If you happen to live in Japan, vending machines that sell products other than candy and the occasional Red Bull are no surprise. However, the U.S. has always been on the short end of the vending technology curve, but maybe not for too much longer.

Motorola is installing automated cell phone vending machines, aptly named the Instantmotos, in nearly two dozen malls and airports around the country. These kiosks will sell a total of twelve of Motorola’s most popular phones, including the Razr and the Q. They will also sell 18 accessories.

The machines themselves will be approximately three times the size of the average vending machine and will gently deliver your new phone via a robotic arm. The entire operation will be centrally monitored, much like an ATM.

This is a good start, but I still won’t be convinced until there is a Hello Kitty popcorn stand on every corner.

[Image provided by Photomann]

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