A company in San Francisco hopes to satisfy people’s cravings for mobile mp3 players through its iPod vending machine.

Zoom systems has built on the concept of the humble vending machine by creating Zoom Shops – 40 square foot “robotic stores” that hold everything from computer accessories and cosmetics to the Apple iPod.

The company is confident that this new style of retailing will be embraced by shoppers and is releasing 3,000 machines across the US this year.

Coming with graphic touch screens and networked to provide the latest product info, the stores usher in a futuristic style of retailing for the technology market.

Tyler Dickman, owner of Mac Something told BYU Newsnet that the machines are ideal for selling iPods.

He said: “With iPods, I think it’s a smart idea…the things aren’t really information-intense, so I think people can handle that much on their own.”

There are no plans yet to introduce the machines to the UK market, though Zoom systems hopes to have around 10,000 machines available in the US within the next five years.

© 2006 Adfero Ltd