JD.com launches new research lab for ‘smart retail’
Chinese online retail giant JD.com has teamed up with Intel to launch a joint innovation lab that will explore the use of Internet of Things in retail technology.
The Digitised Retail Joint Lab will develop next-generation vending machines, media and advertising solutions, and technologies to be used in the stores of the future.
Zhi Weng, vice president of JD.com and head of the JD big data platform, said: “This lab will combine our collective strengths to develop cutting-edge solutions to bring the precision of online shopping to offline players. We look forward to expanding our co-operation with Intel to deliver a best-in-class, personalised shopping experience wherever consumers shop.”
The new lab adds to JD.com’s vision of “Retail as a Service” as it looks to share its cutting edge technology and infrastructure with other retailers. Other efforts include a suite of technology upgrades for physical store owners, including smart shelving, smart price tags, checkout solutions, and more.
