The machines are actually very high tech although the UI may not give that impression sometimes. They withstand extreme weather conditions, vandalism and have to secure a large amount of cash. They are built like tanks and anchored deep into the ground.
You are absolutely right, the amount of engineering that went into making them is impressive.
Regarding the UI - despite not looking "high-tech" (no animations at all -not even transitions- simple basic color scheme), I find it very good: I live in a remote village, and grandmas here have no problems using the ticket machine, even for unusual trips.
Of course they usually pay with coins, and that part takes ages ;)
