Design of an Intelligent Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Based Cashless Vending Machine for Sales of Drinks

Abstract

This study examines the evolution of vending machines, emphasizing their integration with RFID technology for cashless transactions. Vending machines have transformed human-machine interaction, offering convenient access to products and services. Transitioning from coin-operated to RFID-enabled systems has revolutionized the industry, enhancing security, reducing costs, and improving user experience. Through exploration of technical specifications and design objectives, the research highlights RFID vending machines' potential to reshape consumer behavior and optimize operations. Traditional cash-based vending machines face challenges such as limited storage, recognition issues, and security concerns. To address these, the paper proposes an intelligent RFID-based cashless vending machine for drink sales. The system incorporates RFID technology for payment, allowing users to swipe cards and select drinks without cash involvement. Prototype development involved software design, utilizing C-language for multiproduct vending. Comparatively, the RFID-based system outperforms cash-based counterparts in efficiency, security, and sales tracking, presenting a superior solution for drink sales.