Vending machines
ROI Time
2 Months
Price from

3 things to consider when automating vending and dispensing machines

Whether snack vending machines, tool dispensers, medicine stations or spare parts dispensers – vending and dispensing machines have become indispensable in many industries. They enable round-the-clock availability, reduce personnel costs and increase efficiency. However, to ensure that these machines function reliably, precisely and with low maintenance, the right automation components are required.

On the igus RBTX marketplace, you will find a wide selection of cost-effective, modular and durable components for your vending machine solution – from linear technology and drives to control systems.

3 things to consider when automating vending and dispensing machines

Plan mechanics and motion control correctly

Whether it's a drawer, gripper or conveyor mechanism, the movement must be precise, quiet and durable. Maintenance-free linear guideways, toothed belt axes or drylin® systems from igus are particularly suitable, as they do not require lubrication and are ideal for compact machines.

Coordinate drive and control

The selection of the appropriate motor (e.g. stepper motor, DC motor) depends on the load, speed and repeat accuracy. Simple control is important – ideally via open interfaces or plug-and-play controls that can be easily integrated into existing systems.

Ensure reliability and maintenance-free operation

Vending machines are often located in public places or production environments. Therefore, the components must be robust, energy-efficient and low-maintenance. igus components are specially designed for continuous operation – with a long service life even with frequent use.

How to get started with your automation solution for dispensing machines

Launch your vending machines automation with RBTX: define your use case, choose components, test with experts, and integrate smoothly.

1

Define the application

What needs to be dispensed? What are the requirements in terms of size, weight, speed and safety?

2

Select components on the RBTX marketplace, you will find:

Linear units (e.g. drylin® ZLW) – Motors & controllers (e.g. D1/D3 controllers) – Energy chains & sensors – Complete solutions for compact automation

3

Use tests & consulting

Have your application tested with the RBTX ‘test before invest’ service or take advantage of the free consultation – fast, practical and non-binding.

4

Integration & commissioning

Many systems are ‘plug & play’ and can be integrated into existing machines with little effort. igus offers support, CAD data, service life calculators and online configurators.

RBTXpert Conclusion

Whether it’s a snack dispenser, medicine vending machine, or tool station – motion is the core of every automated system. Use lubrication-free linear technology like igus drylin® systems. Compact, quiet, and maintenance-free, they’re ideal for continuous operation in tight spaces. Precise and repeatable motion is essential – whether extending a drawer or picking a product. On the RBTX marketplace, you’ll find ready-to-integrate components like linear units, motors, and controllers to turn your machine into a reliable 24/7 solution.

Advantages of automation over manual processes

Automated dispensing offers 24/7 uptime, error-free output, cost savings, scalability, and improved control.

24/7 availability

Dispensing machines operate around the clock – without the need for staff.

Error-free dispensing

Automated systems ensure precise, traceable withdrawals.

Cost efficiency

Reduced personnel costs and lower operating costs.

Scalability

Dispenser solutions can be easily expanded or adapted.

Security & control

Dispensing only to authorised persons, with digital logging.

Get started, find your solution now!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the automation of vending and dispensing machines

