OSAKA, Japan – Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Inc. (Representative Director, President & CEO Calin Dragan; “Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan”) has installed the world’s first hydrogen cartridge-powered vending machine, jointly developed with Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. (Note 1), at the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (“Osaka-Kansai Expo”) venue. In preparation for the event’s opening in approximately one month, an installation ceremony was held on March 18.
The vending machine consists of the machine itself and a generator fitted with a hydrogen cartridge. It operates using power generated by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, allowing it to function independently. The machine can generate power in any location or weather conditions without emitting CO₂. The machine includes a monitor that displays the electricity generation process, offering visitors an experience of the “vending machine of the future.”
The vending machine is also compatible with Coca-Cola’s official app, Coke ON (Note 2). Through its accessibility features (Note 3), the app provides users with on-screen visual information, tactile feedback through smartphone vibrations, and auditory guidance via voice read-out, assisting them in purchasing products. With the Osaka-Kansai Expo expected to attract many visitors, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan aims to make vending machines accessible and easy to use for everyone, including the elderly, wheelchair users, and people with disabilities.
One of these vending machines will be installed beneath the Expo’s Grand Roof (Ring) and will begin operation with the event’s opening on April 13.
Notes
(Note 1) Research by Fuji Electric as of October 30, 2024
(Note 2) Coke ON is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.
(Note 3) About Coke ON accessibility functions ※ Move to Coca-Cola (Japan) Co., Ltd. website https://www.coca-cola.com/jp/ja/social/activities/coke-on-accessibility
58 Coca-Cola vending machines will be installed at the Osaka Kansai Expo, all compatible with the official Coca-Cola app, Coke ON. Through Coke ON accessibility functions, vending machines will be provided that are easy for everyone to use, including the elderly, wheelchair users, and people with disabilities.
