Snapchat and Oasis put spin on vending machines with AR tech deployment in Birmingham and London

Snapchat and drinks brand Oasis have unveiled an AR powered ‘Venting Machine’ to help de-stress and refresh workers visiting Birmingham’s Bullring and London Kings Cross station on 9th and 10th July and 16th and 17th July respectively. 

Built by Snapchat’s AR Studio, this take on the traditional vending machine uses Snapchat’s AR mirror technology to transform pent up frustrations into an Oasis drink or exclusive prize in return for a scream.

The Oasis Venting Machine is pitched as the first of its kind to use decibel detection in an AR mirror. It listens to how loud you scream and unlocks one of three custom Snapchat Lenses - each reacting in real-time to your scream level.

Users can then scan a QR code on screen to download a video recording of their scream experience to take home and share. Internet personality Troy Hawke will be on hand to encourage passers-by to get involved on 9th July in Birmingham and 16th July in London.

Resh Sidhu, Arcadia Global Director at Snap Inc., says: “Snap AR is redefining what brand experiences can look like - bold, playful, and rooted in real innovation. With the Oasis Venting Machine, we’ve turned a moment of stress into a moment of joy, powered by our latest tech. This isn’t just a vending machine, it’s a glimpse into the future of how brands can connect with people in the real world creating delightfully shareable moments that live far beyond the scream.” 

Danny Hall, Senior Brand Manager at Oasis, says “The venting machine offers people the chance to get refreshed in more ways than one; with a delicious cold sample of Oasis to enjoy over lunch, and, thanks to Snapchat, an entertaining and interactive scream experience to help lighten their load and relieve the day’s stresses.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AR will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.