JD and Sony testing AR foot-measurement tool for online shoppers

Chinese online e-commerce platform JD and Sony Semiconductor Solutions are working together to develop AR technology to measure foot size online.

The JD and Sony solution requires customers to use their smartphone equipped with a distance-detecting camera and scan the front and sides of their feet in order to take an accurate measurement. The camera works by calculating the time it takes for a signal to bounce off the foot and return to the sensor.

JD launched an AR feature on its app earlier this year for online customers to virtually try on shoes, a function is now available for more than 1000 sneaker SKUs on the platform and which is also available to external partners as a service, along with the firm’s other AR applications.

“We hope to use innovations in technology to give all consumers equal access to efficient and convenient purchase and service,” said JD’s head of AR/VR Mingqiang Ye.

“JD will continue to promote innovations in the area of AR and benefit both our customers and industry partners.”

The firm is now planning to further develop its AR offerings in additional scenarios such as AR skin evaluation and AR live streaming.