AI Holograms: The Future of Retail is Here

Imagine walking into a store and being greeted by a life-sized, floating figure eager to answer your questions. This is not science fiction; it is the emerging reality of retail technology. A recent demonstration showcased a holographic avatar named Mike, a creation by the company Hypervsn.

Designed to bridge the gap between digital convenience and physical shopping, this AI-powered entity represents a bold step forward. The scene is set in a bright, bustling environment where technology and human curiosity converge.

Visitors to the Hypervsn booth are drawn to a striking visual: a bleach blond man clad in a vibrant pink suit, suspended within a clear plastic tube. He stands motionless, hands clasped patiently in front of him, waiting for engagement. Above him, a large sign reads TALK TO ME, signaling his purpose as an interactive guide.

Despite his human-like appearance, Mike is entirely digital. He is a hologram powered by ChatGPT, the advanced language model known for generating human-like text and conversation. This combination of visual projection and artificial intelligence creates a unique focal point in any retail setting.

• Visual: Bleach blond man in a pink suit
• Medium: Suspended in a clear plastic tube
• Technology: Powered by ChatGPT
• Purpose: Interactive customer engagement

When a visitor asks Mike a question, the experience is immediate yet distinct from human conversation. A microphone is positioned in front of the hologram, capturing the audio input. The AI then processes this query and formulates a response, which is delivered through the holographic projection.

However, the conversation flows with a noticeable pause. There is a delay of approximately three seconds between the question and the answer. This lag is a current limitation of the technology, but it may not be a significant barrier for its intended application. The stunted flow is a trade-off for the novelty of a talking hologram.

The responses "Mike" gives to audience comments and questions are on a three-ish second delay.

The true potential of this technology lies in its deployment within commercial spaces. According to an attendant at the Hypervsn booth, the purpose of Mike and similar holograms extends beyond mere novelty. They are designed to function as customer service agents on the retail floor.

Imagine a hologram that can answer product questions, provide store directions, or offer recommendations based on customer inquiries. This application could revolutionize the in-store experience by providing consistent, 24/7 assistance without the need for human staff to be constantly available. The technology aims to enhance, not replace, the human element of shopping.

• Answering specific product questions
• Guiding customers through store layouts
• Providing consistent brand messaging
• Offering 24/7 interactive support

The introduction of AI holograms into retail spaces raises questions about the future of customer interaction. While the three-second delay is a technical hurdle, the overall experience suggests a shift toward more immersive and personalized shopping journeys. The visual impact of a hologram alone is enough to capture attention and spark curiosity.

As this technology matures, the delay may shorten, and the AI's capabilities could expand. The goal is to create a seamless interface where customers feel heard and assisted by a responsive, albeit digital, entity. This represents a significant evolution from static digital signage to dynamic, conversational interfaces.

When "Mike" and his ilk are deployed to stores, they are meant to act as customer service agents.

The demonstration of Mike by Hypervsn offers a compelling preview of the retail landscape's future. It highlights a growing trend where artificial intelligence and holographic technology converge to create new forms of customer engagement. While the technology is still in its early stages, the potential applications are vast.

As businesses seek innovative ways to attract and retain customers, solutions like these may become commonplace. The future of retail appears to be interactive, intelligent, and increasingly digital, with holograms poised to play a central role in this transformation.