NEWS

In a collaboration between University of Aizu and Rakuten Institute of Technology we are happy to announce the demonstration of our Remote Styling Support System project, utilizing what we call a Remote Fashion Communication Vehicle to deliver a next-generation shopping experience. In the demonstration, a customer enters a styling room installed in the rear of an electric vehicle, and shop staff give styling recommendations remotely through digital signage. When the customer decides on a product, it can be purchased through Rakuten by reading a QR code using their cellphone.

As part of Rakuten Institute of Technology’s research into new types of stores and shopping experiences through innovative use of technology, this project came about as a collaborative research project together with University of Aizu to tackle issues facing regional economies. Through the project, support was also received from ladies’ fashion store E-Zakkamania, which operates a store on the Rakuten platform.

Together the parties are working to solve the regional, physical and psychological constraints of the offline shopping experience. Additionally, the project enables a new way for staff to work remotely, when they are not able to physically go to stores to work, for example due to childcare or nursing care.

Rakuten and Rakuten Institute of Technology will continue to pursue these opportunities, not only in the fashion field, but in other fields as well.

For the official press release, in Japanese, see the below link:

楽天、会津大学との共同研究で「遠隔スタイリング支援システム」活用に向けた実証実験を実施