Sony to sell PSPs in 'robotic stores'

Sony is currently testing plans to sell PSP handhelds, along with other Sony portable electronics, at vending machines, or as Sony calls them "robotic stores" placed in strategic high-traffic areas such as malls and airports. Current test systems can be found in Santa Rosa, Ca., Atlanta and Boulder, Colorado. The stores work much like vending machines, although debit or credit cards are the only accepted method of payment. Once an item is selected and payment is received, a robotic arm fetches the product for the customer. Independent operators have had similar machines in airports all around the country for some time, selling iPods and similar personal electronics. [via]