World-first vending machine technology could enable customers to pay and prove their age through a finger scan.
It comes following a partnership between Manchester-based fintech FinGo and cashless solutions firm, VMC.
FinGo’s mapping technology works by taking a scan of a person’s unique vein pattern, through an infrared device. That scene is then linked to their verified ID or a digital wallet.
“FinGo and VMC have the potential to transform retail and hospitality. This new approach to vending will make purchases easier for customers, be more cost-effective for vendors, and it demonstrates the importance of an entirely secure identity system that can integrate with other aspects of our daily lives,” said Simon Binns, Chief Commercial Officer of FinGo.
“VMC mirror FinGo’s approach to innovation, and our combined solutions will push the boundaries in the unattended retail space.”
The tie-in with VMC will explore whether this could enable “unattended retail” for age-restricted products like alcoholic drinks and e-cigarettes.
Another project would be reverse vending schemes, enabling users to recycle empty containers in return for rewards.
“As a business we’ve always focused on innovating and ways to add value to our systems, and our collaboration with FinGo continues this tradition,” added Nick Bate, Managing Director of VMC.
“Integrating FinGo’s pioneering technology with our own, to enable age and identity restricted sales in both vending and unattended retail, will help us to explore new markets and deliver the very best integrated payment solutions to our customers.”
