Panasonic Corp. wants to be the go-to resource in omnichannel technology for retailers.
To meet that goal, Panasonic North America has a laboratory in Newark where it develops and tests technological products to help retailers improve their bottom lines, as well as enhance the customer experience. That’s whether the goal is to increase sales, improve efficiencies, reduce shrinkage or learn more about the habits of a customers. The 50,000-square-foot complex houses products that are already on the market or in pilot stage, as well as those in the development stage that aren’t ready to be pushed into the market.
According to Richard Hsu, vice president for global solutions and engineering, the tech center brings in corporate customers to test the products and “brainstorm” with engineers and developers on how to meet their retail needs. Many of the products can be used in other industries, from law enforcement to hospitality. Some products, such as rugged, handheld mobile tablets, are in use by the military and law enforcement specialists.
Related Articles
Hsu said the company has 110,000 patents registered, and in the past year spent $4.7 billion on research and development.
You May Also Like
Highlights of products commercially available or in pilot tests include:
• Powershelf: Intelligent shelves with sensors relying on induction technology. The sensors can deliver retailers real-time, out of stock information, work with software to provide real-time changes in pricing information, and have beacon activated mobile advertising capability.
• Interactive Kiosks: Available in a range of sizes and forms, these can be used for digital signage or to provide a turnkey solution option that allows customers to use a touch screen panel to place orders for products, such as apparel. The panel can be enabled to provide a mechanism for payment and provide receipts to users.
• Light ID: Communication technology that transmits signals from a specific light source to an enabled app on a smartphone; can be used from a distance as opposed to a QR code that requires the receiver to be in a specific position. Information that can be transmitted includes store, product, coupon and event data.
• Smart Mirror: Essentially a flat panel “mirror” that provides digital content to engage customers. Starting Thursday, the product will be tested at Starwood Hotels & Resort’s Element hotel brand. The mirror can provide personalized information in suites that includes weather, news and allows guests to check e-mail. The retail options envision use in a fitting room where customers can scan the price and get information on other color options. The mirror can also “add” or reflect back the user to see how an item or color would fit on them.
Products still in development include:
• Virtual Makeup: Based on the needs of a beauty manufacturer, the developers are testing the integration of Panasonic’s Lumix GH4 camera, its 4K Tablet and face-detection technology to apply makeup virtually on a consumer’s face. Options are selected on the tablet so consumers can view before they buy.
• Floating Interactive Display: The prototype projects a floating image in the air and the sensor senses finger movement that enables interaction with the floating image. Because one has to stand right in front of the device, it can be used in retail environments where security and privacy are issues.