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Starbucks Vending Machine

Hoping to dispense vending machine java that's actually drinkable, Starbucks first rolled out its “heat on demand” machines several years ago. They rely on a process developed by Pepsi that uses supercooled liquid, a mixture that can be reduced below its freezing point without solidifying. When you order a cup of joe, a button triggers nucleation, which causes the mixture to crystallize immediately, creating ample heat in the process. The company's newest machines, Starbucks on the Go, are stocked with espresso that is freshly ground when you order, and milk that is individually steamed for each drink. The machines (introduced in the U.K. last fall) feature a touchscreen interface from which you can choose 280 drink combos. The first four machines rolled out in the U.S. this fall, with thousands more expected throughout the country at gas stations and office buildings.