Photo Credit: gravedistractions via morguefile.com
Photo Credit: gravedistractions via morguefile.com

I remember as a kid, on a warm summer’s night, taking a walk down the block to this little ice cream store that made the best ice cream in the whole world (according to us kids). There was nothing better in the world at that time, then buying a nice, cool, creamy, soft chocolate cone with chocolate sprinkles, and hanging out with my brother and friends. Those nights and times together were just priceless.

I reminisce about when we were all there ordering our cones and dishes, watching the worker pull back the lever and drool, as that awesome ice cream just flowed out of the machine into out cups or cones. Ice cream never tasted better (by the way, it still tastes awesome…it’s just different when you’re a kid…know what I mean?) There were also machine that dispensed ice cream sandwiches and things like that, but they on the most part, weren’t as special as getting the real thing.

Since those days of my childhood, nothing much has changed in ice cream stores…until now. Today, I read a short article on http://optimistworld.com that there is now a SMILE ACTIVATED ICE CREAM MACHINE!!!

The following is what was stated…”While instantly gratifying, buying ice cream from a vending machine isn’t quite as much fun as it could be. Which is why SapientNitro and Unilever created the world’s first smile-activated ice cream vending machine as part of Unilever’s “share happy” campaign.

The technology behind it is sophisticated, but the concept is simple: consumers walk up to the machine, smile and are rewarded with a frozen treat.

When its motion detectors sense someone is near, the machine beckons them to come closer and interact. Using facial recognition technology, it can then recognize a person’s age, gender and emotion, and measure their smile using a “smile-o-meter”. If their grin is wide enough, they get free ice cream.

Users can also opt to have a picture of their happy self-uploaded to Facebook, which ties in perfectly with Unilever’s brand message: “share happy”. Currently being showcased at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, the smile-activated ice cream vending machine will be rolled out at high-traffic locations across the globe over the next 18 months.

From security checkpoints that recognize eyes, to cameras that spot friends and family, machines are increasingly capable of smart interaction with humans. Throw in emotion and delight, and you’ll create a memorable experience that knocks the socks off traditional advertising.”

Now THAT sounds like the kind of machine that I would just LOVE to have around my house…not just for the ice cream but for the smiles as well. Today’s technology never ceases to amaze me but I think this item of ingenuity is by far…one the coolest ever!

So, go out, get a friend and enjoy a tasty cone today!