Lowe's Releases Augmented Reality Wayfinding App

Lowe's Home Improvement has launched a mobile app for in-store navigation that employs augmented reality technology to enhance the shopping experience. The company claims to be the first retailer to roll out the functionality.  

"Our research shows that helping make it easier for customers to find products in stores not only makes for a better shopping experience, it allows our associates to spend more time advising on home improvement projects," said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe's Innovation Labs.

Dubbed "Lowe's Vision: In-Store Navigation," the app utilizes Google's Tango augmented reality technology. It initially is available in just two stores, one in Sunnyvale, California, and another in Lynwood, Washington. The app lets shoppers with Tango-enabled smartphones search for products, add them to a list and find them using AR. 

The Tango technology uses motion tracking, area learning and depth perception to guide customers through the store using a mixed reality interface. As shoppers traverse the store, the app provides directional prompts overlaid onto the real-world setting to guide them through the most efficient route.

For more on the new augmented reality app click here.