Project Details

[Return to Previous Page]

Take the Learning Factory Vending Machine to Prime Time

Company: PSU LF

Major(s):
Primary: CMPEN
Secondary: CMPSC
Optional: EE, IE, ME

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Last year a group of students created a vending machine for the Learning Factory: https://youtu.be/aiXvwos3hwY The idea is that Instead of taking cash, it uses Learning Factory Points, which students can earn through participation in LF activities. They can exchange these points in the vending machine for candy bars, LF swag, and cool materials and supplies like LED light strips and Arduinos. The machine they created looked great, but had some fundamental problems (like working reliably). That machine is now in salvage. Last semester a group of students created a second vending machine. It currently lives in the Learning Factory and mostly works. We need a team to improve several aspects of the current version. We would like a larger screen that is protected (the current screen and cables are outside of the machine). We want the screen to show pictures of the thing being purchased as well. Finally, the whole experience needs to be improved, so there are lots of opportunities for innovation here. This machine plays an important part in our plans for the new Design and Innovation Building, so your work will impact students for many years to come.