Snackstack

Our team developed an innovative automated food vending application that streamlines the process of purchasing and retrieving ready-made food items. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the application allows users to browse a selection of pre-packaged food items, make payments within the app, and retrieve their chosen items from a designated compartment.

Key Features:

• User-Friendly Interface: The application boasts an intuitive user interface designed for seamless navigation, ensuring a smooth user experience from start to finish.

• Automated Food Selection: Users can browse through a diverse range of pre-packaged food options available in the vending machine, complete with detailed descriptions and images for each item.

• Secure Payment Integration: Integrated payment gateways facilitate secure transactions directly within the application, eliminating the need for cash transactions or additional payment methods.

• Remote Ordering: Users have the convenience of placing orders remotely through the app, allowing them to schedule pickups at their preferred time.

• Smart Locker System: Upon successful payment, users receive a unique code or QR for accessing their designated locker compartment, where their purchased items are securely stored.

• Real-Time Inventory Management: The application includes real-time inventory tracking, ensuring that users have access to up-to-date information on available food items.

Technologies Used:

• Mobile App Development: Developed using Kotlin and Swift for cross-platform compatibility, ensuring accessibility across both iOS and Android devices.

• Backend Development: Utilized Node.js and Express.js for building a robust backend system. This setup is responsible for managing user data, inventory, payment processing, and integrating with SendGrid for email notifications.

• Database Management: Implemented Firebase and Firestore for efficient data storage and retrieval, enabling seamless integration with the application's backend and facilitating real-time data synchronization.

• Payment Integration: Integrated secure payment gateways such as Google Pay and Apple Pay to facilitate hassle-free transactions within the application.

• Hardware Integration: Collaborated with hardware specialists to seamlessly integrate the application with the vending machine's smart locker system, ensuring smooth operation.

Outcome:

The automated food vending application has garnered significant acclaim for its innovation and convenience, revolutionizing the way users interact with vending machines. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with advanced features such as secure payments, remote ordering, and real-time inventory management, has positioned it as a leader in the automated food service industry. With scalability in mind, the application is poised to expand its reach and transform the food vending landscape on a global scale.