About the EIDM:
The EIDM is an automated machine that provides customers with essential items in the quickest method without any language barrier, at any time of day. The purpose of the machine is to ensure all potential customer’s basic needs are met. Some items that will be included in inventory are:

1. Water
2. Nutritional food
3. Essential toiletries and medical items
4. Other food/beverage items - candy bars, coffee
5. Battery packs with deposits, SIM cards, SD cards

The EIDM will be fully autonomous and secure. It can be placed in areas with high density population such as apartment complex lobbies, transport hubs near bus and train stations, and touristy areas. Other features that can be added on the system will include:

1. Water filter and hot water dispenser
2. Recycling and deposit system
3. Mobile phone app platform
4. Wi-fi and internet coverage
5. Camera recording and SOS emergency alert
6. Sustainable power and off grid capability

How it works

The system uses the proven concept of a vending machine but replaces unhealthy snack foods with essential items. The EIDM will have the opportunity to be a disrupter in the consumer retail market by implementing autonomous features into a traditional vending machine.

Frontend: The appearance of the machine will be streamlined and simple. There will be a touch screen that provides a list of the inventory items in stock with the ability to select any language. The payment system will accept various hard currencies, credit card, and eventually a mobile phone payment.

Backend: The customer selection will trigger an item to be dispensed, inventory management, and logistics data tracking. This system will be autonomous and with the internet connectivity, it will provide supply chain management for which items need to be restocked on a continuous inventory tracking system.

When we start

The project will be piloted in Heidelberg in Summer 2017. The initial capital is a minimum of $6000. This will include $2k developmental cost and $4k per machine. The expected breakeven point will day 122, estimating an average profit of $50 per day and one machine operating.

Why it is so important

The autonomous convenience store is an inevitability and this system most suitable because it focuses on providing solutions to basic needs first. Heidelberg is a perfect city to implement the system because of the high tourist density. In many situations foreigners struggle with the language and there is a disconnect between customer and supplier. While human interaction is an essential part of the tourist experience, there is a market need for basic items to be provided to customers quickly and in their native language. It will ensure all tourists are provided will the essential items at any time, especially Sundays.

Who we are

Tyler Fellman: Current MBA and MSE student studying at Arizona State University in USA. I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering have experience working as a Manufacturing Engineer in the aerospace industry.

Katarina Lujic: Current MBA at Schiller International University in Germany.