UK shopping centre introduces "virtual" assistant

The Grafton shopping centre in Cambridge has installed a “virtual” employee to greet customers when they enter. Using technology that

projects a life-like image of a person, the Tensator Virtual Assistant also interacts with customers, answers common questions and promotes shopping centre offers.

According to the Grafton, this is the first time that this type of technology has been used in a UK shopping centre, and it is hoped that the assistant will not only help but create a “novel and fun” experience for customers.

Cambridge Grafton manager Lance Stanbury said: “She is the first of her kind in a UK shopping centre and we believe she will be a real help to all our customers. Cambridge is known as the 'silicon fen' for its new technology and we are proud to be introducing innovation in Cambridge’s popular retail destination.”

Ajay Joshi, Tensator’s head of media and technology, added: “Tensator Virtual Assistants have become a familiar sight at airports, train stations and conference venues across the world and now they are making their mark on UK shopping centres too.

“Consumers are demanding a more immersive, guided retail experience and it’s great to see the Grafton team leading the way when it comes to meeting this need.”