Unilever and Be My Eyes have announced a new partnership that will support blind and low-vision shoppers using the latest technology for an easier shopping experience.
The partnership builds on the Accessible QR (AQR) code technology developed by Zappar and will see Unilever adding in connectivity to Be My Eyes technology. Shoppers will thus be able to scan the product and be directed to the Be My Eyes app where volunteers will read or describe cooking instructions. The technology can also make use of an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbot that uses ChatGPT-4 to help users relay their cooking or recipe questions.
Senior Digital Engagement and Strategy Lead Nutrition & Ice Cream at Unilever Rachana Dongre spoke on the Unilever and Be My Eyes partnership saying, "We’ve accelerated digitising our packs to offer new opportunities for brand engagement and elevated shopping experience and now we’re also focusing on how we can also use digital experiences to make our products more accessible. Zappar’s AQR codes means we can support blind and low vision shoppers to have equal access to information and integrating Be My Eyes into these codes offers a totally new way to make the full experience of our products more inclusive, from the shopping aisle right through to cooking at home."
AI-Assisted Cooking Partnerships
Unilever and Be My Eyes Partnered to Support Shoppers
Trend Themes
1. Accessible QR Code Technology - The partnership builds on the Accessible QR (AQR) code technology developed by Zappar, allowing blind and low-vision shoppers to easily access product information.
2. AI-enabled Chatbot - The partnership integrates an AI-enabled chatbot using ChatGPT-4, providing users with assistance in relaying cooking or recipe questions.
3. Digital Experiences for Accessibility - Unilever is focusing on using digital experiences to make their products more accessible, offering an inclusive shopping and cooking experience for all.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) - Unilever's partnership with Be My Eyes and Zappar has the potential to revolutionize the CPG industry by making product information more accessible and inclusive.
2. Technology - The collaboration of Unilever, Be My Eyes, and Zappar highlights the convergence of technology and accessibility, opening up new possibilities for the tech industry.
3. Food and Beverage - The integration of AI technology and accessibility features into Unilever's products presents innovative opportunities for the food and beverage industry to cater to a wider range of consumers.