Imagine a pushcart following you around while you are shopping for groceries at the supermarket. Seems like a scene from the sci-fi flick you were watching the other day, doesn’t it? But, this futuristic fancy could soon become reality. Microsoft Kinect’s cutting edge motion sensing technology could make this fantasy inspired whim come true.
If everything works out right, then you will soon see these pushcarts in action at Whole Foods. In fact, you might also spot them veering around at their partner store in Texas, Chaotic Moon. Although the release date of these hi tech handcarts are not out yet, the demonstration of the first prototype was given at Microsoft’s Washington campus at Redmond.
You will see typical robotics traits in this cart. There is no need to wheel it around as it will lug behind you automatically. Elderly people and those with a puny frame will really like this feature. The cart can analyze and evaluate on its own and even converse with you. Prior to using the cart, you need to upload your shopping list here. Then, the cart will guide your shopping jaunt and even tip you on where to find specific items in the mall.
The intelligent cart will tally all items hoarded inside with the shopping list you supplied. The cart checks if the items you stashed inside agree with your dietary rules and gives out remarks whenever it notices a discrepancy. Its call outs are not easy to snub as they are nothing like the beeps of regular gizmos. It does not ring an alarm but sends out gabby remarks such as “The pasta you picked is not gluten free.” In the end, it even helps you with the checkout process and charges to your account.
A number of handy machinations make this possible. Along with motion sensing, the intelligent cart also makes use of voice as well as motion recognition technology. Gizmos for scanning have also been installed. Thus, it can check items placed in the cart with your shopping list. It also scans your loyalty card when you start out to shop. The cart effortlessly tags along with you thanks to its ability to pick up your voice and body outline. The ingenious gizmo thus speeds up your trip to the supermarket and cuts down the hassles involved.
Via: Dvice/ Cnet