhere slowly rusting as you forget about it in your frustration.
The Fixtation is really just a Bike Repair vending machine, but with bike parts instead of snacks (though there are some snacks in case you’re getting hungry on your ride!)
What makes it most convenient is the bike mount and tools—attached with aircraft cables to prevent theft – alongside the vending machine. You can replace that flat or adjust your brakes yourself without dealing with the characters who usually are employed at bike shops. Of course, you may not know how to replace a popped tube yourself; now is certainly the time to learn, so you can take full advantage of the Fixtation when it moves into your city.
Singapore’s first book vending machines is installed by local bookseller BooksActually.
Around 60 items, including books, CDs and films by local creators, were purchased from the two machines during their first weekend of operation.
We’re looking really to raise awareness and create excitement around Singaporean literature and creatives, not to boost sales, and we’re humbled by all the attention (the machines) are getting.
Since their installation, the machines have received a fair amount of media attention, including overseas news sites such as Mashable and The Reading Room.
They have also caused a stir on social media – the announcement on BooksActually’s Facebook page has over a thousand likes.
We’re thankful for all the features. With all the attention the book vending machines are getting, the interest in the store and Singaporean literature in general should spike.
The machines’ novelty may be the major selling point for now, but BooksActually hopes the hype will soon be about the books themselves.
Each machine features up to 20 titles by Singaporean writers and artists, including novels, DVDs and anthologies of poetry and short stories.
Popular titles include children’s mystery series Sherlock Sam by Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez, and Alvin Pang’s What Gives Us Our Names.
Mr Ryan Low, 22, a university student, says he was not disappointed.
I feel like the selection was carefully done and the books in there all seemed fantastic. There was even a small panel that flashed summaries and reviews of the books in the machine.
Ryan Low
Each vending machine will stay at the current three locations for around three months. After which, they will be relocated to other locations around Singapore.
Thirsty consumers are comfortable buying drinks from vending machines, but now reverse vending machines will take their empty bottles back.
The City of Wyndham in Melbourne’s outer west are planning a trial of the machines which exchange empty cans and bottles for promotional vouchers. A single machine could hold up to 2,000 bottles or cans.
The machines would reward users with a voucher for a local attraction or an entry in a competition. A machine at the aquatic centre might grant a voucher for pool entry or use of the gymnasium.
This is about just trying to get the recycling message out there in a new and innovative way.
Evolution to the Present:
The 2016 trial laid groundwork for broader adoption. With CDS Vic’s rollout in late 2023, Wyndham now integrates RVMs into a statewide 10-cent-per-container refund system. Rewards have upgraded: vouchers can now be redeemed for cash, store discounts (e.g., at Coles), or donations. Machines are more widespread and tech-savvy, with app integration for digital refunds.
In October 2016, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) launched India’s first automatic seed dispenser—a pioneering innovation aimed at improving seed distribution efficiency and transparency for farmers.
Key Features and Objectives:
Automated Distribution: The dispenser was designed to automate the process of issuing certified seeds to farmers, reducing manual handling and human error.
Transparency and Accountability: By using smart card-based authentication and digital records, the system ensured fair and traceable seed distribution, minimizing leakages and black-market sales.
Farmer-Centric Design: Farmers could access seeds quickly and efficiently through a user-friendly interface, often integrated with government subsidy schemes.
Pilot Implementation: The first unit was installed at TNAU’s seed testing laboratory in Coimbatore as a pilot project, with plans to scale across agricultural universities and seed hubs in Tamil Nadu.
Significance:
This initiative was part of broader efforts to modernize India’s agricultural input delivery system. It aligned with digital India and smart agriculture goals, showcasing how technology could enhance last-mile delivery of critical farm inputs.
Automat vending machines represent a fascinating chapter in the history of automated food service. The concept of the automat was pioneered by Horn & Hardart in the United States, with the first one opening in Philadelphia in 1902, before expanding to New York City and other locations. Here’s what makes automat vending machines particularly interesting:
Key Features and Historical Significance
Self-Service Innovation: Automats were essentially large, wall-mounted vending machines where customers could choose from a variety of freshly prepared foods displayed behind small glass windows. Each item had its own slot, and customers inserted coins to unlock the door and retrieve their meal. This self-service model was revolutionary for its time.
Variety of Foods: Unlike modern vending machines that mostly offer snacks and drinks, automats provided a wide range of hot meals, including main dishes, sides, desserts, and beverages. This made them a popular choice for quick, affordable lunches and dinners.
