JK86 Coffee Vending Machine in the Community Center

Project Background
To enhance the community convenience service system, in September 2024, a subdistrict office in a certain city piloted the installation of a JK86 commercial freshly ground coffee vending machine in the leisure square of Binhu Community. The aim was to provide round-the-clock beverage services for morning exercisers, leisure visitors, and evening walkers.

Equipment Configuration
The machine is equipped with a dual-temperature zone storage system and an independent ice-making module. It offers 12 types of coffee beverages, including freshly ground Americano, latte, and cappuccino, as well as 8 non-caffeinated options such as hot milk, hot chocolate, and iced lemon tea. Payment methods support WeChat/Alipay QR code scanning and coin payment. The beverage preparation process is fully enclosed and automated, with an average dispensing time of 45 seconds.

Operational Management
The device is operated by the community property management company, with restocking and cleaning performed twice daily at 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The ice-making system has a daily reserve capacity of 80 kg, sufficient to meet demand during hot weather. The machine's networked management system monitors sales data and equipment status in real time, automatically sending shortage alerts to the property management duty mobile terminal.

Usage Data
Three months of operational data show that the daily sales volume of the single machine remains stable at 20–40 cups. During the morning hours (6:00–8:00), hot Americano and hot milk dominate, accounting for 55% of sales. In the evening and night hours (18:00–21:00), demand for iced beverages increases significantly, making up 70% of sales during this period. On weekends, when family visits increase, sales of hot chocolate and iced lemon tea rise by approximately 45% compared to weekdays.

Resident Feedback
According to rating data collected through the community service mini-program, the machine received an overall satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. Frequently mentioned comments include: "It’s comforting to have hot coffee immediately after morning exercise," "It’s convenient to buy hot milk while the children are playing," and "It’s nice to have hot drinks available during evening walks."

Management Evaluation
In its quarterly service report, the community property management noted that the device has integrated into residents' daily lives, playing a significant role especially at the intersection of the community activity center, children’s play area, and fitness trail. The machine achieved a break-even point in the fifth month of operation, and plans are currently underway to promote the same model in neighboring communities. The subdistrict office is simultaneously researching the integration of usage data into the "Smart Community" management platform, with future plans to expand special service modules such as senior card point redemption and parent-child activity complimentary drinks.

Social Benefits
While providing convenience services, this pilot project has also become a catalyst for fostering neighborly interactions within the community. Observations reveal that residents often engage in brief spontaneous conversations while waiting for their beverages, particularly in the evening, naturally forming small social spaces around the machine. The community plans to add leisure seating near the device next summer to further enhance the functionality of the public space.