RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his stand out ‘future of retail’ systems deployments and launches from December, including.. Ulta Beauty, Lekkerland SE, Reckon.ai, Zyler, Detroit Pistons, MeetKai, Shopic, Evri, e.l.f. Cosmetics, and Obsess.

Walmart Chile

After a pilot with Walmart Chile, Shopic’s AI powered smart cart technology is now rolling out to five Líder Express stores.

“We are committed to helping our customers save money and live better. Implementing new technologies that save time for our customers is one of the ways we bring this mission to life. We are excited to expand into five new districts, bringing innovation to more people, enhancing their shopping experience, and putting a smile on our customers’ faces with every visit,” says Frank Eckert, Central Operations Manager at Walmart Chile.

With a clip-on device, any trolley turns into a smart cart. Equipped with two cameras, the smart cart recognises thousands of SKUs with over 95% accuracy in product recognition, according to Shopic’s analysis.

Ulta Beauty

A new Ulta Beauty AI app uses selfies to show near instant, realistic previews of desired hairstyles.

GLAMlab Hair Try On lets users take a photo, upload a headshot or use a model’s picture to experiment with different hair colours and styles. The experience is powered by the NVIDIA StyleGAN2 generative AI model.

The hair colour try-ons feature links to Ulta Beauty products so shoppers can achieve the look in real life. The company, which has more than 1,400 stores across the US, has found that people who use the virtual tool are more likely to purchase a product than those who don’t.

“Shoppers need to try out hair and makeup styles before they purchase,” says Juan Cardelino, Director of the Computer Vision and Digital Innovation Department at Ulta Beauty. “As one of the first cosmetics companies to integrate makeup testers in stores, offering try-ons is part of Ulta Beauty’s DNA – whether in physical or digital retail environments.”

Lekkerland SE

REWE To Go and Lekkerland SE have launched an autonomous store at Koblenz Central train station, Germany.

This is powered by AI smart cabinets in partnership with Reckon.ai.

The 65 sqm store is open 24/7. People can scan their card to enter and then a cashless means of payment at the payment terminal on a smart fridge, and take their items.

Weight sensors and computer vision cameras record which products have been removed. The amount due is automatically debited from the chosen payment method. In addition, there is the option of selecting products at smart vending machines with touch displays and then receiving them via an output compartment.

This is used in particular for tobacco and alcoholic products. Age verification by scanning an identity card or driver’s licence ensures compliance with youth protection regulations.

Zyler

UK-based fashion technology company Zyler has released a digital Christmas jumper which anyone who visits their website or social media can ‘wear’ for free using its AI powered virtual try on tool.

This was digitally designed by Zenaida Ossana, a 3D artist and fashion designer with a significant following on Instagram. She created the design using new AI platform Neural Fashionand was inspired by seascapes and mermaids in her creative process.

She comments: “It was really fun to work on this design knowing that many people might be able to see it and experience the potential of digital fashion for themselves”.

Evri

UK parcel delivery company, Evri, has announced a partnership with accessiBe to improve website accessibility using artificial intelligence (AI).

Last month, Evri announced a new plan to become the most accessible company of its type in the UK as it estimates one in four home deliveries go to disabled consumers. 

accessiBe was founded in 2018 and works with brands such as British Airways, BMW and Nintendo. Evri is the first major UK parcel delivery company leveraging its tech to enable disabled consumers to use its website, including tracking, delivery preferences, and booking a courier collection.

The website widget uses AI technology to let consumers choose from several profiles that automatically implement recommended adjustments. These include a seizure safe profile to pause all animation; a vision impaired profile to enhance visuals, adjust contrast and modify colour; and an ADHD friendly profile to enhance focus and reduce distractions.

In addition to the pre-set profile, the interface offers dozens of custom adjustments such as keyboard navigation, text magnification, font size and contrast adjustments, sound muting, and image hiding.