Lowe's Rolling Out Augmented Reality Design Space Next Month to 19 US Stores

Lowe’s Innovation Labs will install an augmented reality design space, the Lowe’s Holoroom, in 19 U.S. stores next month, after a six-month test in stores in the Toronto area, it said Thursday. The Holoroom has transitioned from a single-platform augmented reality technology to a virtual reality design and visualization tool using Oculus Rift optic technology and Google Cardboard viewers that consumers can take home, said the company. The Holoroom experience combines YouTube 360-degree video capabilities with Google Cardboard to allow customers to view and share virtual kitchen or bathroom designs, Lowe's said. "The next-generation Holoroom continues to fulfill our long-term vision for how augmented and virtual reality technologies can help customers have more confidence and more fun with home improvement," said Kyle Nel, executive director-Lowe's Innovation Labs. Lowe's created the Innovation Labs in 2014 to develop "disruptive technologies with uncommon partners" to bring technology from the lab to the real world, said the company. Projects have included an autonomous retail service robot and in-store and online 3D scanning and printing, said Lowe’s. Lowe’s also announced, in conjunction with Made in Space, it's supplying a 3D printer for the International Space Station due to arrive early next year.