Unmanned Vending Machines: Insights from Japan and Prospects in China

With the rise of unmanned retail, Japan, as a pioneer, boasts a plethora of intelligent vending machines on its streets. The success of this phenomenon can be attributed to various factors. Let's delve into the emergence of unmanned vending machines in Japan.

Advanced Electronic Manufacturing Industry: Japan has consistently been a leader in industries such as electronic manufacturing, possessing robust technological capabilities to develop high-performance machines that meet customer demands. This ensures the flawless functionality and stable operation of unmanned vending machines, avoiding frequent machine malfunctions.

Population Concentration and Developed Retail Market: Japan has a high population density, particularly in cities with a well-developed retail market. Unmanned vending machines thrive in environments with dense populations, and in cities with concentrated populations, this demand becomes more urgent.

High Labor Costs and Shop Rent: Japan is a highly developed country with relatively high labor costs and shop rent. Traditional supermarkets face immense competition due to these factors, while street-side unmanned retail machines easily survive due to their cost advantages.

Government Monetary Policy Support: The Japanese government strongly supports the development of unmanned vending machines through its monetary policies. The variety of coin denominations in Japan facilitates payments for unmanned vending machines. The use of banknotes on vending machines is costly and inconvenient, whereas coins provide a more convenient payment method.

As for the development of unmanned vending machines in other countries, especially in China, some of the above conditions are common, while others need adjustments based on different national conditions. China is currently in a rapid stage of economic development, with per capita GDP gradually rising, providing an opportunity for the explosive growth of unmanned vending machines. In recent years, unmanned vending machines have gradually become popular in China, and the widespread use of mobile payments has provided strong impetus for their development.

Currently, the United States and Japan each have approximately 4 to 5 million unmanned vending machines, while China is still at the outbreak stage with an operational quantity of around 500,000 units, indicating a considerable market gap. Therefore, the unmanned vending machine industry in China still has vast prospects for future development. With technological advancements and continuous market demand, unmanned vending machines are expected to experience even more vibrant growth in China.