AI-powered dog food vending machine debuts in Finland

Adapted from a press release

An innovative vending machine that uses AI-powered facial recognition software and disinfectant blue light technology to sample dog food before purchase is now available in Finland from Hau-Hau Champion, which is owned by VAFO Group.

The Dog Vending Machine, which is made to resemble a doghouse, is designed as a pilot project for Hau-Hau Champion’s quest to reduce dog food waste. If the purchased food doesn’t please your dog at home, it often means that a nearly full bag of dog food goes to waste, noted Timo Pärssinen, CEO of Prima Pet Premium Oy, the company behind Hau-Hau Champion brand.

“Wherever the vending machine is used, it seems to be a very welcome and pleasant surprise for both dogs and owners," said Pärssinen. "But most of all we hope that by giving dogs a chance to taste food before will help decrease food waste in the future."

The vending machine is said to be the first of its kind in the world. Using cutting-edge technology, it serves food only for dogs and allows them to eat it in sanitary conditions. The idea for the innovative vending machine came from TBWA\Helsinki and was developed and built into a working prototype with their brand experience and innovation practice TBWA\NEXT.

Facial recognition using artificial intelligence ensures the vending machine dispenses kibbles to dogs only.Hau-Hau Champion | VAFO Group

AI identifies animal and keeps them safe

The working mechanism of the vending machine is based on AI-powered video recognition software: the machine identifies the approaching dog and drops kibbles into the bowl. Once the machine sees the dog leaving, it automatically disinfects the bowl with UV light and is now ready to serve its next “client."

“Facial recognition using artificial intelligence ensures the vending machine dispenses kibbles only to dogs, not, for example, to cats or children playing near the machine," said Juhana Hokkanen, head of Experiential Creative at TBWA\Helsinki.

“Another important feature of the vending machine is its safety for dogs," continued Hokkanen. "UV disinfection ensures constant air and surface purity. We utilize a new type of UV light to eliminate bacteria and viruses safely, which in turn makes the disinfection process quicker and more efficient."

Pilot project for European pet food producer

Hau-Hau Champion is owned by VAFO Group which is a top European premium pet food producer. As a member of the board of directors in VAFO, Prima Pet Premium`s CEO Timo Pärssinen said the innovative vending machine is an inspiring project for the whole group.

”The wellbeing of dogs comes first for us," said Pärssinen. "And it means both state-of-the-art hygienic practices as well as top-of-the-line food, which is safe and tasty for dogs. We have created an interesting and fascinating pilot project, and we hope that in the future we’ll see the vending machine in use not only in Finland but also in other parts of Europe."

'Tryvertising' lets Singaporeans try new pet food for free

Last year, a startup company in Singapore, Try Leh, installed its free sample kiosk machines in five mall locations to allow the public a chance to try new products like dog and cat food before purchasing. Notably, these kiosks are designed to dispense small packaged samples to consumers, not kibble to dogs.

The free sample kiosk machines are Try Leh's “tryvertising” medium, which gives consumers access to a featured product so they can later provide valuable feedback about it. All a consumer needs to do is to create an account online, which gives them credits (two virtual coins) every week to redeem samples. The brands that buy into Try Leh's tryvertising programs are able to improve brand awareness and foster brand preference, the company said.