World's first AI-powered dog food vending machine

This unique vending machine incorporates AI-powered facial recognition and blue light disinfection technology to ensure a hygienic tasting experience.

Styled to resemble a whimsical doghouse, the Dog Vending Machine has been met with enthusiasm by both dogs and their owners. Beyond its novelty, the machine serves a practical purpose for Hau-Hau Champion in their initiative to minimise dog food waste. This effort addresses the common issue of dogs rejecting their food at home, which can lead to the disposal of nearly full bags of dog food.

Touted as the first of its kind, this vending machine stands out for its use of advanced technology to dispense food exclusively to dogs, maintaining cleanliness throughout the process. The concept was conceived by TBWA\Helsinki and brought to fruition as a working prototype by their brand experience and innovation arm, TBWA\NEXT.

The operation of the vending machine is driven by AI-based video recognition software, which detects an approaching dog to dispense kibbles, and then cleans the bowl with UV light once the dog walks away, preparing for its next visitor.

Timo Pärssinen, CEO of Prima Pet Premium Oy, the parent company of Hau-Hau Champion, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “Wherever the vending machine is used, it seems to be a very welcome and pleasant surprise for both dogs and owners. But most of all we hope that by giving dogs a chance to taste food beforehand will help decrease food waste in the future.”

Juhana Hokkanen, Head of Experiential Creative at TBWA\Helsinki, highlighted the machine’s safety features, stating: “Facial recognition using artificial intelligence ensures that the vending machine dispenses kibbles only to dogs, not, for example, to cats or children playing near the machine.” He further noted the effectiveness of the UV disinfection process: “UV disinfection ensures constant air and surface purity. We utilise a new type of UV light to eliminate bacteria and viruses safely, which in turn makes the disinfection process quicker and more efficient.”

Representing VAFO Group, Europe’s premium pet food producer and owner of Hau-Hau Champion, Pärssinen views the vending machine as an innovative pilot project with potential for broader application: “The wellbeing of dogs comes first for us. And it means both state of the art hygienic practices as well as top of the line food, which is safe and tasty for dogs. We have created an interesting and fascinating pilot project, and we hope that in the future we’ll see the vending machine in use not only in Finland but also in other parts of Europe.”