Imagine having the ability to pick up a beverage and examine it without ever touching it. Thanks to next-generation vending machines, this idea of virtual selection

At the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) OneShow 2013, which took place April 24-26 in Las Vegas, Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo showcased its Pepsi Interactive Vending machine prototype, powered by Microsoft Kinect, which currently is being tested in several malls throughout the United States. The machine responds to movement and essentially turns the vending consumer into an avatar whereby he or she can purchase a product, gift a product, or play a game to win a product all without touching the machine, the company explains. Product nutritional information and videos also are available for on-demand viewing, and users can charge their mobile devices at the machine via specially designed AC power outlets or USB ports while enjoying a beverage, it adds.is becoming a reality.