A Carrefour hypermarket in Lille, France has become the first supermarket in the world to install Philips' new 'indoor positioning system'. This system uses LED technology to function as a satellite navigation tool for shoppers, giving them in-store directions to help them find items on their shopping list.
The store uses Philips' Visible Light Communication Technology, wherein each light produced transmits a unique code that can be picked up by the camera on shoppers' smartphones. The code can then be read by the Carrefour iOS mobile app. This helps shoppers figure out where they are and where they need to go in the massive 7,800 square meter shop floor.
The indoor positioning system is a great example of technology being used to enhance and fine-tune the retail shopping experience.
Shopper-Guiding Supermarkets
This Supermarket's Indoor Positioning System Uses LED Technology
Trend Themes
1. Indoor Positioning Systems - The use of LED technology for indoor positioning systems presents an opportunity for retailers to provide personalized navigation experiences to shoppers.
2. Visible Light Communication Technology - The use of visible light to transmit unique codes for navigation purposes opens up possibilities for retailers to integrate smartphone apps and enhance the in-store shopping experience.
3. Enhanced Retail Shopping Experience - The adoption of technologies like indoor positioning systems and visible light communication can revolutionize the way shoppers navigate and interact with retail spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - The retail industry can leverage indoor positioning systems and visible light communication technology to improve customer experience and drive sales.
2. Technology - The technology industry can develop innovative solutions for indoor positioning and visible light communication to cater to the needs of retailers and enhance the shopping experience.
3. App Development - The app development industry has an opportunity to create mobile applications that seamlessly integrate with indoor positioning systems and utilize visible light communication technology to guide shoppers in stores.