Open Source Condom Vending Machine Project

Condoms are easy to find, but can still be intimidating to buy for most African. One techno-social fix that we are currently exploring, is a system networked condom vending machines that will provide anonymity and privacy for the purchaser of condoms. These machines could be paired to make them easier to find, but still private to use. Local Africans can build businesses selling condom vending machine and similar devices.

The intended goal of the condom vending machine is to:

1, Provide a safe space for individuals (especially women) to purchase condoms; 

2, Provide new entrepreneurial opportunities for Africans; 

3, Increase the use of condoms thereby reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases

Free-standing machines may also be possible but have to either be big and heavy enough to not be stolen and made of relatively cheap and plentiful materials to reduce costs. As a producer of condom vending machines, you have several options: You can develop one machine that is usable in a wide variety of environments: indoors, outdoors, high humidity, low light, high sale volume, or variety of product.

Another option is to specialize in a particular kind of machine or machines. One machine might do well in popular areas. This means it would hold lots of condoms, be very rugged, and quick to use. Others might be useful in small locations. That means it has a smaller capacity, but fits in many more places (think taxis, small shops, and bathrooms).

Condoms are an important part of combating HIV/AIDS. Reducing the spread of AIDS will help Africa in all kinds of ways. Someone will need to work with copyright experts in Africa to make sure licenses are compatible with Africa's existing copyright laws. This kind of licensing makes it much easier to trade and share ideas, collaborate, and can even help get a wider variety of products to the market faster than traditional methods.

Our prototypes accept coins through a mechanical lever mechanism. It requires no electrical power and allows you to accept small amounts of money for single condom purchasing. We recommend accepting coins instead of paper money. We recommend sticking to coins only. Developing methods of accepting different kinds of coins, making machines adjustable to accept different amounts of payments, and making the mechanism more reliable are all opportunities for innovation and development.

Condom Packaging

The machine only accepts condoms in rectangular-shaped wrappers. Extra packaging increases costs per unit, and it is easier to find square-wrapper condoms than rectangular ones. Government hospitals usually get condoms in wrappers that are 6cm square. Aspiring vending machine manufactures should take condom sourcing into consideration. Your machine has to either accept a wide range of sizes and shapes, or a reliable source of a single kind of condom should be found.

There are many companies based in China that manufacture and sell mechanical vending machines. Unfortunately, these machines are usually not made, marketed, or shipped to the African continent.