The future of vending machines is quickly becoming a fun place to explore.  The latest blip on the radar comes from a Hitatchi, a Japanese company.  Their vending machines employs a technology they call VeinID, or “finger vein authentication.”  The machine uses near-infrared light to scan your vein and recognize your indentity.  Your virtual user account includes e-money and personal preferences.  Using the maching is a snap; all you have to do is place your hand on the reader and once it pulls up your account your free to select your beverage of choice on a touch screen.  You can even apply for discounts and rebates if you like and have free beverage samples mailed to your home address (which you are asked to share, along with your email address).  A future where your identity is linked to your body; I always imagined this would come true one day.  I mean, who likes to carry around wallets anyway?

[Via JapanTrends; Gizmodo]