The fast-food vending machine. [Photo/Xiaoshan Daily]

In Hangzhou's Xiaoshan district, a new fast-food machine in the Wisdom Valley of Hangzhou Bay has become popular among local workers. Users place orders via a mobile app, scan a code to confirm, and receive their meal in just 90 seconds. Since its launch in May, the machine has sold over 6,000 meals.

Developed by the smart new retail system integration laboratory of Peking University's Advanced Institute for Information Technology, the machine offers non-prepackaged, freshly made meals. Laboratory director Li Tao explains, "It's similar to a vending machine but with fresh meals prepared daily by a chef team. We also developed a steam heater that heats meals to over 100 C, preserving the fresh taste better than microwave heating."

Yang, a fan of the machine, says, "I'm tired of the cafeteria, and delivery takes too long and isn't always fresh. This machine is a convenient and reliable option. The meals are freshly made every day, with a variety of dishes that feel like home-cooked food."

Customers typically pre-order through the app and pick up their meals at the machine around lunchtime. By 11 am, most meals are sold out.

"The meals are consistently selling out daily. We plan to set up a central kitchen to provide high-quality meals and expand to hospitals and office buildings," Li said.

A man picks food from the machine. [Photo/Xiaoshan Daily]