Next Generation Vending

We have been very fortunate to partner up with our amazing tech partner VendSmart. Thanks to the tech savvy wizards over at VendSmart, Curb Hunger will be utilising the latest vending hardware and next generation technology to help tackle homelessness in the UK and eventually beyond! Here’s a run down on some of the technology you can expect to see from Curb Hunger.

Next Generation Vending Machines:

Our vending machines will have built-in facial recognition, the method in which items are vended. Each user will also have a unique PIN code to act as a contingency if facial recognition fails, or if people are not comfortable having their photograph taken. This easy access means that identified at-risk individuals will not be left without essentials outside the operating hours of the various existing charities and services. Machines will be fitted with artificial intelligence and an interactive display allowing homeless people to not only vend for much needed items, but also engage with local support services or ask for help 24/7.

Machines will also double as contactless donation points where passers-by can easily donate £2 using their contactless card or phone.

Advanced Telemetry and Reporting:

Curb Hunger will have an office application available to the local charity partners to keep a record of all registered homeless people in the area and provide real-time monitoring and reporting on vending activity and productivity. This will include patterns of usage such as which items are dispensed most frequently, where the machines are getting the most usage, what time of day they are accessed, stock availability, technical status etc. This enables us to make sure that all our vending machines are up and running with maximum efficiency and stock availability.

Smart App

A recent study confirms that approximately 80% of homeless people own a smart phone. Our specially designed Curb Hunger App helps homeless people to stay connected with their local support organisation via instant messaging, locate the nearest Curb Hunger vending machines, locate shelters and other important meeting points. The app also enables the local support organisation to engage with at-risk individuals remotely and more effectively, offering help, advice and support.

We hope that through a robust data capturing system that the various forms of information gathered through our machines can provide an insight into a notoriously transient portion of society.