What our clients & partners say about us

GSK
Exceptional communication throughout the process!
RBTX have been a valuable partner in the design, fabrication, and delivery of our custom robotic system. Throughout the process, they have maintained excellent communication and showed willingness to apply improvement as required. The installation and operator training of the final system was exemplary. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with RBTX on future projects.
Ekramul Ehite
LIHERO
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Igus LCA/RBTX provides us with a high-quality all-in-one package, which can be easily automated on the RBTX on request with automation components from economical manufacturers and tested before we order, which significantly reduces the risk of developing new products. At the same time, we can make an appointment for an online video expert consultation to provide us with application case references, which greatly increases our confidence in using RBTX.
HUANG KAI Product Manager
Grohe AG
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Before we ordered, our application was tested, which meant that we were absolutely sure that all the components would fit together. The variety of products meant that we ordered all the components for the application via RBTX, from the gripper to the camera. This saved us a huge amount of time!
Dennis Reile
J. Schmalz GmbH
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We have been working with RBTX since the very beginning. In many customer projects, we have been able to jointly develop the optimum solution for a wide variety of automation projects. We are delighted to be part of RBTX and look forward to many more exciting customer projects.
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Blue Sky Robot
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From designing our solution to installation, RBTX was a true partner at every stage. Their automation team is extremely knowledgeable, and able to make product recommendations informed by their deep industry experience. Once our order arrived, our representative went above and beyond to guide us through the setup and installation process, saving us countless hours and dollars in troubleshooting. When we did hit a snag setting up the system, RBTX came onsite immediately and helped us fix it.
Tony DeHart
Xi’an Jiaotong University
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With a focus on solving automation problems in an easy-to-use way, RBTX/LCA's integrated robotic system solutions developed specifically for education and training are ideal for students and engineers who are just getting started. At the same time, RBTX/LCA also provides an open-source robot control system to meet the diverse processing of experienced senior engineers when challenging various complex tasks.
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AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology
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Thanks to RBTX, the retail-style purchasing process takes some of the pain out of industrial procurement! With igus and their Robot Control software, we managed to fit an industrial-grade collaborative robot into our small office space for research. The easy-to-use control system and high build quality were perfect for upgrading from hobbyist gear to industrial equipment on an accessible budget. The PC-based control, CAD model, and ROS support were game-changers for our data collection and simulations.
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Tofflon Science and Technology Group Co., Ltd.
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RBTX provides a convenient, fast and economical automation selection platform for those like us, which greatly saves our time and economic costs, and the expert services provided by RBTX provide us with a guarantee for stable and efficient automation solutions
TANG ZHIHAI Technical Manager
Hochschule Bochum, Bochum University of Applied Sciences
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I am absolutely delighted with the robots from Igus! The products impress with their high quality and excellent price-performance ratio. I find it particularly impressive how easy the robots are to put into operation - a real relief in everyday working life. I was also pleasantly surprised by the speed of delivery, so I was able to get started straight away without any long waiting times. Another highlight is the great support: Igus offers extensive help through numerous videos on YouTube and a detailed knowledge database in its own wiki. These resources make it easy to quickly find answers to questions and get the most out of the robots.
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Dynamic Devices
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From Day 1, Igus and the RBTX team has been a pleasure to deal with. They listen well, are responsive and really do try to make accommodations for the customer. They have an extensive portfolio and we look forward to working with them to build next generation lab automation solutions.
Jeff Kent
AVIC Manufacturing Technology Institute
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Our customized automation solutions on RBTX are stable, efficient and highly complete, and in the long-term cooperation, RBTX has always been the most reliable and reliable solution and customization platform for our automation solutions.
HE ZHAOYAN Engineer
JOHANNES FRANZEN GMBH & CO. KG
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The entire process, from gathering the requirements and conditions of our application to tailoring the solution to our needs, was characterised by professionalism and competence throughout. We are very pleased with this long-standing partnership.
Johannes Franzen jun.
FAIRINO
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As a cobot company with in-house development of all core components, we are excited to join the RBTX platform. Partnering with RBTX enables us to provide high-quality robotic components, complete machines and systems to our customers in a wide range of industries. Fairino is willing to work with RBTX through RBTX's open robot mall platform to provide more convenience and possibilities for our partners and customers.
Hanyu
Voaige
RBTX helps Voaige build test facility in no time
RBTX's focus on low cost but effective automation has been an enabler for Voaige to build out our test facility for primary packaging of protein and produce. When we approached Igus, the process of picking the right delta robot and end effector was smooth, along with the strong post installation support provided. This allowed us to meet our tight timelines. We look forward to continuing building our relationship with Igus.
Vignesh Gouthaman
asCom Confection GmbH
Fast and competent Cobot advice
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Noah Weinrebe
Testia an Airbus company
Configurable scanner with high cost-effectiveness
We use igus xyz gantries and are satisfied with the high accuracy and very good quality. There is tech support that responds quickly to our requests. And the delivery time was met.
Jonas Niehaus