The RemoPick smart glasses were introduced in Iizuna at ICT Kobo in May, according to Nikkei Asia. These smart glasses enable senior shoppers to get what they need from convenience stores from the comforts of their homes.
(Photo : Gerald Hartl via Unsplash)
A clerk will only need to wear the glasses and the footage will be relayed to the customer shopping via their mobile phone or tablet back at home in real-time. The customer will only need to tap the merchandise on the device, which will direct the clerk to choose the product. After that, the order will be delivered to customers.
The project started in June with orders taken once a week. It was used by 13 people in their 60s and older during the first two weeks. The customers can also receive assistance through voice chat.
Initially, the RemoPick was offered to general customers in May, which was designed to assist in apple-picking. This is to enable elderly farmers to pass their knowledge on cultivating apples easily from their homes.
The Need in Iizuna
However, things took a turn as the smart glasses were repurposed for the smart shopper trial, considering the growing population of older people in the area. Moreover, Iizuna has several residents with mobility issues. Therefore, smart glasses would be utilized more in the town. To add to that, the town is situated in a hilly region at the foot of Mount Iizuna, which makes it even more challenging to travel.
Most of the stores in town are in the center and a lot of residents find it difficult to shop. Iizuna had tried to resolve the problem with on-demand buses, but only a limited number of buses are available. Also, convenience stores expanded their online delivery services but the elderly are delayed in the adoption of the offerings.
It was then they decided to experiment with RemoPick to make it easier for the elderly to shop for what they need without the need to go to the town center.
The RemoPick trial will run until July and a second test will begin in September. If things are successful, there will be a full-scale launch in early 2023.
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The Challenges
During the trial period, there are challenges that have resurfaced. For one, the RemoPick adds more work to the staffers at convenience stores. Therefore, the ICT Kobo will look for ways to reduce the burden. One of their ideas includes outsourcing the selection and delivery of products.
So far, the smart glasses are helpful and seem to be doing their job to help elderly shoppers get the things they need without having to go out. Still, it calls for several trials before it is launched on the market officially.
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Written by April Fowell
