Honeywell has unveiled AI-enabled technology to personalise in-store shopping with Google Cloud.

The smart shopping platform, developed in collaboration with 66Degrees, brings digitally enhanced personalisation and navigation to the brick-and-mortar retail environment with Google’s AI.

It leverages Google’s Gemini and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform to transform the in-store shopping experience for retailers worldwide. The platform helps shoppers easily locate desired products, compare similar items and quickly find relevant substitutions when products are unavailable, making in-store shopping more efficient and enjoyable.

“There is nothing more frustrating than roaming through a store unable to find the last item on your grocery list or forgetting the key part needed to complete a home repair,” said David Barker, president of Honeywell Productivity Services. “The smart shopping platform addresses these pain points, creating a better experience for shoppers. Retailers also benefit from an out-of-the-box AI they can implement without having to maintain a team of AI experts.”

The cloud-based platform creates a seamless connection between a retailer’s digital data and the physical store environment. Built on Honeywell’s Mobility Edge hardware and software and enabled by Google Cloud’s AI technologies, it offers personalised guidance, real-time product information and dynamic recommendations that mirror the convenience of online shopping.

“The smart shopping platform uses Google Cloud’s AI to turn Honeywell devices into intelligent companions for both shoppers and staff,” said Jose Gomes, vice president at Google Cloud. “This collaboration integrates AI with specialised hardware to streamline operations inside the retail store and guide consumers through an efficient and delightful shopping journey. It’s a win-win that helps retailers increase basket size while building deeper customer loyalty.”

When using the platform on a Honeywell for Android device such as the CS32 Personal Shopper (automation.honeywell.com/us/en/campaigns/productivity-solutions/cs32-transforms-store-experience), consumers can link their loyalty accounts to immediately unlock personalised recommendations based on buying history, stated preferences, complementary products and available discounts and promotions. The platform can also provide step-by-step navigation through the store to help customers easily locate everything they wish to buy. If a product is out of stock, the system uses AI to suggest relevant alternatives, mirroring the convenience of ecommerce.

It also supports retail workers by helping them become in-house experts. Associates equipped with devices such as the Honeywell CT70 (automation.honeywell.com/us/en/products/productivity-solutions/mobile-computers/handheld-computers/ct70-mobile-computer) can use the shopping platform to provide quick, customised guidance and insights to shoppers, helping every employee serve as a subject matter expert. For example, an employee can quickly identify the new location of a customer’s favourite dairy-free cereal in the store. Today, devices such as the Honeywell CT70 are used by thousands of store staff at major grocery chains, big box stores, specialty retailers, department stores and more.

To learn more about Honeywell’s innovations across the retail landscape, visit: automation.honeywell.com/us/en/solutions/productivity.

Chicago-based 66Degrees (66degrees.com) is a Google Cloud partner helping organisations thrive in the age of AI. The company delivers expertise in platform modernisation, data transformation, and AI and ML implementation.