Vending machines have evolved from the days of old candy and stale coffee; they’re now changing the way we live our lives. But if you think they still only stocked with snacks, think again. These days, vending machines distribute all sorts of goods.

In fact, deluxe machines stocked with cufflinks, health and beauty products, and electronics, are already selling their wares. And they may soon be joined by other, more extravagant examples in subway stations, downtown streets and shopping malls. “Sexy” kiosks selling little black dresses, erotic novels, contraceptives and beauty products may even find a home in places like downtown hotel lobbies.

To show you what’s new and what’s bizarre, Express Vending has created the following infographic. It explores 28 bizarre vending machines from countries around the world. Take a look:

Vending the rules: 28 bizarre vending machines from around the world

Dubai

Gold to Go dispenses 320 items made or gold, with market priced updated every 10 minutes via internet connection.

China

In Nanjing, a crab vending machine in China dispenses live crabs in an edible container, and comes with crab vinegar and ginger tea.

Kandi Technologies’ Kandi Machine allows you to rent an electric car from a giant vending machine, working out at just US$3 per hour.

In Hong Kong, Ula Umbrella came up with a handy solution to being caught in the rain—vending machines that dispense umbrellas in a wide range of colours.

United States

Open 24 hours a day, the Cupcake ATM dispenses fresh cupcakes via a robotic arm in New York City.

Also in New York City, Bikestock kiosks are available 24/7 and act as a self-serve bike repair hub. The machine dispenses inner tubes, lights, puncture kits, locks and more.

The Swap-O-Matic in New York allows users to deposit unwanted items for ‘points’, which can be redeemed for other items within the machine.

Virginia’s DreamVender vending machine allows you to insert an SD card containing a 3D data file, which it will 3D print and dispense.

In Oregon, a vending machine outside of a guitar shop dispenses guitar strings, picks, and drum sticks in case of a rock related emergency.

Ever had the urge for some caviar when you’re out and about? Beverly Hills Caviar’s machine dispenses caviar, escargot and truffles.

Farmer’s Fridge in Chicago dispenses health salads in a jar, stocked with fresh produce at 5am every morning. Anything leftover is collected and donated.

In Las Vegas, Amazon intelligently capitalized on bored travellers by placing a Kindle vending machine at McCarran Airport.

Finally, the impressively named HD3000 dispenses freshly grilled hot dogs in a lightly toasted bun in under 1 minute.

Singapore

Mashed potatoes dispensed into a tub, and topped with chicken and gravy.

Paris, Fance

The baguette vending machines contain partly baked baguettes available 24/7, which are finished off when ordered.

Europe

Let’s Pizza cooks a fresh 9″ pizza in 3 minutes, kneading the dough and adding sauce and toppings before baking.

Munich, Germany

A vending machine that dispenses LEGO, what more needs to be said?

Japan

Simple but effective, a tie vending machine in Japan can help you smarten up in an instant.

A slightly cruel twist on the claw game, a vending machine in Japan allows you to try and catch your own live lobster.

The Chef’s Farm is aimed at restaurant owners who want locally produced vegetables on site, and can produce 60 heads of lettuce a day (20,000 a year).

International

The Burritobox dispenses 5 burrito flavours, including steak and cheese, chipotle chicken and veggie fajita, which are warmed up on purchase.

Istanbul, Turkey

These vending machines dispense food and water for stray dogs when people deposit recyclable bottles and cans.

Florence, Italy

Closed Jeans released the world’s first denim vending machine in Florence, that dispenses a variety of jeans in all sizes.

London, UK

While the Bitcoin boom has come and gone, you can still exchange bank notes for Bitcoins at Bitcoin machines located in London.

Australia

Just what the world is missing—a flip-flop vending machine! Flip-flop manufacturer Havaianas placed their machine right on the Sydney beachfront.

What could be more convenient than a convenient store? A fully automated convenient store. Select your items and they’ll be dispensed via a robotic arm.

Canada

The eco-friendly Green Reads vending machine allows you to deposit unwanted books and purchase other used ones at a discount price.

The Netherlands

The aptly named Bikedispenser, it dispenses bikes for €2.85, giving your up to 20 hours of use.

Source: http://www.expressvending.co.uk/blog/bizarre-vending-machines