Yes, they're still popular for drinks and snacks in areas where people congregate. C-stores do provide more of this functionality though and are omnipresent. You still see automat-style machines (sandwiches etc.) in places like airports and larger company rec rooms. These require more regular restocking for freshness.

There are also some restaurant startups that are trying to reduce restaurants to vending machines or autonomous restaurants. Slightly different, but it does have a downstream effect on vending machine technology and restocking logistics.

What country are you in where you don't see vending machines? Did you used to have them?

Yeah they're all over the place. They exist in offices, in malls, in schools, in apartment complexes, etc.

other than these tests I actually rarely see vending machines. are they really representative or popular still in usa?

I guess you've never been to Asia, either.

It's a big world.

Yes in places kids go