Since the humidity is getting unbearable here in NYC, we sure could use this little contraption from SapientNitro. But alas, Cannes attendees are again the lucky ones as the agency has unveiled this “smile-activated” ice cream truck of sorts for Unilever this week at the Lions fest.
The video above doesn’t do the best job in explaining things, but from what we’ve been told, the backend of this digital device is infused with facial recognition and 3D technology. Using an “attractor screen” to entice passerby, the vending machine prompts you to smile like you just got a raise and it then measures your smile, takes your picture and with your permission, uploads it onto Facebook. You can then use the touchscreen to pick your free ice cream.
After first premiering this “Smile Happy” machine at Rock in Rio in Spain last month, SapientNitro says it plans to roll this out in malls and other high-traffic consumer spots worldwide over the next 18 months. For a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Smile Happy,” click here.
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