As the world continues to deal with the pandemic that has upended people’s lives, businesses are forced to transform as well. And it is not surprising that most are turning to technology to enable that transformation.
Technology has an inherent irrelevance to distance, which allows it to mimic the real world in a digital setting. While new technologies cannot replace the very human need to connect, they can enable us to be more productive.
One of the key business needs that is emerging is the need for touchless interactions. We are seeing this need emerge across restaurants, retail, and corporate offices, among others. Companies are bringing forward new technology-based approaches and, simultaneously, there has been a sustained acceleration in adapting existing technology solutions to changing customer preferences.
A few of these technologies stand to reshape our future long after the current pandemic subsides.
- Large-scale crowd metrics and health screening – Scanners that can detect body temperature, sweat, and stress are becoming increasingly prevalent in commercial settings. In combination with people-counters and integrated security systems, these scanners are increasingly becoming the equipment of choice to ensure safe social distancing and protect patrons’ safety. The ability to identify potential symptoms and medical abnormalities can help prevent large-scale pandemics in the future.
- Voice recognition – This technology has been gaining prevalence outside of its traditional application in call centers, home appliances, and hands-free driving. It is now finding applications in broader commercial settings. Voice recognition algorithms are increasing in sophistication and can now discern minute differences in accents. Language translators are deploying AI algorithms to mimic human colloquialisms and context. It will be no surprise that companies will accelerate embedding these innovations into kiosks, checkout counters, and other retail applications to facilitate an utterly touch-free customer experience in commercial spaces.
- Facial recognition, gesture control, and three-dimensional user interfaces – Applications that require tactile interactions are evolving, and gesture recognition technologies are now going beyond gaming applications (ex: Microsoft Kinect) into commercial applications. The actions of automatic scrolling of menus or picking and dropping items are possible without human touch. While user interfaces need further improvement, core technology elements to manipulate commercial physical devices purely by gestures are available and will gain usage.
As the need for social distancing has become necessary in large gatherings deemed high risk, we’ve seen public events, entertainment, and sporting events canceled or put on hold. While the search for vaccines and preventive measures are progressing at an accelerated pace, parallel efforts are also underway to reopen economies safely by instituting preventive protocols and mechanisms. The above are a few enabling technologies that will be embedded in our technology infrastructure to help reduce the risk of infection and enhance customer experiences. These technologies are central to reimagine workplaces and reopen businesses safely.
As with many businesses, Arrow has had to adapt and engage customers differently during this pandemic. We have used virtual tours, data analytics, remote new product introduction (NPI), and digital to connect with customers in new and different ways. Additionally, we have been engaged with many new and traditional businesses to help accelerate their time to market, reduce cost and complexity, and assist them in integrating emerging technology into products to bring innovations to the market more quickly.
What have you or your company done to adapt your business to the new reality? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story by emailing us at globalservices@arrow.com.
