3M's Virtual POS Assistant

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As digital signage battles against the increasing desensitisation of the modern consumer, interactive digital signage that captures attention remains crucial to a successful marketing campaign. The Virtual Mannequin from diversified technology company 3M is just such an innovative means of attracting attention and also driving sales at the ever-crucial POS.
 
As Lloyd Cole (no Commotions- Ed), European Marketing Manager, 3M’s Optical Systems division, explained, “The world of POS is changing and there are tremendous creative opportunities for advertising and media agencies interested in this space. Our Virtual Mannequin is an entirely new and novel medium for communicating promotions to the retail floor. It can take on any shape to reflect a human body, cartoon character and a wealth of other forms.”
 
The Virtual Mannequin is created from Vikuiti Rear Projection Screen technology from 3M. In a store environment, a video of a salesperson would be recorded and the Vikuiti Screen then laser cut to the exact shape and size of their upper body. The screen would then be positioned on the shop floor on a stand or custom-made static display, which forms the lower body. A rear-mounted projector controls delivery of the video to the screen and synchronises with directional speakers positioned at the avatar’s feet in order to bring it to life. Because directional audio is deployed, there would be no sound interference with the rest of the retail store.
 
Dutch agency Boost Products and 3M introduced the virtual shop assistant to a supermarket in the Netherlands, to create an avatar to communicate promotions to passing shoppers. In this installation, the projector was connected to Boost’s narrowcasting system, which controls the video from a remote location.
 
Raymond Lentz, Managing Director, Boost Products, commented, “Boost works with supermarket sales promotions teams to translate media campaigns to the retail floor and, in this particular case, we produced the idea of bringing virtual promotion teams to the floor by projecting them on to Vikuiti Screens. Our company totally believes in the usage of Vikuiti Rear Projection Screens in-store – not just for window dressing – to increase sales and convey strong, compelling brands.”
 
PDM, an Australian Out-of-Home Digital media company launched Australia’s first life-size ‘Holographic Virtual Assistant’ at Audi Centre Sydney, Rosebery. Designed to facilitate enhanced communication and customer experience, the Virtual Assistant highlights Audi’s ongoing commitment to business innovation.
 
The Holographic Virtual Assistant provides Audi with an exciting platform to promote targeted messages to customers whilst they visit the dealership and offers customers an entertaining way to gather product knowledge and information about Audi’s offering.
 
Allan Brinck, Dealer Principal, Audi Centre Sydney said, “The Audi brand prides itself on innovation and quality and being a progressive brand, we are once again leading the way with this cutting-edge installation. We have been aware of PDM’s track record of innovation in the Australian marketplace for quite some time. The Virtual Assistant is a great way for us to connect with our customers and a great example of Audi’s progressive brand coming to life.”