3D-printing vending machines aim to customize your food
No more basic trail mix and bland chips. 3D-printed snacks may be coming to a vending machine near you.
Finnish VTT Technical Research Centre is investing in development of high-tech vending machines that can provide food through 3D printing, according to the company's website.
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VTT hopes it can develop products customers can use to create their own unique treats. The site reads, "3D printing technology will enable the layer-by-layer manufacture of various structures, from crispy to soft gels that produce a distinctive mouthfeel."
Mashable could not reach the company for comment.
"Such equipment could be developed for domestic 3D food printing as well as vending machines," writes Nesli Sözer, Principal Scientist at VTT.
In trials VTT has experimented with "cellulose-based materials" (plants) but has also experimented with printing protein concentrates of oat, faba bean and dairy (whey protein).
"Self-production would enable customization..."
"Healthy snacks with great textures are in increasing demand among consumers," the site reads.
Still, there are no prototype photos and no expected release date. Stay hungry.
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Topics 3D Printing Gadgets
Chelsea Frisbie was interning at Mashable as the Lifestyle Section Intern. A SUNY Oswego Alum, she graduated with a degree in Broadcasting and Mass Communication and a minor in Gender Studies, and while there received several awards for her three talk shows and work in local news. Her favorite pastimes include watching Dr. Phil, practicing her Emmy acceptance speech, and subtly sneaking feminism into her daily conversations.
