IBM creates augmented reality app that reports products in stores

IBM Research has devised an application based on augmented reality technology and whose purpose is to guide shoppers in supermarkets, offering them personalized advice, price comparisons recommendations and discount coupons directly on your smartphones.

IBM Research has announced the development of the prototype of a mobile application that will be able to act as a personal assistant for consumers who visit a store. The app is integrated with the software solution for retailers, IBM Smarter Commerce, which supplies the information to consumers' devices. This application allows to transfer the benefits of ecommerce to traditional establishments, on the basis that the 92% of retail business purchases are still carried out, according to figures from analyst Forrester Research.

With this IBM tool, it is possible to search for a product by category or type of food and by a price range. For example, the virtual assistant may be asked to indicate cereal brands that are low in sugar, have received a good score from consumers and are for sale in that establishment. basically, the user will scan with the camera of his mobile the shelf where the cereals are located and the system will indicate those that meet those search criteria. likewise, through augmented reality you will be able to show more details about that product, such as the ingredients, the price, the opinions of other customers and if you have any type of discount in force that day.

On the other hand, consumers will be able to store their preferences in the app, and they will also have the possibility to include information from their social networks that may be useful for the tool, integrating the feeds of your social networks and receiving opinions from your contact list.

From IBM Research consider that the application will be advantageous for merchants and the general public, since the first ones will be able to offer offers in a simple way, while for the latter it will be an aid when making purchases. Nadler Sima, head of IBM retail, Reviewed: "In the age of Social Media, consumer expectations have skyrocketed and people are looking for information and advice on the products they are going to buy. Bridging the gap between the online and physical shopping experience in stores, sellers can appeal to the individual needs of consumers and keep them coming back.".

Other articles on IBM