Vending machines have always been popular because they allow you to purchase all sorts of items on the spot and pay with cash. It seems that vending machines have advanced, and we're positive that we'll see vending machines that will allow you to pay electronically.

Recently the PayPal X Innovate 2010 developers conference took place, and among other interesting things, the first vending machine that accepted PayPal was shown. In order to use this machine you'll need a smartphone, and you'll need to scan a special QR code on the vending machine in order to access your PayPal account and pay for the selected items. So far, this machine is only a prototype, but it works great. Ray Tanaka and his team from PayPalLabs designed this vending machine, and they've managed to merge candy dispenser, WiShield, LED display, along with other components into one.

While the PayPal vending machine is just a prototype, but we're positive that we'll see more of these devices in future.

[via Ubergizmo]