The RemoPick smart glasses were introduced in Iizuna, Japan 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.
How does it work?
A clerk will 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 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.
What was the initial purpose for the RemoPick?
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. 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. 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 there was delays in accepting the adoption of the services.
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.
What are some of the challenges?
During the trial period, there were challenges that have surfaced. For one, the RemoPick adds more work to the staffers at convenience stores. Therefore, the ICT Kobo will look for ways to reduce the workload. One of their ideas includes outsourcing the selection and delivery of products.
How long is the trial?
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. 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.
