TSG Group has developed a soda vending machine for iTapToo. In this machine, you fill a reusable bottle with a refreshing and sugar-free alternative to regular soda. A unique proposition in terms of product development where all aspects, from hardware to software, come together.
Still, 12 million kilograms of plastic end up in the ocean every day. The biggest contributor to this plastic soup is the PET bottle, of which the Netherlands consumes an average of 900 million per year. That's an average of 52 plastic bottles per person! At iTapToo, we believe this can be very different. More and more alternatives to plastic are emerging on the market. But what if we completely eliminate the plastic bottle from the equation?
In the Netherlands, we are already well on our way. More than 9 million reusable bottles have been sold, and it is becoming increasingly common to carry a refillable bottle with you. Yet, the regular soft drink machine is still there, full of new plastic packaging. By tapping at iTapToo, you refill your bottle with an honest and refreshing alternative. Together, we contribute to a future without plastic!
Development of a beverage refill point
iTapToo has enlisted the help of TSG Group in the product development of a beverage vending machine. iTapToo offers responsible soft drinks from a modern refill point. Their vision? To create a world without single-use plastic.
The beverages are free from sugars and artificial sweeteners, containing only 3 kcal per 100 ml. The refill point is connected to the water supply and power grid, equipped with an automatic cleaning system, and can be monitored live in the iTapToo Insights Portal.
The self-developed dry mix is sent as needed and is so concentrated that compared to syrups, there is 50-80% less transport and emissions! Six flavors fit into a refill point, and the iTapToo team is continuously working on the development of delicious new beverages.
On the (virtual) drawing board
TSG Group has been involved in the development of the iTapToo beverage vending machine from the initial ideas. After the requirements were clear, a conceptual phase began. During this phase, a large number of hand sketches were made to determine an initial design direction.
Subsequently, various concepts were 3D modeled to further define the design direction. After several iterations, the designs became more concrete, and the enthusiasm at iTapToo grew even stronger! Eventually, a fully developed 3D model was created at TSG Group. This allows the vending machine to be viewed in detail from every angle.
The first prototype
Subsequently, the engineering department within TSG Group could begin working on realizing the first prototype. The right materials and electronics were ordered and, where necessary, custom-made to perfection. The first prototype was skillfully constructed. Software developers got to work programming the controls: after all, the beverages must come out cool with the right amount of flavor. The automatic cleaning program is initiated at regular intervals. Additionally, various functions have been built-in to facilitate maintenance of the vending machine.
Operated via a Touch Screen
The machine can be fully operated through a touch screen that is prominently and conveniently located at eye level. In collaboration with experienced UX designers, we sought to create an interface that is easy to operate with your fingers and aligns with the look and feel that iTapToo envisioned: youthful and playful. We achieved just that! Large buttons for selecting flavors and cool animations as the drink is being prepared. If someone walks away without ordering a drink, the machine returns to the selection menu. These features contribute to a better user experience.
Always Connected
The purchaser of the machine can set the cost price themselves: free or for a fee. The integrated payment terminal supports contactless payment, allowing users to quickly proceed. Additionally, iTapToo is connected to the internet via 5G. This is what we call IoT. It allows us to remotely monitor the number of drinks dispensed and the status of the machine. With over-the-air updates, we can remotely update the software to the latest version. This ensures that we can continuously develop and implement improvements.
From Idea to Realization
After producing the first prototypes in its own workshop, TSG Group also realized the first series in-house. Since then, TSG Group has built and delivered multiple iTapToo machines, which are now located at various sites across the country. Our UX designers and software developers continue to make small improvements based on the collected data and feedback from end users. Want to know more about this project or our services? Contact us, the first (refreshing) drink is on us!
Contactgegevens
TSG Group
Furkapas 8, 5624 MD Eindhoven
Nederland
040 - 254 82 22
info@tsggroup.nl
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