Retailers are hiring remote workers with realistic in-store avatars for service
Trend - Retail stores and restaurants are addressing employee droughts by partnering with metaverse and AI companies to deploy on-site realistic avatars controlled by remote workers. This drastically expands the eligibility pool for employees while ensuring customer service remains a priority.
Insight - The core reason why many consumers still prefer shopping in stores rather than online is human interaction, the ability to get help from a knowledgeable retail representative. As businesses increasingly turn to self-service kiosks and AI-powered customer service systems, the benefits of brick-and-mortar shopping become lesser. As a result, stores have turned to 3D virtual avatars controlled by actual humans, which satiates consumers' needs to interact with a human retail representative while alleviating strain on workers.
Insight - The core reason why many consumers still prefer shopping in stores rather than online is human interaction, the ability to get help from a knowledgeable retail representative. As businesses increasingly turn to self-service kiosks and AI-powered customer service systems, the benefits of brick-and-mortar shopping become lesser. As a result, stores have turned to 3D virtual avatars controlled by actual humans, which satiates consumers' needs to interact with a human retail representative while alleviating strain on workers.
Workshop Question - Could metaverse avatars and remote employees benefit your industry?
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Avatars for Retail - Retailers are addressing labor shortages by using virtual avatars controlled by remote workers to provide human interaction for customers while expanding the employment pool.
2. AI-powered Customer Service - AI solutions are being developed and deployed in the retail industry to provide improved customer service, with DeepBrain AI's AI Kiosk and Freshii's Percy being just a few examples.
3. Remote Workforce - Virtual technologies such as Bite Ninja's ninjas allow for remote cashiers to work in the retail and fast-food industries, solving labor shortages and providing workers with flexible scheduling.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Industry - Retailers are turning to virtual avatars and AI-powered customer service systems to enhance the customer experience while addressing labor shortages.
2. Fast-food Industry - Innovative solutions like Bite Ninja's remote cashiers are revolutionizing the fast-food industry by enabling restaurants to stay open and serve customers, even with limited on-site staff.
3. Virtual Workforce Industry - The rise of virtual avatars and remote workers in industries such as retail and food service represents a significant opportunity for the virtual workforce industry to provide expanded access to employment opportunities.
