Kmart launches AR, AI assistant to showcase products in customers’ homes

Dean Blake

22nd Sep 2020

Discount department store Kmart has launched an AR and AI-powered home shopping assistant, KBot, which aims to help shoppers view products in their own homes and answer queries.

The bot launched in July as part of the business’ 2020 August Living campaign in partnership with AR business VALIS, and can be accessed through the klabs website on AR-supporting Apple or Android devices.

“AR is sometimes viewed as a gimmick, but this mindset causes brands to miss out on the opportunity to excite and engage their customers like never before,” said VALIS founder Luke Cameron.

“Working with a brand like Kmart is a dream. They are progressive, open to experimentation and really prioritise the experience they are providing the customer.”

The majority of the work on the bot was done in three weeks, with work being done remotely with social distancing and lock-down restrictions in place.

Kmart head of digital Melissa Wong said the business is continuing to invest in technologies as part of an accelerated commitment to making the business a great place to shop that is simple to run.

“The immersive AR and AI experience was designed to bring joy and inspiration to our customers’ lives, and with the extra help from [KBot] we have been able to make shopping easier for customers,” said Wong.