Making a Splash - A Recap of NRF 2024

Retail's Big Show, hosted by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in New York, is a melting pot of innovation, showcasing technologies and trends that redefine the retail landscape. This year, Neonode made a splash with inspiring interactive experiences, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

At NRF'24 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in midtown Manhattan, our booth was a captivating blend of interactive touch technologies, and we received an overwhelming wave of positive feedback, solidifying our commitment to revolutionizing customer engagement. We showcased how our infrared technology could be used to enrich the retail sector, both on the shop floor and back of house. On displays, we had hands-on (and hands-off) demonstrations of interactive holograms, contactless touch, rugged touch, touch-on-any-surface (wood, metal, fabric) and very excitingly, we debuted our camera-based attention monitoring AI software. But, for sure, the most eye-catching feature in our booth was our interactive waterfalls, where visitors could control digital displays with the touch of water.

Making a Splash

Visitors were mesmerized by the fusion of technology and nature as they interacted with digital elements projected onto flowing water, wood and air. This immersive experience not only captured attention but also provided a unique and inspiring way to showcase products and enhance the in-store customer experience. Visitors such as Pepsico imagined creating wow-factor with rotatable holographic soda bottles, Best Buy were inspired by a multitude of use cases, and global electronics and display manufacturer, Toshiba, proclaimed when interacting with our holograms, “Wow! This is amazing!”

Stunning Holographic Interaction that Amazed

The holographic demos at our booth added a touch of magic to the NRF floor. Attendees were treated to holographic displays that showcased products and services in ways previously unimaginable. In the booth we showcased concepts from some of our partners, including Maxell, Easpeed and Holo Industries. This included a truly unique and contactless payment system from Mastercard, an infotainment game that could be played in mid-air, and a holographic checkout application for use in grocery stores. The holographic displays not only attracted crowds but also created a lasting impression.

Contactless Touch Technology

In a retail environment, customer hygiene and safety are very important. Our booth featured state-of-the-art contactless touch technology where visitors could interact with displays without physical contact, providing a seamless and hygienic experience. This included a contactless touch self service checkout from NCR where users could scan, select and pay for purchases simply by hovering their finger over a digital screen, and also an extremely stylish and responsive coffee machine by MZ Technologies, where anything from a cappuccino to an espresso could be ordered with simple in-air gestures. We also showcased how our technology could be used for creative lighting applications with our super-cool Hot Wheels car display which sparked the imagination of many. The positive feedback regarding no-touch controls underscored the importance of adapting to the evolving expectations of customers in the retail landscape.

Touch on Any Surface – Wood, Fabric, Metal or Liquid

Breaking the conventional boundaries of touch displays, our booth featured rugged-touch technology that transformed any surface into an interactive interface. Wood, metal and fabric became interactive surfaces, which demonstrated the versatility of touch interaction. Even water can be used as an interactive surface to create truly exceptional in-store experiences, or implemented back-of-house in cool rooms or areas requiring gloves. This technology opens up new possibilities for retail spaces, allowing for creative and customizable customer (and employee) experiences.

Attention Monitoring for Retail

Implementing AI attention monitoring in retail spaces offers a myriad of benefits for both retailers and customers alike. By leveraging advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms, our head and eye-tracking solution which uses our patented MultiSensing® technology enables retailers to analyze and understand customer behavior in real-time. This valuable data allows for optimized store layouts, effective product placements, and improved customer engagement strategies. Retailers can identify high-traffic areas, assess the success of promotional displays, and tailor marketing efforts based on customer preferences.

Capturing Attendees' Hearts and Minds

The positive feedback received at NRF 2024 reinforced the impact of interactive touch technologies on customer engagement. Attendees praised the immersive experiences, noting that the innovative approach not only entertained them at the show, but would also connect their own customers on a deeper level.

One attendee remarked, "The interactive water display was unlike anything I've seen before. It made the products come to life in a way that traditional displays simply can't match." Another highlighted the contactless touch technology, stating, "Given the current times, the ability to interact without physically touching surfaces is a game-changer.”

As we reflect on the success of NRF 2024, we look forward to continuing to lead the way in redefining the customer experience through cutting-edge interactive and camera-based solutions.

If you are interested in seeing a demo after the show, or are interested in licensing our touch sensor technology, please contact us.

Watch our recap of NRF'24