You are here: Technology / Art meets science
Art meets science
Archived article dated Monday April 25th 2005
US gallery installs wireless shopper system
Shopping for fine art should be a little less intimidating and a lot more high-tech with the luanch by Sapago of first Art-FID Personal Shopper System at an art gallery in New England.
Visitors to Granite State MetalWorks borrow a handheld computer and a wireless, pen-shaped device to use within the gallery. When the visitor wants to learn more about a piece, he points the device towards a tag near the artwork to scan it.
The Sapago Art-FID system then displays detailed information on the artwork and the artist who created it as well as links to similar pieces. The system uses radio frequency identification technology to identify the artwork. Michael Zammuto, president of Sapago, said: "This takes RFID out of the warehouse and puts its power in the hands of the consumer." The system has an internet-enabled version of the Art-FID system which integrates with the gallery's web site and allows shoppers to instantly send pictures and a summary of the artwork to an email address.
Granite State MetalWorks owner, Lorene Albert said: "I am always trying to find ways to make people feel comfortable. Most people find art too intimidating to ask questions. One extra sale could pay for the system many times over and the system sets us apart as an innovator."
The gallery is located in the arts district of Littleton, New Hampshire, a popular ski and tourist destination. Sapago plans to roll out several versions of the system targeted to a broad range of retail segments.
Tagged as: Sapago
Share this article:
Should your colleagues be reading the Retail Bulletin?
Let them know about us.
