This Vending Machine Gives You Free Coke if You Give It a Hug
Free things do not usually come from machines designed to take your money and move on. That is what made this Coca-Cola vending machine stand out when it started appearing in public spaces. Instead of coins or cards, it responds to something far less expected. A simple hug.
The idea first surfaced more than a decade ago as part of one of the brand’s playful marketing experiments. Over the years, the machine has popped up in different locations, including large retail stores, where recent sightings have put it back in the spotlight.
The Original Launch and Campaign Context
The first widely documented version appeared in 2012 at the National University of Singapore. The installation formed part of Coca-Cola’s global “Open Happiness” marketing campaign, which centered on interactive brand experiences.
The machine used internal pressure sensors. When both sides were squeezed simultaneously, the system activated the dispensing sequence and released a Coke. Images and video from the installation circulated online and expanded awareness of the campaign far beyond the physical location.
How the Technology Works
Image via Reddit/MoBeeLex
The internal system relies on mechanical input detection. Pressure sensors register force applied across specific points on the machine’s exterior panels. Once the preset pressure level is reached, the vending system releases one beverage unit.
During promotional activation, the machines operate independently of traditional purchase steps. Dispensing limits and availability shift depending on how each campaign is structured and how long the installation remains active.
Where the Machines Have Appeared Over Time
Following the Singapore installation, variations surfaced at different times across parts of Asia and later in select areas of the United States. Documented placements include university campuses and short-term retail activations tied to brand campaigns.
Examples include installations at universities in Georgia during the late 2010s. More recent reports describe machines appearing inside major retail environments such as Walmart locations, with placements typically aligned to specific promotional windows.
The format sits within a broader marketing approach built around physical interaction with branded installations. Coca-Cola has revisited interactive campaign formats over the years, often aligning them with regional promotions, events, or seasonal rollouts.
After campaigns end, machines are typically removed or stored for potential use in future brand activations in other markets.