Japanese firm Toppan has tested Vuzix smart glasses for remote order picking for homebound seniors at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

New York-based Vuzix supplies smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technology and products. Toppan used Vuzix smart glasses in its RemoPick system, which was being trialled at a 7-Eleven store in Iizuna, Japan.

RemoPick is a service that enables smoother communication by connecting remote locations in real time. The video and audio sent from the dedicated application on a transmitting terminal, such as smart glasses, are displayed on the web browser of the viewing terminal. By touching the screen on the viewer side, the image with a pointer is shared back to the sender, so it is possible to indicate accurately the selection desired.

By using smart glasses, workers can also intuitively receive instructions while keeping both hands free. It can be used in various use cases such as remote support, technology learning and, in this trial, live commerce.

The RemoPick trial was conducted at the 7-Eleven store in June and July. The customer at home used a mobile device to see a real-time video feed from glasses worn by a clerk. The customer gave instructions and communicated by tapping items on the screen or talking via a voice chat function, and products selected were subsequently delivered to their home.

The store took orders once a week, with 13 people in their 60s or above taking advantage of the service in the first two weeks. Customer feedback to date has been very positive and, if a second test beginning this month also proves successful, 2023 could see the launch of a full-scale service.

“We are excited to be a part of Toppan’s innovative project to address social issues in Japan,” said Paul Travers, CEO of Vuzix. “With a steadily aging population, a diverse geography and persistent Covid challenges, there is a tremendous need throughout the country for a remote shopping solution such as RemoPick. There are over 50,000 convenience stores in Japan and some are located in mountainous or remote areas, so we believe the commencement of a rollout of this next year can represent a considerable smart glasses opportunity for Vuzix.”

Established in Tokyo in 1900, Toppan delivers sustainable, integrations in fields including printing, communications, security, packaging, décor materials, electronics and digital transformation. Toppan’s globally has more than 50,000 employees.

Vuzix holds 252 patents and patents pending and numerous IP licences in the video eyewear field. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company with offices in New York, UK and Tokyo.