A vending machine having a smoothie mixing and dispensing assembly, a cooling assembly having a peltier element, and a pre-order holder having a carousel. A mobile device has an ordering app thereon. A server connects with the vending machine over a network, the server having memory for storing computer instructions and a processor for executing the computer instructions, the computer instructions including instructions for implementing a meal planning application with an artificial intelligence module for planning meals. The mobile device communicates an order to the vending machine to activate the smoothie mixing and dispensing assembly to prepare a smoothie for storing in the pre-order holder.

Systems and methods for use with one or more beverage dispensing systems are provided. A system execution program is stored on a memory device. A database stores data records related to a plurality of users of the system and recipe records related to a plurality of beverages. A server includes a processor programmed to execute the system execution program to establish a creation engine and a licensing engine. The creation engine is programmed to allow a mixologist to create and/or edit a beverage recipe and store/update the beverage recipe in the database in one of the recipe records. The dispensing system is configured to dispense a beverage as a function of the beverage recipe. The licensing engine provides a commission to the mixologist in response to the dispensing system dispensing the beverage as a function of the beverage recipe stored in the one of the recipe records.

A solution for automated food selection includes: an order processing component operable to receive an order identifying an item; a selection component comprising: a first hyperspectral sensor operable to sense a reflection from the item and produce a sensor output based at least on the reflection; and a picking mechanism; a control component operable to: based at least on identification of the item, select a hyperspectral profile from a set of hyperspectral profiles; compare the sensor output with the selected hyperspectral profile; and based at least on the comparison, determine whether to select the item for fulfillment of the order, wherein the picking mechanism is operable to divert the item to a selection output based at least on a determination to select the item for fulfillment of the order; and a transport component operable to transport the item to an order storage zone.

A mobile robot is configured for vending consumable items. The robot includes a mobile base; a body comprising an item space; a plurality of support elements located in the item space and configured to support consumable items; an item sensor configured to detect presence of one or more consumable items supported by each of the support elements; and an insert configured to removably fit into the item space, and wherein the insert comprises the support elements and the item sensor. A method for vending consumable items uses the mobile robot.

A novel food station comprises a plurality of cubbies sized to enclose food portion containers, and an externally accessible collection hatch. An internal transport system uses an end effector to temporarily couple to a portion container carrier of a selected cubby, and to controllably move the food portion container carrier within the food station from the selected cubby to the collection hatch. The food station includes heating and cooling systems that selectively provide or remove heat to or from each of the plurality of cubbies independently of the other cubbies, with a heating or cooling rate, or for a heating or cooling duration, that is independently scheduled and controllable for each of the plurality of cubbies.

Provided is a method for controlling at least one of a container treatment machine and a beverage treatment machine, wherein the treatment machine treats at least one of containers and beverages using predeterminable parameters, wherein at least one control device controls the treatment machine at least temporarily taking into account the parameters, and wherein these parameters are input at least temporarily by an input device, and wherein, by an information output device, information is output at least temporarily to a user, the information being characteristic of a status of at least one of the machine and of data input by the user. According to embodiments of the invention, the information is at least partially output in image form.

Automated vending system for dispensing disposable inflatable mattresses includes a kiosk for housing a plurality of mattress packages. Each mattress package includes a disposable inflatable mattress with an inflating means. The plurality of mattress packages is positioned in a storage rack within the kiosk. The system further includes a robotic mechanism configured to engage a first mattress package from the storage rack and deliver the first mattress package to a product delivery area of the kiosk. The system furthermore includes a user interface configured for receiving a user selection of the first mattress package, and a controller configured to command the robotic mechanism to select and deliver the first mattress package to the product delivery area.

A vending machine with a reduced vertical height and footprint has a horizontal roller surface system for delivering vending products. The horizontal roller system includes actuated rollers and trays that move on top of the rollers. The products are present on top of the trays; the rollers actuate to deliver the trays, and the products, to a delivery portal. Some embodiments of the vending machine have a transparent top to allow the interior of the vending machine, and particularly the roller surface, to be visible from the exterior of the vending machine. The reduced height and size of the vending machine enables it to be placed in locations that are unavailable to conventional vending machines.

One variation of a food production station includes: a manual assembly zone; an autonomous assembly zone; and a controller. The manual assembly zone includes: a prep surface; and a receptacle configured to receive a sequence of food hoppers configured to store ingredients for manual preparation of food products on the prep surface. The autonomous assembly zone includes: a sequence of module housings supporting the prep surface and configured to house a sequence of food dispensing modules configured to dispense ingredients into food containers; and a conveyor located within the sequence of module housings and configured to transfer food containers along the sequence of food dispensing modules for dispensation of ingredients into food containers. The controller is configured to: receive food orders; and coordinate motion of the conveyor and trigger the sequence of food dispensing modules to dispense ingredients into food containers to assemble food products according to food orders.

One variation of a food production station includes: a manual assembly zone; an autonomous assembly zone; and a controller. The manual assembly zone includes: a prep surface; and a receptacle configured to receive a sequence of food hoppers configured to store ingredients for manual preparation of food products on the prep surface. The autonomous assembly zone includes: a sequence of module housings supporting the prep surface and configured to house a sequence of food dispensing modules configured to dispense ingredients into food containers; and a conveyor located within the sequence of module housings and configured to transfer food containers along the sequence of food dispensing modules for dispensation of ingredients into food containers. The controller is configured to: receive food orders; and coordinate motion of the conveyor and trigger the sequence of food dispensing modules to dispense ingredients into food containers to assemble food products according to food orders.