News

Body scans could improve online shopping

September 17, 2012

Annoying airport body scanners may hold the key to accurate online shopping, according to an article in the Financial Times.

U.K.-based Bodymetrics and Los Angeles-based Styku have both developed similar body scanning technology using infrared motion sensors similar to Microsoft's Kinect device, and both are exploring ways to bring the technology into the homes of online shoppers.

Other manufacturers are toying with the technology as well, however critics say the body scanners will not win over shoppers who prefer to touch and feel an item before purchasing. Instead, Ed Gribbin, who uses several devices as president of apparel consultancy Alvanon, said the body scanners could prove more valuable to manufacturers in order to help them improve the fit of their clothes.

"There will be a relatively small percentage of people that will think it's cool. But there will be a large percentage of people that don’t have time for that," Gribben said in the article. 

Read more about online retailing.