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Revolutionizing Late-Night Eats: Converge and Crave Robotics Bring Smart Vending Machines to the U.S.
Have you ever worked late and found nothing to eat besides instant noodles? Well, that’s a reality for a lot of people, especially engineers, students, and night owls. Converge aims to change that by offering 24/7 access to hot, healthy, and nutritious meals through their innovative vending machines. Now, with a partnership with Crave Robotics, Converge is bringing its solution to the U.S. market.
Converge’s U.S. expansion is powered by its collaboration with Crave Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based company co-founded by Paul Chen. In 2024, Converge licensed its vending machine software technology to Crave Robotics for 10 years, marking a transformative step for both companies.
Microwave Innovation Brings Hot and Healthy Meals Anytime, Anywhere
“Our technology uses three microwave tubes to heat food faster, healthier, and more conveniently,” said Daniel, Chairman of Converge. By teaming up with Crave Robotics, Converge combines its advanced vending machine tech with Crave Robotics’s market know-how, giving American consumers a simple solution for finding hot meals late at night.
Converge’s Vending Machines Serve Hot Meals in Just 2 Minutes
“Normally, microwaving takes 7 minutes, but we use three microwave tubes, allowing defrosting and heating in just 2 minutes,” Daniel said. “To ensure the food doesn’t get overcooked but still tastes good requires precise calculations and extensive research.”
Equipped with smart software for temperature monitoring, product tracking, and multiple payment options, including Line Pay and credit cards, Converge vending machines are designed to deliver convenience and efficiency.
Converge is targeting key U.S. markets like hotels and university campuses, where there’s a strong need for healthy, late-night meal options. Many hotels find it hard to offer food after hours, and delivery can be pricey with extra fees.
“In the U.S., our main focus is on hotels that lack late-night food options, and where delivery costs are high,” said Daniel. “Most vending machines in the U.S. only offer unhealthy snacks, but our machines provide hot, nutritious meals instead.”
University campuses are also a great market, giving students easy access to good meals when dining halls are closed. Converge’s machines make late-night eating simple, healthy, and convenient.
Converge’s business model revolves around strategic partnerships with food brands like Hutong Yakiniku and Zujian Hot Pot, allowing popular eateries to place their meals in vending machines and reach customers beyond their restaurants.
“Traditional vending machines were coin-operated, and there was always a risk of not being able to sell the stocked goods. However, frozen foods don’t have that issue,” explained Celine Chen, Deputy Director of Channel Business at Converge.
Converge Aims to Launch 3,000 Vending Machines in the U.S. and Expand Globally
Converge’s main goal is to sell 3,000 vending machines in the U.S. over the next three years. The company also has plans to expand into Australia, Japan, and South Korea, showing the growing need for easy and good-quality vending machine food worldwide.
Daniel began his journey in Taiwan’s lively night markets. “Before vending machines, I was making sweet potato balls,” he shared. “This is my third business: the first was food delivery, and then I expanded my night market business to 300 stalls across Taiwan.”
Converge’s work with Crave Robotics is making vending machines more useful in the U.S., offering hot and healthier meals all day and night. With smart technology and a focus on convenience, Converge is helping people find better food options when they need them. As Converge’s vending machines spread, who knows how they might change the landscape of quick meals?
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