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Tokyo toy co testing augmented reality kiosks

July 16, 2012

A Tokyo toy company is testing kiosks with augmented reality capabilities to allow shoppers to interact with toys even when they're still in packaging.

The kiosks, developed by Tokyo-based Chariot Co. Ltd using technology from Metaio GmbH, are now in several Tokyo stores and feature products from Happinet Corporation's new "Domino World" toy series, Eiji Utsu of Happinet's original toy development division, said in a press release.

"An existing issue for many packaged toys is that because customers cannot directly play with the product, it becomes less appealing. This, in turn, may make them less likely to follow through with a purchase," Utsu said.

Once customers present a Domino World package to the kiosk's embedded camera, 3D animated contents are overlaid together with the package on the kiosk display, enabling customers to effectively preview the toy.

"Understanding the contents of a product and being able to enjoy playing with it are key. We decided to adopt the AR kiosk because it fills these needs," Utsu said.

Read more about kiosks in retail.