Hygiene and Freshness: Foods were prepared in central kitchens and then distributed to automat locations. Behind each little window, there was a compartment where the food was kept warm or cold, ensuring it remained fresh until purchased. This approach to food service emphasized cleanliness and hygiene, which was quite innovative for the early 20th century.
Cultural Impact: Automats became iconic symbols of urban life during the early to mid-20th century. They were especially popular among working-class individuals, offering an affordable dining option in bustling cities like New York. The automat also played a role in shaping American eating habits and expectations for convenience in food service.
Decline and Legacy: By the 1970s, the popularity of automats began to decline due to various factors, including rising labor costs, changing tastes, and increased competition from fast-food chains. However, the legacy of the automat lives on as a precursor to modern concepts like fast-casual dining and advanced vending technology.
Modern Revivals: In recent years, there has been renewed interest in automat-style vending machines, driven by advancements in automation technology and a growing demand for convenient, quick-service food options. Some contemporary versions use digital screens, smartphone integration, and robotic arms to prepare and dispense food, updating the original automat concept for the 21st century.
The automat is not just a historical curiosity but a testament to the ongoing human desire for efficient, accessible, and hygienic ways to obtain food. Its influence can be seen in today’s efforts to innovate food service through automation and technology.
Actress and singer, Victoria Justice and Detroit Tigers outfielder, Justin Upton unveiled JetBlue’s ‘Soar with Reading‘ book vending machine program for kids who may otherwise not have access to books.
The machines will be installed at locations across the city and provide free books to kids living in ‘book deserts,’ or areas where they have limited access to buy age-appropriate books.
Children and their parents will be able to take home as many books as they want all summer long. New books are put into the machines every two weeks.
NYU Teams Up with JetBlue to Provide 66,000 Free Books to Kids in NYC
FREE Books for Kids in Fort Lauderdale: JetBlue Book Vending Machines
The concept of a “Soar with Reading” book vending machine is an innovative and inspiring initiative aimed at promoting literacy and the joy of reading among children. The core idea is to make books more accessible and to encourage reading in creative ways.
Key features and Objectives:
Accessibility: These vending machines are typically placed in schools, libraries, community centers, and other public spaces where children can easily access them. The goal is to provide easy access to free books, helping to eliminate barriers that might prevent children from obtaining reading materials.
Incentive Programs: Often, these machines are part of broader incentive programs designed to motivate children to read. For example, students might earn tokens or coins for completing reading challenges or achieving certain academic milestones. They can then use these tokens to “purchase” books from the vending machine.
Variety of Books: Book vending machines stock a wide range of titles suitable for different age groups and interests. This ensures that there is something for every child, encouraging them to find books they truly enjoy. The selection often includes popular fiction, educational books, comics, and stories from diverse cultures and perspectives.
Promoting Literacy: By making books readily available, these machines aim to foster a love of reading from an early age. Regular access to books has been shown to improve literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and stimulate imagination and creativity.
Community Engagement: Initiatives like “Soar with Reading” often involve partnerships between schools, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. These collaborations help to fund the vending machines and stock them with books, while also raising awareness about the importance of literacy within the community.
Customization and Technology: Some book vending machines incorporate technology such as touch screens or digital interfaces to enhance user experience. Children might be able to browse books by category, author, or even take quizzes to recommend books based on their preferences.
By combining the novelty of vending machines with the timeless value of reading, they will inspire a new generation of readers and learners.
At first glance, the coffee machine looks pretty normal. On close inspection, it’s missing something important. There’s no place to insert money, as the only currency it accepts is yawns!
Facial-recognition software built into the machine looks for people standing in front of it. It maps their faces and waits for the telltale signs of a yawn. A yawn triggers a hot cup of coffee.
The coffee company chosed the airport as a prime place full of weary passengers and plenty of yawning. Over the course of the marketing stunt, the machine reacted to 210 yawns.
Viral Impact & Legacy:
Social Proof: Social Media posts from 2013 hyped it as innovative, with users sharing the video and calling it a “Monday morning savior.” By 2020, it resurfaced in threads on quirky vending machines, alongside Coke’s karaoke dispensers.
Reception: The stunt generated massive buzz—videos of confused yawns turning to grins racked up millions of views on YouTube. Media outlets praised it as “empathetic marketing,” with Adweek calling it an “exceedingly empathetic” twist on vending norms. It won accolades, landing in South Africa’s Ad of the Year Top 5.
