Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS) Partners with ZX Ventures/AB InBev to Develop First Internet-Connected Beer Vending Machi...
June 20 2018 - 11:00AM
Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS), a global product design
and development firm, partnered with ZX Ventures, a division of AB
InBev, to design and develop an Internet “connected” beer vending
machine that dispenses cans of ice cold beer, featuring a cashless
payment system that accepts all major credit cards and mobile
wallets (i.e. Google Pay and Apple Pay). Called BeerBox, ZX
Ventures plans to roll out these first-of-a-kind connected
“bar-like” beer vending machines later this year at select concert
and sports venues nationwide.
The BeerBox is the first beer vending machine to dispense opened
cans of chilled beer. Future versions of the machine will enable
customers to select their beer of choice using a touchscreen
interface. The BeerBox has cellular, WiFi, and Ethernet
connectivity for payment processing, transaction reporting, and
maintenance functions, and GPS to provide machine
location.
According to Robert Gaafar, Global Director of ZX Ventures’
Explore and BeerBox Founder, “Instead of standing in long lines at
a music festivals and sporting events, the BeerBox makes it much
more convenient to purchase a beer and helps concessioners increase
sales - it really doubles as a bar.”
The initial idea for the BeerBox came out of ZX Ventures’
accelerator program. Gaafar selected IPS to come on board to
turn the vision into a product – taking it from discovery phase to
prototype to testing and manufacturing. With the first
prototypes available last summer, ZX Ventures piloted them at three
music festivals with great success, and is now rolling out the
improved version of BeerBox at select concert and sports venues
this summer.
“We selected IPS as our product design partner because of its
full range of product design expertise, and in particular, its
expertise in designing IoT products and Wi-Fi solutions,” said
Gaafar. “IPS helped us to design a product that can be easily
manufactured, improve the look and feel of the BeerBox, and boost
its overall reliability.”
He added, “One of the design challenges that we worked with IPS
to overcome was the size of the can, as dispensing a 25-ounce was
essential because it is the standard size used at most concert
locations. Other challenges included dispensing opened
beer cans to comply with liquor laws, and cooling to ensure the
beer was the right temperature for the customer’s maximum
enjoyment.”
According to Mitch Maiman, President and Cofounder of
Intelligent Product Solutions, “Working with Robert and
ZX Ventures was a true partnership, and we are thrilled to work
with such an innovative company to help make its design concepts a
reality.”
About IPS
IPS, a subsidiary of Forward Industries (NASDAQ:FORD), is an
award-winning global product design and development company that
is headquartered in New York, with an office in London. IPS
offers expert product design and engineering services,
including Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable
technology solutions. Its clients are among the leading brands
in consumer electronics, medical devices, enterprise and security
solution providers, and Internet of Things (IoT) connected
solutions, including AdhereTech, Google, Physio Control, Motorola,
and charity: water. To learn more about IPS,
visit www.intelligentproduct.solutions or
contact info@ips-yes.com or @IPSdesigners.
About ZX Ventures
ZX Ventures is a global growth and innovation group within AB
InBev, the world’s leading global brewer and one of the world’s top
five consumer products companies. Launched in 2015, its
mandate is to develop new products and businesses that address
emerging consumer needs. ZX Ventures operates multiple global
business units including international craft & specialties
beer, e-commerce, home brewing, exploration and brand experience
(including retail stores).
For more media information, contact:
Lisa Hendrickson/LCH Communications for IPS
516-767-8390
lisa@lchcommunications.com
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