A solidarity initiative called “bread for all” will use smart vending machines to distribute free bread to disadvantaged families and workers in Dubai at various times of the day.
The project was born from an idea of the country's sovereign himself (Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum). And it adds to other "experimental grounds" that this emirate is undertaking. Things of all kinds, actually: from "flying" police aboard drones to the largest vertical farm in the world.
Solidarity vending machines
According to a recent Press release, the pilot project intends to test the potential of an “intelligent” solidarity. A system that moves in a capillary and semi-automatic way through many nodes of an ideal network.
In its test phase, ten vending machines will be installed in the city, each close to mini markets or supermarkets.
How do they work?
Nothing simpler. For those who wish, simply "order" the bread with a button on the touch display, and retrieve it still hot, just "taken out of the oven" after a short wait.
The particularity of the project is all in the model based on vending machines. These are real hubs that distribute bread, yes, but they also collect donations from those who want to support those who are less fortunate.
“An immediate and versatile system, which strengthens the spirit of solidarity between the various social segments,” he observes Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the Foundation for Children's Affairs (AMAF).
Next steps
“We look forward to broadening the scope of cooperation with the initiative's partners in the local community to reach the greatest number of beneficiaries,” Mutawa added.
Those who want to donate time or money so that the "cold" vending machines become hotter than humanity, can do it directly from the display, or via an app, or via SMS, or dedicate themselves as volunteers to the control and maintenance of the "machines".
Found , promising more information on the project.
