The world's first-ever foot-operated vending machines have been developed in Japan to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Osaka-based company Dydo designed the food and drinks vending machines that customers can operate by stepping on a foot pedal to select their dish.

Users choose their desired snack then use their foot to tap the corresponding number at the bottom panel of the machine, which also displays the price.

The food tray is equipped with a UV light sterilisation to make sure that their products are not contaminated before the customer buys them, or when their hands touch the machine.

Customers use contactless payment with their phone before tapping a metal lever with their foot, which opens the tray so they can collect their item.

A Dydo spokesman said the vending machine also has an app that allows pre-ordering and online payment so customers can just scan their phones for their purchase to be released.

But Dydo said the vending machines are still in the conceptualisation stage and features would improve further before the system is rolled out for use around the country.

The foot-operated vending machines currently offer snacks, drinks, and desserts, but the company may widen its selection to include rental umbrellas and essential gadgets.

However, some people who have used the machine reported that their hands brush with the tray cover when taking their food - potentially contaminating them with germs.

While residents who reviewed the machine online had mixed reactions.

One said: ''I’m so sure I would make a mistake with this system.''

Another added: ''I can see people stomping on this and wrecking it.''

While one local said they would not use them until a smartphone app was developed. They added: ''There needs to be a way for you to just order what you want on your smartphone and then have the machine drop the drink out for you when you get near it.''