DIY Smart Vending Machine Using Arduino

The project focuses on the designing of the vending machine using Arduino and evaluating its performance. This project presents the design and implementation of an intelligent vending machine that utilizes real-time color detection through a webcam to automate the item dispensing process. The system employs a webcam to capture the color of an object presented in front of the machine (e.g., a colored card or object). Using computer vision techniques and color space analysis, the dominant color is identified and mapped to a specific item stored within the vending machine. Once the color is recognized, a microcontroller-based mechanism is triggered to dispense the corresponding product. This hands-free, intuitive interaction model provides a novel user experience and opens possibilities for accessibility-focused and contactless vending solutions. The system demonstrates practical integration of hardware and software components including a webcam, color recognition algorithm (via OpenCV), and actuators controlled through a microcontroller (such as Arduino). The project highlights applications in smart retail, education, and interactive installations.