Home improvement retailer Lowe’s announced a new augmented reality video chat service to help tradesmen manage jobs, doing virtual home visits with customers. The technology solution is powered by Streem, accessed via a mobile browser.
With more people staying at home, the need to keep homes running safely has never been more important. The new service demonstrates the need for and effectiveness of the contact-free services in the COVID disrupted world.
The North American retailer’s digital initiative allows tradesmen the ability to interact with homeowners and clients without entering their homes.
The service combines video, computer vision and augmented reality capabilities (AR) to help tradespersons evaluate repair and maintenance projects.
Also Read: Automation startup Hyperscience secures $60M funding
Facebook aims to be the remote work platform of the future with Workplace, Oculus and Portal
During virtual consultations, the service (called Lowe’s for Pros JobSIGHT), provides tradies with the ability to video chat with customers, troubleshoot, quickly detect serial numbers and product details, and review a one-page summary to address follow-up needs – all without being in the customer’s home.
In a media release, the retailer has revealed the solution is available free until the end of October via its loyalty program.
“Today’s announcement with Streem is just the first of many ways we will provide Pros new and innovative options to connect with their customers while social distancing,” said Fred Stokes, senior vice president of Pro Sales and Services for Lowe’s.
Also read: IGA jumps on the eCommerce bandwagon, launches Online grocery service
How the AR enabled digital service works
- The digital tech allows tradies to identify parts to order and troubleshoot issues all from their phone, saving the need for an initial in-home visit.
- Tradies can then use the on-screen laser pointer and AR quick-draw tools to guide customers through a virtual consultation, and in some cases, might even help the customer complete a simple repair themselves.
- After a session, tradies can review a shareable one-page summary, including full video and audio, hi-res photos and notes to address follow-up needs.
The experience works entirely through a mobile web browser – no app download required – and is compatible with most modern iPhones, iPads and Android devices.
Also Read: Microsoft acquires Softmotive, bolsters Power Automate and low-code movement
“The partnership between Lowe’s and Streem addresses the immediate needs of Pros and consumers at a time when safely providing essential home services has become more important than ever,” said Rex Tibbens, chief executive officer of Frontdoor, the parent company of Streem.
Also read:
