At the Expo 2025 Osaka, Fuji Electric achieved a groundbreaking milestone by debuting the world’s first hydrogen-cartridge powered vending machine.
Developed in collaboration with Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, this next-generation unit serves as a centerpiece of the Expo’s “People’s Living Lab” concept.
🔋 World’s First Hydrogen Vending Machine
- Off-Grid Independence: The machine does not require a traditional electrical outlet and can be placed in any location without power cables.
- Zero Carbon Emissions: It produces electricity via a chemical reaction between oxygen from the air and hydrogen from the cartridge, emitting zero CO₂ during operation.
- Extreme Efficiency: It consumes only about half the electricity of a standard vending machine.
- Two-Part Design: The system features a standard vending unit attached to a side generator module where replaceable hydrogen cartridges are loaded.
- Interactive Display: A dedicated screen visualizes the electricity generation process in real time to educate Expo visitors.
- Accessibility Focused: The machine supports the Coke ON® smartphone app, offering visual guidance, smartphone vibrations (tactile feedback), and voice read-outs to assist wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities.
🔋 World’s First Sodium-Ion Battery Machine
In addition to the hydrogen model, Fuji Electric partnered with Asahi Soft Drinks to deploy a solar-powered vending machine running on sodium-ion battery energy storage. This machine generates power via built-in solar panels, stores it in sustainable sodium batteries, and features a special material on the inside that continuously absorbs CO₂ from the surrounding air.