More hi-tech vending machines accepting mobile payments to boost sales.

Some estimates show the number of smart vending machines in the U.S. tripling to 2 million by 2018.

You know that moment, when a vending machine rejects the dollar bill you just inserted. By spitting the money back, those days are numbered now that more vending companies are installing cashless, smart technology machines, according to our recent research, on U.S, cashless systems and innovations.

In addition to accepting credit cards, the new machines also accept mobile payments. There were 500,000 to 700,000 in operation in the U.S. last year, with estimates of as many as 2 million by 2018, according to the report we received.

The new machines, like the ones that a “Union County company operates” also feature digital screens, video cameras and smartphone charging stations, possibly in hopes of becoming the new water cooler discussion station. Machines that accept plastic can lift sales 25 percent to 30 percent, a Michigan State University professor via email told our Globasure News Updates.

Web connectivity can also allow machines operators to track inventory online and centralize decisions about when to restock and what to put in each machine, rather than sending trucks to check each one, the report said.