Vending machine hides robot barman
There's little more frustrating than getting all excited about an ice cold drink and then finding the vending machine has run out; it's easily on a par with finding out you have worms. So I'll be interested to see how fast these PouchLink machines spread – the gimmick is that rather than filling them with bulky cans, they have a supply of drink concentrate, a mains water connection and a whole load of plastic drinks pouches that are filled on demand.
![](https://www.slashgear.com/img/gallery/vending-machine-hides-robot-barman/WaterWerkz_instant_drinks_packager_1.jpg)
Making the drinks as they're ordered means that the machine, developed by UK firm WaterWerkz, can offer more choices and last longer between refills. When a customer selects a flavour it's automatically mixed according to a preset recipe, just as in pubs and bars, and piped into a drinks pouch; so far partner companies include Nestlé, who will be using a fruit concentrate, and Bottlegreen Drinks who have a range of four cordials.
I'll let you know if I see a machine on my travels!