London-based Bodymetrics and 3D machine vision company PrimeSense have developed a full 3D body scanner that is designed to make finding the perfect pair of jeans a whole lot easier. Its “Body Mapping” platform uses eight PrimeSense 3D sensors to take all of a client’s necessary measurements and map their body shape. This data is then accessed by retailers, to find the clothes which best fit that client. Initially the scanner is going to be used by Bodymetrics “Fit Stylists” to suggest the best-fitting jeans for female customers. The next step is to revolutionize the online clothing retail market.
If applied broadly, this technology could not only dramatically speed up apparel shopping, but it could also re-shape the clothing retail market as a whole. Of course brick-and-mortar outlets would benefit as well, but it is the online clothing industry that would most likely register a dramatic growth. Currently 20 to 40 percent of all clothes purchased online are returned because they do not fit. If all the customers had their Bodymetrics accounts to fall back on, however, the number of ill-fitting clothes would most likely drop.
